Anderson Cooper, the renowned host of Anderson Cooper 360°, recently shared a poignant anecdote about his journey to self-discovery regarding his s–ual orientation.
During an appearance on Radio Andy alongside his friend Andy Cohen at the iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City, Cooper delved into a pivotal moment from his past that helped him realize he was gay.
Reflecting on his childhood, Cooper reminisced about interactions with his mother Gloria Vanderbilt's circle of gay friends, including notable figures like Truman Capote, Gore Vidal, and photographer Paul Jasmin.
He vividly recalled a particular outing arranged by Jasmin and his partner, where a young Cooper was taken to see Richard Gere in the play “Bent,” a production centered around the experiences of two gay men in a concentration camp.
The impact of witnessing the bold portrayal of gay characters on stage, especially in the presence of his mother's gay acquaintances, left a lasting impression on Cooper.
The scene featuring Gere's character emerging n^ked from bed and donning an SS uniform after an intimate encounter resonated deeply with the young Cooper, leading to a moment of profound realization about his own sexuality.
The allure of Gere's on-stage presence in “Bent” and the subsequent encounter with the actor backstage left Cooper in awe.
Recounting the moment when he met a shirtless Gere in his dressing room, Cooper revealed his speechlessness and unabashed admiration for the actor's physique.
Even years later, during an interview with Gere, Cooper revisited the memory by presenting the actor with the Playbill from that memorable evening, eliciting a warm response from Gere upon hearing the story.
In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Cooper candidly discussed his approach to co-parenting his two sons, Wyatt Morgan and Sebastian Luke, with his former partner Benjamin Maisani.
Emphasizing the enduring nature of love beyond the boundaries of romantic relationships, Cooper articulated his belief in maintaining a deep connection with someone even after the intimacy fades.
The touching narrative shared by Cooper sheds light on the complexities of self-realization and the influence of significant encounters in shaping one's identity.
Through his heartfelt recollection, Cooper not only honors the pivotal role played by individuals like Richard Gere in his personal journey but also underscores the importance of embracing love in all its forms, transcending conventional boundaries.
