The Final Vanderbilts: Anderson Cooper and Carter Vanderbilt
272,671
Published 2024-07-13
--------------------------------------------------
How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Money" To No Money: • How The Vanderbilts Went From "Old Mo...
--------------------------------------------------
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:13 Chapter 1: The Secret Living Vanderbilt
3:56 Chapter 2: The Origins of Anderson and Carter
10:31 Chapter 3: The Beginnings of Life as the Final Vanderbilts
13:41 Chapter 4: Life After Carter
--------------------------------------------------
Step back into a time when the Vanderbilt name was synonymous with unmatched wealth and power in America.
The descendants of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt lived a life of unfathomable luxury, spending lavishly and leaving behind legacies like the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, the largest private home in America, and prestigious Vanderbilt University.
Yet, the shimmering gilded aura that once encased the Vanderbilt legacy has dimmed over time, revealing the heavy burdens carried by its bearers.
Today, the extravagant Vanderbilt influence has been replaced by a more subdued presence.
Despite one of the most recognizable figures in news being a Vanderbilt descendant, many Americans are unaware of what became of this once towering family name.
In this episode, we dive deep into the secret history and the uncertain future of this iconic dynasty, focusing on its final heirs: Anderson Cooper and Carter Vanderbilt Cooper.
Chapter 1 introduces us to Anderson Cooper, a titan of American journalism and a Vanderbilt through his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.
Known for his commanding presence on CNN, Anderson not only brings news to the masses but also enjoys the finer things in life, courtesy of his substantial inheritance.
His real estate portfolio spans across prime locations, and his lifestyle includes yachts and private jets, signifying that some remnants of the Vanderbilt opulence continue.
Yet, Anderson approaches his wealth with a mix of modern sensibility and Vanderbilt extravagance, often downplaying the extent of his fortune.
This chapter also delves into the poignant story of Anderson’s brother, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, whose tragic death marked a somber chapter in the Vanderbilt narrative.
Raised in the lap of luxury, the pressures and expectations of their heritage weighed heavily on Carter, culminating in his untimely demise—a stark reminder of the personal costs that can accompany great wealth.
In Chapter 2, we explore the origins of the Vanderbilt fortune, established by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who transformed from a ferry operator to a transportation mogul.
His investments laid the foundations for a family that would become synonymous with American elite.
His descendants expanded this legacy through ventures like the Biltmore Estate and philanthropic efforts like the founding of Vanderbilt University.
Yet, with grandeur came complexity, as the Vanderbilt children grappled with maintaining their fortunes and social standing.
The narrative continues with the story of Gloria Vanderbilt, Anderson and Carter's mother, who faced her own set of challenges.
From a highly publicized and tumultuous custody battle over her inheritance to her multiple marriages and ventures into the arts and fashion, Gloria’s life was a testament to the Vanderbilt spirit of resilience and reinvention.
Finally, the episode examines how the Vanderbilt legacy has influenced Anderson’s own life and career.
His journalism is often informed by his personal experiences with loss and privilege, allowing him to approach stories with empathy and depth.
As a father, Anderson aims to pass on the values of resilience and integrity to his children, ensuring that the Vanderbilt legacy continues, albeit in a more grounded and thoughtful manifestation.
This episode not only uncovers the glitz and glamour of the Vanderbilt dynasty but also reveals the profound personal impacts of such a heritage.
It invites viewers to reflect on the transformation of American aristocracy and the enduring influence of one of the nation’s most storied families.
All Comments (21)
-
COMMENT: Which family’s “final heirs” would you like us to feature next on this channel? Perhaps this could be a new series we do here at Old Money Luxury where we feature the last descendants of a given family.
-
Thank you for sharing a proper and mature presentation of the Vanderbilt. Today, I admire Anderson for his resiliant under so much struggles, and the blessing of his two children. Wish for him and his children a happy and healthy life.
-
Anderson made a name for himself through his Journalism. He was a devoted son to his mother and dad, and had many tragedies in his life. He lives his life with his two sons and whatever 'luxuries' they have, the most precious thing Anderson has is his sons.
-
May her soul rest in peace. I can't begin to imagine Gloria Vanderbilt's life after watching her "baby" fall to his death. Thank God for sons like Anderson, who truly loved his mother in word and in deed. God bless you Anderson Cooper ❤
-
Gloria Vanderbilt had four sons. Two sets of sons with 2 different husbands. Anderson is one of three sons who survived her. Her two older sons are Leopold & Christopher Stokowski choose to live very private lives. This is not a secret, yet this narrator makes it seem like Anderson is her last son.
-
I love that Anderson named his son after his father. ❤
-
Very sensitive and respectful profile of this old family with many tragedies and heartaches. Nicely done.
-
This documentary is well done. If anyone wants to delve further into the Vanderbilts, get Anderson Cooper’s book “Vanderbilt, the Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty”. This book is fascinating.
-
Biltmore Castle is beyond amazing. They now open the doors for the public. Christmas at Biltmore is magical😮
-
There are more Vanderbilt heirs than Gloria Vanderbilt's four children.
-
Thank you for the documentary about the Vanderbilts. So many details of their luxury life.
-
I loved this video I have always admired the spirit of Gloria Vanderbilt and I love Anderson Cooper embracing his family legacy as time passed on
-
How interesting! Anderson Cooper is one of my favorite ppl in US news reporting. Being Japanese and living in Japan now, I did not know that Anderson Cooper was a Vanderbilt!! Around 1995, I was a member of the 'Vanderbilt' YMCA -- did not know a thing about this family. The book seems interesting.
-
Well I went to Vanderbilt University….I would see Kirkland Hall outside the window of my freshman dorm….Kissam Hall (another Vanderbilt name). I often wondered about this man who’s statue greeted you as one turned into the main entrance of the University. Who was this man? What about this family once snubbed by the Astors only to be embraced later due to a clever move by Alva Vanderbilt? I have been to Biltmore, Hyde Park, Rough Point (initially a Vanderbilt home before Duke bought it) and all of the accessible Vanderbilt estates in Newport. I very much enjoyed this program. I never thought much about Anderson Cooper until I saw his relationship with his Mother. I always liked Gloria Vanderbilt very much as, from what I know of her, she was quite a character. I admired how she handled her life after witnessing the death of her son….an experience that might have destroyed someone with less strength. Thanks for this peek behind the curtain of a fascinating family.
-
An interesting, "What if?" aside from the Vanderbilt story is that Gloria Vanderbilt's aunt Lady Thelma Furness. the twin sister of her mother (also named Gloria), was the romantic partner of the Duke of Windsor. At the time, he was the Prince of Wales and next in line to the British throne. When Lady Furness came back to America to support Gloria's mother in her trial, she told her friend, Wallis Simpson, "Take good care of the Little Man," i.e. the Prince of Wales. Had Lady Furness stayed in London is it possible that Anderson Cooper's great uncle may have been King Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor?
-
Very nice. I really enjoyed this one. I love history. Now that I've given up on my home country and now live abroad, it's history has a new found poingnant patina to it that I find quite agreeable.
-
Hi I am sorry for Cooper lost brother, that is all I have to say.
-
I didn't know Gloria had 2 older sons, huh! I do like Anderson, he's such a class act.
-
I enjoyed this video. I learned a lot about the Vanderbilts.
-
Ive always liked Anderson Cooper! We are (VERY) distantly related to the Vanderbilts! My Dad told me that when I was VERY young and when I did our genealogy- its truth! Course, Daddy also used to tuck us girls in telling us we are true Irish Princesses as direct descendants of Brian Boru.......this one ended up not being fiction
