Let’s talk about co-parenting, folks. Anderson Cooper and his ex, Benjamin Maisani, are shining examples of how to make it work. Despite no longer being romantic partners, these two dads are all-in when it comes to raising their two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, who were welcomed into the world via surrogate. Scroll on to uncover more about Anderson's former partner and how they’ve built such a remarkable family together.

Meet Benjamin Maisani: The Man Who Moved to New York and Made Waves

Benjamin’s journey to becoming a key player in New York City's nightlife scene is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from France, Benjamin arrived in the Big Apple in the early '90s to study film. But life had other plans for him. He started working at the Morgan Library, where he immersed himself in books and quiet contemplation. However, he soon found himself drawn to the vibrant world of bartending. “I’ve always been a night person,” Benjamin shared with Frenchly in April 2014. “The bar got me out of my books and the cozy atmosphere of the Morgan. And working in a social environment forced me to work on my timidity. It gave me self-confidence.”

Anderson Cooper Kids Photos: Pictures of His Children — Courtesy of Anderson Cooper/Instagram

Fast forward a few years, and Benjamin became a household name in the NYC nightlife scene. He opened several iconic bars, including Bedlam and the Atlas Social Club. It was around this time that he crossed paths with Anderson Cooper, and the pair began dating in 2009. Nine years later, though their romance ended, they didn’t let that stop them from exploring the idea of raising children together. In April 2020, they welcomed their first son, Wyatt. “It was interesting because he wasn’t really sure he wanted to have a kid, which was one of the reasons we probably broke up,” Anderson revealed during a February 2021 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “But then he came around on the idea, and now he is just such a great parent.”

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The Arrival of Sebastian: Expanding the Family

Anderson and Benjamin’s journey didn’t stop with Wyatt. In February 2022, they welcomed their second son, Sebastian. At the time, Anderson opened up about their unique living arrangement, explaining that he and Benjamin were still sharing a home to make co-parenting easier. “Wyatt calls me ‘daddy’ and Benjamin ‘papa,’” Anderson shared in an emotional segment on Anderson Cooper 360. “We’re a family. Benjamin is also in the process of adopting Wyatt, whose last name will be changed to Maisani-Cooper as well.”

Since becoming parents, Anderson and Benjamin have continued to nurture a healthy co-parenting relationship. “It’s awesome,” Anderson gushed to People in September 2021. “It’s probably an unusual setup, but I knew he would be a great dad, and he is. We’re exes, but we’re family to each other, and we love each other as family and as co-parents.”