Anderson Cooper Reflects on His Mother’s Wealth and Inheritance Plans
If you ever wondered what it's like to grow up in the shadow of a famous and wealthy parent, Anderson Cooper might have some surprising insights for you. Before announcing the passing of his legendary fashion designer mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, on June 17, 2019, Anderson shared an unexpected revelation about her financial legacy during an interview with Howard Stern back in 2014. Believe it or not, Gloria made it crystal clear to her son that there wouldn't be a trust fund waiting for him when she was gone. "My mom’s made clear to me that there’s no trust fund. There’s none of that," Anderson revealed, adding with a chuckle, "I’m doing fine on my own. I don’t need any." It seems the CNN anchor was completely at peace with this decision, proving that success can come from hard work rather than inherited wealth.
Why Anderson Cooper Doesn’t Believe in Inherited Wealth
Anderson Cooper is no stranger to the world of privilege, but he’s always been refreshingly grounded about it. When asked about his thoughts on inheriting money, he expressed strong opinions that reveal a lot about his values. "I don’t believe in inheriting money," he said earnestly. "I think it’s an initiative sucker, I think it’s a curse. Who’s inherited a lot of money that has gone on to do great things in their life?" Anderson explained that from a young age, he understood the importance of forging his own path. "If I felt like there was some pot of gold waiting for me, I don’t know if I would have been so motivated," he admitted. This mindset has clearly served him well, as he's built a successful career as one of the most respected journalists in the industry.
Gloria Vanderbilt: A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Gloria Vanderbilt wasn’t just another wealthy socialite; she was a trailblazer in her own right. Born into the Vanderbilt dynasty in 1925, she inherited $5 million from her father—a staggering sum at the time. By the time she passed away, her net worth had grown to an estimated $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. If Anderson were to inherit even a fraction of her fortune, it would undoubtedly be life-changing. But Gloria's decision to leave her son without a trust fund speaks volumes about her values and her desire for him to carve out his own destiny. It’s a testament to her belief that true fulfillment comes from hard work and personal achievement, not handouts.
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Anderson Cooper's Take on the Vanderbilt Name and Legacy
For Anderson Cooper, the Vanderbilt name carries a lot of baggage. "That name Vanderbilt has such baggage with it, such history," he reflected during the Howard Stern interview. Despite being part of one of America’s most iconic families, Anderson feels no real connection to the Vanderbilts. "I’m very glad I don’t have that name, and my mom never felt much connection to the Vanderbilt family, and I certainly didn’t," he confessed. Instead, Anderson and Gloria formed their own unique bond, one built on mutual respect and admiration. "One of the happiest days for my mom, she called me and said, 'Somebody just referred to me as Anderson Cooper’s mom,'" he recalled fondly. Clearly, Gloria found immense pride in seeing her son become a household name in his own right.
