Anderson Cooper, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper Debuts Unrecognizable New Look During Work Hiatus
Anderson Cooper surprised fans with a fresh new look while taking time off from work. The CNN anchor shared a candid photo that quickly stirred mixed reactions online.
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On August 7, 2025, Anderson Cooper took to his Instagram Story to reveal a new look. Rather than his usual clean-shaven appearance, the broadcast journalist appeared with a scruffy gray beard and moustache.
The CNN news journalist was seen smiling while sitting in a car, wearing a dark New York cap and a matching golf T-shirt. Cooper had his glasses on and captioned the post to note that he was heading back to work soon after a hiatus, asking, "Shave or keep?"
Fans rushed to share their opinions, with one person writing, "[It] makes him look old." Another critic laughed and stated, "Shave, we don't need another Wolf Blitzer." An unimpressed individual commented, "Looks like the same geek he's always been."
Someone else complimented Cooper while offering their opinion, "Shave, you are too cute to have a scrappy beard." Following that, another person said, "Handsome but the Patchy beard needs to go."
However, other fans loved the new look. One exclaimed, "Love it! Handsome! Keep it like that," while another simply wrote, "Keep it." A third person also agreed, "He looks good with the beard!"
During his August 30, 2023, appearance on the podcast Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Cooper addressed his gray hair. When Kelly Ripa asked where he got the "silver fox" moniker and if he liked it, the "Anderson Cooper 360°" host laughed before responding.
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He admitted that he didn't know where the nickname came from but guessed it must've been written somewhere before others started repeating it. The journalist shared that he liked it more when he had salt and pepper hair, noting that he began graying during his senior year of college.
As someone who played sports, he lost a lot of weight by starving himself on and off for four years. The political commentator suspected that this regimen was what caused his hair to start graying.
Ripa also noted that Cooper's half-brother had the same hair color, prompting the journalist to quip that it is "Definitely genetic." The star revealed that both his parents started going gray early in life.
He also humorously explained that he preferred his salt and pepper days because whenever he looks at himself in the mirror, it feels like looking at "Casper the Friendly Ghost." Cooper hilariously described himself as "completely white" without his glasses, adding, "Like, if I took off my glasses, you couldn't see me at all."
Generally, the news anchor prefers to keep his personal life private. However, in 2023, he opened up about his family life. At the time, the star was living in New York and at his Connecticut country home with his sons Wyatt Morgan and Sebastian Luke.
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He was co-parenting with his friend and ex-partner, nightclub owner Benjamin Maisani. Cooper shared then that he loved their "routine" at their house in New England.
He explained, "We have the diner we go to every morning — they like the folks who run the diner very much. And they love to swim. I love getting them ready for their afternoon nap and sitting with them and reading and then having them fall asleep in my arms. There's nothing better."
The journalist revealed that co-parenting with Maisani, whom he dated for several years until 2018, felt "very natural." After their breakup, they remained friends and later decided to raise the boys together when Cooper welcomed them via surrogate.
Explaining their setup, the television personality said, "I work nights, and so he's there at night. And we both wake up right before they wake up, get them their milk and spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them."
The star hilariously added, "And Benjamin speaks French to them. I have no idea what they're saying. I think they're plotting against me." It appears that the arrangement works for them and they're happy.
Despite his jokes about his looks, over the years, Anderson Cooper has learned how to embrace natural aging. Here's a look at how his appearance has changed over the years.
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2002
1 of 14
Anderson Cooper, then in his mid-30s, arrives at a Broadway event in New York City dressed in a relaxed black suit with a blue striped shirt, exuding effortless charm with his hands casually in his pockets.
2004
2 of 14
Anderson Cooper takes a front-row seat at a fashion show in New York City, dressed in a soft plaid shirt and dark blazer, flashing a warm smile as he awaits the start of the event.
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2005
3 of 14
Anderson Cooper shares a laugh on stage during a live event, dressed sharply in a charcoal suit and cobalt blue shirt, holding a notecard as he engages with the audience.
2007
4 of 14
Anderson Cooper takes the stage at the CNN Heroes event, polished in a dark suit and burgundy tie, as he addresses the audience from behind the branded podium.
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2009
5 of 14
Anderson Cooper stands poised behind the podium at CNN Heroes, dressed in a crisp black suit and deep purple tie, delivering a powerful introduction under striking blue stage lights.
2011
6 of 14
Anderson Cooper poses on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, looking classic and refined in a sleek black tuxedo with a satin lapel and narrow black tie.
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2013
7 of 14
Anderson Cooper stands in solemn reflection during a CNN special, dressed in a dark suit and teal tie, his hands clasped as portraits of honorees glow softly in the background.
2015
8 of 14
Anderson Cooper addresses the audience during a televised event, standing confidently in front of a vibrant cityscape backdrop, dressed in a sharp black suit with a bold purple tie.
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2016
9 of 14
Anderson Cooper appears relaxed and cheerful on set, wearing a gray blazer and blue shirt, with dark-rimmed glasses adding a touch of intellectual charm to the cozy, book-lined backdrop.
2019
10 of 14
Anderson Cooper delivers a speech at the CORE Gala, dressed in a classic black suit and gray tie, standing behind a clear podium as warm candlelight-style decor glows in the background.
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2021
11 of 14
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen pose playfully on the red carpet at "Watch What Happens Live," with Cooper leaning his head against Cohen’s as the longtime friends smile in coordinating gray suits and blue shirts.
2022
12 of 14
Anderson Cooper steps out in style for a formal evening event, wearing a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, his look polished with signature glasses and a confident presence.
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2023
13 of 14
Anderson Cooper smiles warmly on the red carpet at the CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit and navy tie against a bold blue backdrop.
2025
14 of 14
Anderson Cooper shares a casual selfie in a Yankees cap and glasses, showing off a salt-and-pepper beard with the playful caption, "Heading back to work soon. Shave or Keep?"
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