Think “Anderson Cooper,” and you probably picture the TV news legend exactly as he’s been for years: clean-shaven, sharp suit, piercing blue eyes, and that perfect mane of silver hair that earned him the official title of Silver Fox.
watch anderson cooper have a “totally human” reaction to a shot on NYE
— Gio DeBatta 🍸 (@GDebatta) January 1, 2025
But in a plot twist we didn’t see coming, Anderson is back—and looking decidedly more rugged. That’s right, the man has grown a gray beard. And we’re not talking about a scruffy, weekend getaway situation. This is a well-groomed, salt-and-pepper masterpiece that says, “I can still deliver breaking news, but I also chop wood in my spare time.”
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Now, sure—this might not make the 7 p.m. news rundown, but in the gay community? This is breaking news. Because Anderson Cooper with a beard? That’s a headline we’re all clicking on.
Photo Credit: @andersoncooper
The reveal happened via Cooper’s Instagram Stories, where he posted a casual selfie with the caption:
“Heading back to work soon. Shave or keep?”
Naturally, the internet had feelings. After all, Anderson’s silver hair has always been his signature—and fans have loved him for it. Now, the addition of a beard? It’s giving “dad energy,” but like… the hot, rich, take-you-on-a-yacht kind.
The timing of this glow-up coincides with Cooper’s hiatus from CNN, the network he’s called home for 24 years. And while he’s heading back to work soon, things behind the scenes at CNN haven’t been picture-perfect.
@gshcornwall Just for fun. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Today is all about #andersoncooper #beautifulmen #dailydoseofbeautifulmen
According to the National Enquirer, there’s been a little network drama brewing. Rumor has it, Cooper has “one foot out the door” thanks to declining ratings and, allegedly, feeling sidelined. “He’s furious and fed up. He used to be CNN’s golden boy, but these days he feels like a ghost in the building,” an insider claimed.
And if you believe the tea, the beard could be a symbolic power move—because word is, Anderson was not thrilled about being passed over as a moderator for the CNN Primetime Presidential Debate. For someone with his track record and an annual salary of $18 million, that’s gotta sting.
Still, Cooper has kept it classy, letting the speculation swirl while enjoying his time away from the newsroom. And now, with his return on the horizon, he’s dropping one very important question into the public forum: Should he keep the beard or shave it off?
On one hand, the beard is a refreshing update. It adds a little “mystery author who lives in Vermont” to his otherwise polished TV persona. On the other hand, the clean-shaven Anderson is an icon—reliable, sharp, and exactly what we’ve come to expect when he pops up on our screens.
But here’s the truth: Whether Anderson Cooper keeps the beard or not, he’s still the news industry’s ultimate silver fox. And let’s be honest—if the ratings ever dip too low, he could always pivot to a magazine cover shoot and call it a day.
@colbertlateshow Anderson Cooper is another year older, but that giggle? Timeless. #HBD #AndersonCooper #AndyCohen
So, when the man makes his CNN return, we’ll all be tuning in—beard, no beard, or anything in between.
But until then, Anderson, if you’re reading this… keep it. Trust us.
REFERENCE: National Enquirer
Nono shave…looks like an armpit with teeth!
No no the beard has to got..too gruffy
shave and keep that professional sexy look
Keep the beard and the soul patch. The mustache needs to go. Too spiky….
Keep!!!!!
Shave off the beard
seriously….please save it off