Andy Cohen is a well-known media personality, producer, and author. He is best known for hosting the popular talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, on which he interviews celebrities and discusses pop culture.
He is also the executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, which has spawned several spin-offs and specials. Andy Cohen started his career as an intern at CBS News and later worked as a producer for various shows, including The Early Show and 48 Hours.
He joined Bravo in 2004 as the head of development and helped shape the network’s identity with hit shows like Queer Eye, Project Runway, and Top Chef. He wrote three memoirs, Most Talkative, The Andy Cohen Diaries, and Superficial, which became New York Times bestsellers. Andy Cohen is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry who has created his brand of fun, candid, and engaging content. He is openly gay and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
Andy Cohen Biography
Andrew Joseph Cohen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to his parents, Evelyn and Lou Cohen. He grew up with his sister, Emily Rosenfeld. His family roots are in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania.
He graduated from Clayton High School in 1986 and then moved to Boston University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism.
As a broadcast journalism student, he began writing articles for The Daily Free Press, Boston University’s student newspaper. As he gained more experience, he secured an internship at CBS News to further his knowledge of the media industry.
Andy Cohen Net Worth
Andy Cohen is a well-known American television personality, producer, and author with a net worth of $50 million.
He is best known for hosting and producing the late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Bravo, as well as creating and executive producing several reality TV shows, such as the Real Housewives franchise, Project Runway, and Queer Eye.
Andy Cohen Career
Cohen is a typical celebrity, but he stands out with his passion for surpassing expectations.
Launching his television career with a humble beginning, Andy Cohen immersed himself in the broadcasting world in 1990 as a CBS News intern. His ambition and talent quickly propelled him forward, and before long, he had ascended the ranks to become a senior producer for “The Early Show.” His expertise in crafting compelling narratives led him to produce content for the investigative series, “48 Hours,” and the morning staple, “CBS This Morning.”
In 2000, Cohen’s career trajectory took a creative turn when he joined Trio, a network recognized for its cultural programming. His keen eye for original content soon caught Bravo’s attention, and in 2004, following Bravo’s acquisition of Trio, Cohen was appointed vice president of original programming. This position placed him at the forefront of developing programming that would come to define the network.
Embarking on a new venture in 2009, Cohen introduced audiences to “Watch What Happens Live,” his midnight talk show infused with his unique charisma and candor. The show’s popularity surged, expanding into a nightly extravaganza of celebrity interviews and unfiltered conversation.
2012 marked Cohen’s debut as an author with the release of “Most Talkative,” his inaugural memoir which offered an introspective look at his journey and earned a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list across multiple categories. Cohen melded personal anecdotes with industry insights, capturing the essence of his dynamic career.
Standing firm on his principles, Cohen elected not to co-host the Miss Universe pageant in Russia in 2013, taking a stance against the country’s discriminative anti-gay legislation, thereby advocating for LGBTQ rights on a global platform.
Cohen’s second literary work, “The Andy Cohen Diaries,” arrived in 2014, paying homage to the legendary “The Andy Warhol Diaries” and providing a glimpse into his whirlwind life through a pop culture lens, punctuated by introspective reflection and witty observations.
Cohen launched “Radio Andy” on SiriusXM in 2015, expanding his influence into the auditory realm. This platform not only showcased his own talk shows but also brought other celebrity voices to the airwaves, creating a hub of entertainment and discussion.
The year 2019 was a pivotal one for Cohen, as he ventured into fatherhood with the birth of his son Benjamin, who was born via a surrogate. This new role introduced a fresh dimension of depth and joy to his life narrative.
In 2020, the global pandemic touched Cohen personally when he tested positive for COVID-19, but he emerged healthy after a rigorous two-week isolation period, highlighting his resilience and giving him a new lease on life.
Cohen’s family narrative saw another heartwarming chapter in 2021 with the arrival of his second son, Henry, also via surrogate, further enriching his personal life and solidifying his role as a dedicated father amid his multifaceted career.
How Cohen Spends His Wealth
With an estimated net worth of $50 million, his earnings come from a variety of sources, including a reported annual salary of $10 million from Bravo, as well as income from his roles on shows such as “The Real Housewives” franchise, his radio channel on Sirius XM, book deals, personal appearances, and brand endorsements.
Cohen lives a lavish lifestyle in his $18 million penthouse in New York City, which features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a library, a terrace, and a fireplace.
He also owns a collection of luxury cars, including a Tesla Model X, a Range Rover, and a 1968 Chevy Camaro. Cohen spends his wealth on traveling, shopping, art, and philanthropy. He is a supporter of various causes, such as LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and cancer research. He is also a proud father to his son Benjamin, who was born via surrogate in 2019.
Regarding his spending habits, Andy Cohen has a bad habit of investing in real estate, which is a common strategy among celebrities to grow their wealth.
He owns a well-known apartment in New York City, which has likely appreciated over time, contributing to his financial portfolio. Real estate not only provides a stable home environment for him and his family but also serves as a valuable asset class that could yield significant returns in the future.
Coming down to his spending, Cohen has openly described himself as a “real splurger,” suggesting that he isn’t shy about spending on items that bring him joy or enhance his lifestyle. For instance, it was reported that his friend, musician John Mayer, convinced him to purchase a significant item, though the specifics of that item weren’t detailed. This indicates that Cohen values experience and items that resonate with him or have a meaningful connection, and he is willing to invest in them.
Cohen’s lifestyle as a public figure and a parent may also influence his expenditures on travel, fashion, entertainment, and child-rearing.
As a successful media personality, part of his wealth is likely allocated to maintaining his public image, including wardrobe, grooming, and attendance at high-profile events.
As someone who is also socially active, he might allocate funds for charitable causes and philanthropic efforts, as it’s common for individuals with considerable wealth to give back to the community through donations and supporting causes they are passionate about.
Philanthropy & Awards
He is a passionate activist for various causes, especially those related to HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights. He has collaborated with the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), a leading global organization that works to end the AIDS epidemic through research, advocacy, and prevention1. He has hosted and attended many of their events, raising awareness and funds for their mission.
Andy Cohen has also spoken out for GLAAD, the media watchdog group that monitors and challenges the representation of LGBTQ+ people in the media. By doing so, He was honored with the Vito Russo Award from GLAAD in 2010 for his positive influence on LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.
He has shown his compassion for low-income families by supporting Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds and repairs affordable housing. He joined former President Jimmy Carter in a Habitat for Humanity project in Haiti in 2013, helping to rebuild homes after the devastating earthquake.
He has donated and raised funds for DonorsChoose.org, an online platform that connects public school teachers with donors who can fund their classroom needs. He teamed up with Purina ONE in 2014 to donate $100,000 to DonorsChoose.org, benefiting thousands of students and pets.
He has long supported the Hudson River Park Friends, a nonprofit organization that preserves and enhances the Hudson River Park in New York City. He has hosted and participated in several galas and events for the organization and also serves as a board member.