Andrew Joseph Cohen is an acclaimed American television host, producer, and author.
He is best known for hosting Watch What Happens Live! and producing the Real Housewives franchise.
Cohen has received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Peabody Awards.
He graduated from Boston University with a degree in broadcast journalism and previously worked at CBS News.
Cohen also hosts shows on SiriusXM and has authored several best-selling books.
Parents
Andy was born to Evelyn and Lou Cohen in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1968.
His parents have been supportive throughout his career and have even appeared on his show, Watch What Happens Live! Andy has shared that coming out as gay brought him closer to his mother, Evelyn.
He also has a younger sister, Emily Rosenfeld, who lives in St. Louis and has been a supportive figure in his life as a father.
Career
Cohen began his journey in media as an intern at CBS News in the early 1990s.
This experience provided him with valuable insights into the world of journalism and television production.
After his internship, he worked his way up to become a senior producer for The Early Show, where he honed his skills in producing live television.
In 2004, Cohen joined Bravo as the vice president of original programming.
This role allowed him to shape the network’s identity and focus on reality television.
One of his most significant contributions was the creation of the Real Housewives franchise, starting with The Real Housewives of Orange County in 2006.
This series became a cultural phenomenon and spawned multiple spin-offs across various cities, making it one of the most successful reality TV franchises in history.
Additionally, Cohen was instrumental in developing other popular shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, which received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
In 2009, Cohen launched Watch What Happens Live!, a late-night talk show that features celebrity guests, games, and viewer interaction.
The show is known for its candid discussions about pop culture and reality television.
Its unique format includes a live audience, allowing fans to ask questions directly to guests, contributing to its popularity.
Cohen is also a best-selling author, having written several books that offer insights into his life and career.
His notable works include Most Talkative: Stories from the Frontlines of Pop Culture (2012), which serves as a memoir; The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year (2014), a humorous take on his experiences in the entertainment industry; and Superficial: More Adventures from the Andy Cohen Diaries (2016), which continues his storytelling.
Throughout his career, Cohen has received numerous accolades for his work in television.
He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his contributions to the industry, and his groundbreaking work in reality TV has also earned him Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcasting.
