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Anderson Cooper Surprises Fans with New Look During Hiatus: Should He Shave or Keep the Beard?

By Thy Ra • • 6 min read
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Anderson Cooper unveils a scruffy new look on social media during his work hiatus. Fans react with mixed opinions about his gray beard. Should he shave or keep it?

Anderson Cooper, then in his mid-30s, arrives at a Broadway event in New York City dressed in a relaxed black suit with a blue striped shirt, exuding effortless charm with his hands casually in his pockets.
Anderson Cooper, then in his mid-30s, arrives at a Broadway event in New York City dressed in a relaxed black suit with a blue striped shirt, exuding effortless charm with his hands casually in his pockets.
Anderson Cooper takes a front-row seat at a fashion show in New York City, dressed in a soft plaid shirt and dark blazer, flashing a warm smile as he awaits the start of the event.
Anderson Cooper takes a front-row seat at a fashion show in New York City, dressed in a soft plaid shirt and dark blazer, flashing a warm smile as he awaits the start of the event.
Anderson Cooper shares a laugh on stage during a live event, dressed sharply in a charcoal suit and cobalt blue shirt, holding a notecard as he engages with the audience.
Anderson Cooper shares a laugh on stage during a live event, dressed sharply in a charcoal suit and cobalt blue shirt, holding a notecard as he engages with the audience.

Anderson Cooper, the well-known CNN anchor, surprised fans with a fresh new look while taking a short break from his broadcasting duties. On August 7, 2025, Cooper shared a candid photo on his Instagram Story, sporting a scruffy gray beard and mustache, a sharp contrast to his usual clean-shaven appearance. The post quickly captured the internet’s attention, sparking a wave of reactions from fans and followers.

Anderson Cooper takes the stage at the CNN Heroes event, polished in a dark suit and burgundy tie, as he addresses the audience from behind the branded podium.
Anderson Cooper takes the stage at the CNN Heroes event, polished in a dark suit and burgundy tie, as he addresses the audience from behind the branded podium.
Anderson Cooper stands poised behind the podium at CNN Heroes, dressed in a crisp black suit and deep purple tie, delivering a powerful introduction under striking blue stage lights.
Anderson Cooper stands poised behind the podium at CNN Heroes, dressed in a crisp black suit and deep purple tie, delivering a powerful introduction under striking blue stage lights.
Anderson Cooper poses on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, looking classic and refined in a sleek black tuxedo with a satin lapel and narrow black tie.
Anderson Cooper poses on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, looking classic and refined in a sleek black tuxedo with a satin lapel and narrow black tie.

The Photo That Sparked Debate
In the photo, the 50-year-old journalist is seen sitting in a car, smiling while wearing a dark New York cap and a matching golf T-shirt. His signature glasses complete the casual look. In his caption, he jokingly asked, “Shave or keep?” as he prepared to return to work after his hiatus.

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Anderson Cooper stands in solemn reflection during a CNN special, dressed in a dark suit and teal tie, his hands clasped as portraits of honorees glow softly in the background.
Anderson Cooper stands in solemn reflection during a CNN special, dressed in a dark suit and teal tie, his hands clasped as portraits of honorees glow softly in the background.
Anderson Cooper addresses the audience during a televised event, standing confidently in front of a vibrant cityscape backdrop, dressed in a sharp black suit with a bold purple tie.
Anderson Cooper addresses the audience during a televised event, standing confidently in front of a vibrant cityscape backdrop, dressed in a sharp black suit with a bold purple tie.
Anderson Cooper appears relaxed and cheerful on set, wearing a gray blazer and blue shirt, with dark-rimmed glasses adding a touch of intellectual charm to the cozy, book-lined backdrop.
Anderson Cooper appears relaxed and cheerful on set, wearing a gray blazer and blue shirt, with dark-rimmed glasses adding a touch of intellectual charm to the cozy, book-lined backdrop.

The image stirred an online debate, with some fans praising the new look while others were less impressed. One follower commented, “It makes him look old,” while another humorously quipped, “Shave, we don’t need another Wolf Blitzer.” Others were less critical, with one fan stating, “He’s gorgeous and so is she ❤️,” supporting the look with positive remarks. Meanwhile, some found the beard unappealing, saying, “Handsome but the patchy beard needs to go.”

Anderson Cooper delivers a speech at the CORE Gala, dressed in a classic black suit and gray tie, standing behind a clear podium as warm candlelight-style decor glows in the background.
Anderson Cooper delivers a speech at the CORE Gala, dressed in a classic black suit and gray tie, standing behind a clear podium as warm candlelight-style decor glows in the background.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen pose playfully on the red carpet at "Watch What Happens Live," with Cooper leaning his head against Cohen’s as the longtime friends smile in coordinating gray suits and blue shirts.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen pose playfully on the red carpet at “Watch What Happens Live,” with Cooper leaning his head against Cohen’s as the longtime friends smile in coordinating gray suits and blue shirts.

A Mixed Reaction
While some fans were quick to jump into the criticism, others loved the scruffy new look. One fan enthusiastically exclaimed, “Love it! Handsome! Keep it like that,” while another simply wrote, “Keep it.” Fans who embraced the new style pointed out that Anderson looked great even with the beard.

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Anderson Cooper steps out in style for a formal evening event, wearing a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, his look polished with signature glasses and a confident presence.
Anderson Cooper steps out in style for a formal evening event, wearing a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, his look polished with signature glasses and a confident presence.

Anderson Cooper’s Previous Hair Journey
David Beckham isn’t the only public figure who’s been known for changing his appearance over time. Anderson Cooper, too, has had his own relationship with his hair over the years. Just a few months ago, in June 2025, Cooper was seen sporting his signature salt-and-pepper look at various events, including at a Pepsi event and the King’s Foundation Awards ceremony. This clean and polished hairstyle has been his go-to for years.

Anderson Cooper smiles warmly on the red carpet at the CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit and navy tie against a bold blue backdrop.
Anderson Cooper smiles warmly on the red carpet at the CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit and navy tie against a bold blue backdrop.

However, in July, Anderson shared a funny story with his followers about a hair mishap. He posted a video explaining how his clippers malfunctioned, leaving him with a bald spot. Victoria Beckham could be heard in the background laughing, while Anderson himself joked about the mishap, showing how much he embraces natural aging.

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The ‘Silver Fox’ Moniker
In a 2023 interview with Kelly Ripa, Anderson spoke about the nickname “Silver Fox” and reflected on his graying hair. He admitted that he didn’t know exactly where the term originated but found it amusing. He also shared that he began graying during his senior year of college and joked that his hair color made him feel like “Casper the Friendly Ghost” when he looked in the mirror without his glasses.

Anderson Cooper shares a casual selfie in a Yankees cap and glasses, showing off a salt-and-pepper beard with the playful caption, "Heading back to work soon. Shave or Keep?"
Anderson Cooper shares a casual selfie in a Yankees cap and glasses, showing off a salt-and-pepper beard with the playful caption, “Heading back to work soon. Shave or Keep?”

A Glimpse into Anderson’s Personal Life
While Anderson Cooper has always maintained a relatively private personal life, he has occasionally shared intimate moments with fans, including glimpses of his family life. In 2023, he revealed his co-parenting routine with ex-partner Benjamin Maisani and their sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, whom they welcomed via surrogate. Cooper has shared that he cherishes time with his children, especially their daily routines, and enjoys the balance he has found in his life.

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The Verdict: Shave or Keep the Beard?
As Anderson Cooper returns to work with his new look, fans are divided on whether he should keep the beard or go back to his signature clean-shaven appearance. Regardless of the response, it’s clear that the journalist’s changing look continues to captivate audiences, with his charm and authenticity resonating with fans across the globe.

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