Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Who is Andy Cohen?
Andrew Joseph Cohen, popularly known as Andy Cohen, is an American television personality, talk show host, producer, and writer who began his career in entertainment in 1990 as an intern for CBS News. Andy’s hard work, tenacity, and charm soon helped him secure critical positions during his duration at CBS News.
In 2000, Andy left CBS and became the vice president of Programming at Trio, a cable and satellite television network owned by NBC Universal. Four years later, Andy was hired to serve as the Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development at Bravo.
Andy executed his managerial role at Bravo for five years while co-hosting and making guest appearances on television shows. In 2009, Andy began hosting Watch What Happens Live, a weekly midnight television talk show. His unique skill and stellar on-air personality soon helped him secure other hosting opportunities.
In 2011 and 2012, he hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants but declined to co-host Miss Universe in 2013 because the pageant took place in Russia, which had anti-gay laws.
Andy began delving into the world of ink in 2012 by crafting his debut autobiography memoir, “Most Talkative: Stories from the front lines of pop culture,” which eventually became a New York best seller in the hardcover, paperback, and combined nonfiction categories. In 2014, he published his second memoir, which became a Times Best Seller in the combined Print and E-Book Nonfiction category.
Andy, the Media King of New York City, is the first openly gay host of an American late-night talk show.
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Andrew Joseph Cohen |
| Popular Name: | Andy Cohen |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | June 2, 1968 |
| Age: | 54 years |
| Parents: | Lou Cohen (father) and Evelyn Cohen (mother) |
| Siblings: | Emily Rosenfield (sister) |
| Birth Place: | St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | Jewish |
| Education: | Boston University |
| Marital Status: | Unmarried |
| Sexual Orientation: | Gay |
| Wife/Spouse: | N/A |
| Children: | Benjamin Allen Cohen |
| Dating: | N/A |
| Net Worth: | $50 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Writing, Television and Radio Hosting, Acting |
| Height: | 5ft9 (1.75m) |
| Weight: | 78kg (172lbs) |
Early Life And Career Information
On the 2nd of June, 1968, Andrew Joseph Cohen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lou and Evelyn Cohen. While growing up, Andy was fascinated by television and celebrities. As such, he interned at radio and TV stations even while in high school.
Upon graduation from high school, Andy applied to study journalism at Boston University, where he aimed to pursue his interest and career in entertainment. Once he secured his BA in broadcast journalism, Andy landed a job as an intern at CBS News in 1990.
Between 1990 and 2000, Andy’s hard work and talent helped him stand out and become a morning show producer while working for CBS. He eventually left in 2000 when he was offered the opportunity to become the VP of programming at Trio, a cable channel. Five years later, he became the Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development at Bravo. He is the executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, which he is widely known for.
Although he had secured a managerial position that enabled him to work behind the scenes, Andy’s keen interest involved him appearing before the audience. Thus, he began to make guest appearances on talk shows and radio until the summer of 2009, when he began hosting a weekly midnight talk show.
Andy began hosting multiple shows and events, such as the Miss USA 2011, 2012, 2012, and Miss Universe 2011 and 2012. Andy also appeared once as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2018.
Soon, Andy began tapping into his creative writing capabilities. In 2012, he published his debut memoir, which became a New York Best Seller. Encouraged by the love and support his first book received, Andy published a second memoir which became a Times Best Seller.
Andy is one of the many LGBTQIA+ superstars who have been very open about their sexuality, as he is the first openly gay host of an American late-night talk show. He has often shared his coming-out story and how he first opened up to his friends, family, and finally publicly.
Currently, Andy isn’t dating anyone. However in 2019, he became the single father of Benjamin Allen Cohen through surrogacy.
Andy Cohen’s Net Worth
As one of the leading media personalities in America, Andy Cohen, the Media King of New York City, is undoubtedly reaping the rewards and benefits of the hard work and dedication he has invested in the industry for over three decades.
Currently, Andy Cohen’s net worth is $50 million.
Lessons From The Life Of Andy Cohen
Never Let Anyone Discourage You From Pursuing Your Dreams
“When I was a 21-year-old intern, I was told I had crossed eyes and shouldn’t try being on air. That’s when I decided I was going to be behind the scenes.” ~Andy Cohen.
As ridiculous as it sounds, Andy met a lot of discouragements at the early stages of his career as he was often told he didn’t have what it takes to become an on-air personality. Today, Andy is a multimillionaire celebrated as the Media King of New York City.
Never let anyone dictate what you can and cannot. The only person capable of limiting you is yourself.
Always Be Yourself
“If you look at my life before I went into television, the struggle I went through coming out would be surprising to most people, given how comfortable and how out I am being the only late-night gay talk-show host.” ~Andy Cohen.
Considering the era Andy was born in, and how difficult things were for the LGBTQIA+ community, it is incredible how open Andy is about his sexuality. Though it was not always easy, Andy learned how important it was for him to stay true to himself, regardless of what anyone else might think.
