I love Anderson Cooper.
Not simply because he is a fine dish of a man; but also because he’s a top notch reporter with the ability to get to the heart of a story, and a versatile enough journalist that he can even host his own day time chat show on TV.
While I don’t believe it’s showing on Australian TV – happy to be corrected by anyone … anyone at all – Anderson Live is that rare mix of bright fun day time chat with substance and reflects very much the man at the helm, which is a good thing.
On the opening episode, which has just gone to air in the US – along with Katie Couric’s chat show debut, and the return of my beloved Ellen which swept all before it ratings-wise – he was accompanied by guest host Kristin Chenoweth, who apparently is the first of a wave of gay friendly gal pals dropping by to help Anderson with his hosting duties.
Naturally the discussion turned to Anderson Cooper public confirmation of his coming out, which by his account, reluctantly discussed after Chenoweth playfully raised the topic, happened way back in high school with family and friends, and has never been a secret with work colleagues.
“I came out in high school. I told my friends, I told my family. I’ve always been out to my co-workers and stuff. It’s just not something I talked about publicly, because as a reporter, I didn’t think it was appropriate. It didn’t seem like part of my job.
“It just got to the point where — I’ve been torn for a long time between a desire as a reporter to just do my job and be known as a reporter — and at the same time I do think visibility is important. I do think that the tide of history only moves forward when everyone is fully visible. I didn’t want to send a message that there was anything I was ashamed about or unhappy about or not comfortable with. That was the main thing for me.”
One can only hope the show will make it to Australia, if it isn’t here already (again, please let me know if it is) because with Anderson’s flair for mixing the deep and meaningful with the light and buoyant, and upcoming guests like Goldie Hawn, Kelly Osbourne, and Cyndi Lauper, there will be much to like.