Single Dad Andy Cohen Celebrates Hanukkah with His 2 Kids — He Changed His Life Priorities for Their Sake

At a younger age, talk show host Andy Cohen never hoped to have a family. However, many years later, he was blessed with two kids, thanks to science. The 54-year-old is now a father who dedicates his free time to being with his brood. See how much he enjoys fatherhood duties.

At 54, Andy Cohen still tops as the country's beloved TV and on-air personality; his producer chops are also top-notch. While being famous for hosting Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" and the SiriusXM show "Andy Cohen Live," he is also the executive producer of "The Real Housewives" franchise.

Through years of discipline, passion, and consistency, Cohen has made himself a TV legend, with highly ranked shows, a huge fanbase, and recognition from the industry, including numerous awards.

This award-winning talk show host began his career as an intern at CBS. There, he spent ten years and served as a producer for various shows. Cohen, of Jewish background, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Evelyn and Lou Cohen, realized his knack for TV relatively early and was able to set the template.

After graduating from Clayton High School, he studied broadcast journalism at Boston University, where he wrote for The Daily Free Press, the school's student newspaper. Even as a successful producer and TV personality, Cohen has not relented in writing; fortunately, he has recorded success with his book sales.

In 2012, his first autobiography memoir, "Most Talkative," was listed as a New York Times Best Seller in the hardcover, paperback, and combined nonfiction.

Two years later, he published his second memoir, "The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year," this time, it became a Best Seller in the Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. His most significant achievement is becoming a father—a role he has since loved following the birth of his first child in 2019.

Andy Cohen Is Thrilled Being a Single Dad

Although he has never been married and is the first openly gay host of an American late-night talk show, Cohen makes single fatherhood seem exciting.

For Cohen, fatherhood involves spending time with his tiny minions and passing down family values, such as honoring important celebrations like the Jewish Hanukkah.

In 2018, he shocked some cast of the "The Real Housewives" franchise when he announced that he would be a dad to a son, welcomed via surrogate. At the time, he revealed that family was everything to him.

Cohen stated that something he's always wanted his entire life is having a family of his own. He confessed that although it's taken longer than he anticipated, he believes that when it does happen, it'll be the best and most rewarding chapter yet.

A few weeks before his son's arrival, while speaking to his pal, fellow onscreen personality Anderson Cooper, he shared more personal details, explaining that he had never hoped to be a father, especially as a gay man.

Cohen seemed thankful that the world had evolved and surrogacy was an option for him. Then, on February 4, 2019, his firstborn, Benjamin Allen Cohen, was born. While announcing the news, he wrote:

"He is 9 lbs 2 ounces !! 20 inches !! Born at 6:35 pm, PT. He is named after my grandfather Ben Allen. I'm in love. And speechless."

He also thanked his surrogate. Following Ben's arrival, Cohen was hands-on and performed brilliantly as a single father. Through his journey of looking after the infant, the radio personality has been generous with showing off photos of their bonding time.

A tour through his Instagram shows the father-son duo twinning in outfits, snuggling in the bed and couch, reading bedtime stories, enjoying their Halloween outing, celebrating Ben during his milestones—birthdays, and enjoying the Christmas holiday, unwrapping gifts!

That's not all; Cohen has also proven that his son is his doppelganger. In September 2020, the author uploaded a collage image, one was his throwback, and the other was Ben's image as a toddler. Shockingly, these photos looked like the same person.

Fatherhood was thrilling despite being a busy bee, and Cohen did not mind sacrificing to be with his son. Once Ben became older, the "Andy Cohen Live" host noted he would expand his family.

In April 2022, the award-winning host welcomed baby number two, a daughter named Lucy. Expectedly, Cohen announced this via Instagram, adding similar details of her birth as he did with Ben's arrival announcement. He quipped:

"She's 8 pounds 13 oz and was born at 5:13 pm in New York City!!!. Her big brother can't wait to meet her!"

Cohen also thanked his surrogate and everyone who helped make his dream come true. As announced, Cohen was not the only one overjoyed with Lucy's birth. In a shared snap, Ben could be seen planting a soft kiss on one side of the infant's cheeks.

Andy Cohen Celebrates Hanukkah with His Two Kids

For Cohen, fatherhood involves spending time with his tiny minions and passing down family values, such as honoring essential celebrations like the Jewish Hanukkah.

Over the weekend, the family of three celebrated the special Hanukkah night in the dining room. The online photo showed the TV host holding his 7-month-old daughter while Ben was seated at the table. They all stared at the candle and menorah on the table.

Much later, father and son talked about the Empire State Building, which they viewed from their home, and Cohen emphasized that it was the Hanukkah celebration.

Even though Lucy is much younger than her brother, she receives the same love and attention from their father. Before the Jewish festivity, the father-of-two uploaded a selfie where he posed next to his smiling daughter, who rocked a printed onesie and bib.

So far, parenting the duo has been tasking, but it is a sacrifice Cohen is willing to make. In a previous interview, he mentioned:

"I'm choosing to stay home with them so much more than I ever would have."

Cohen confessed that he never thought of himself as someone who would want to stay at home, however, his priorities have changed, and he is learning to juggle time between work and his family.

While he delights in managing his time around them, Cohen confessed that parenting is not a simple job and needs support. In November, he hosted the virtual "FeedFest," where parents empowered the attendees with details and the realities of parenthood.

So while he is living his dream as a family man, the onscreen legend is also learning, with hopes to become an excellent parent while sharing his progress to inspire others.