Being the face of Bravo means Andy Cohen is used to chaos, but nothing prepared him for the shift from late-night tequila shots to early-morning diaper changes. Most people know him as the guy who wrangles the Real Housewives, yet his biggest role happens off-camera in his New York City apartment. Andy Cohen children, Benjamin Allen and Lucy Eve, have basically become the unofficial mascots of the Bravo world, but the journey to get them here wasn't exactly a straight line. It’s been a public masterclass in how a single, gay man in his 50s navigates the complicated, expensive, and emotionally draining world of gestational surrogacy.
He didn't just wake up and decide to do this on a whim.
The Reality of Benjamin Allen Cohen’s Arrival
In 2018, Andy dropped a bombshell during an episode of Watch What Happens Live. He was going to be a father. He looked genuinely terrified and ecstatic all at once. On February 4, 2019, Benjamin Allen Cohen was born via surrogate. Ben is named after Andy's grandfather, which adds a layer of sentimentality you don't always see from the guy who asks celebrities if they've ever "swum in the lady pond."
Ben's birth was a massive moment for LGBTQ+ visibility. You have to remember, even just a few years ago, the conversation around single gay men choosing fatherhood wasn't nearly as mainstream as it is now. Andy was open about the fact that he used a surrogate and an egg donor. He’s also been incredibly candid about the "biological" aspect of it. While he hasn't shared every granular detail—mostly out of respect for the privacy of the people involved—he’s made it clear that Ben is his biological son.
The early days were a blur of Snoo bassinets and Grateful Dead onesies. Andy frequently posts snippets of their life on Instagram, and honestly, the "Ben-isms" are the best part. Whether it's the kid refusing to eat his breakfast or Ben critiquing Andy's driving, the dynamic is relatable. It’s not a curated, "perfect" influencer life. It’s a guy trying to get a toddler to put on shoes while a live camera is waiting for him at a studio in an hour.
Lucy Eve Cohen and the Surrogacy Twist
Then came Lucy. On April 29, 2022, Andy announced the birth of Lucy Eve Cohen. This time, things were a little different. While Ben was born in California—where surrogacy laws have been favorable for a long time—Lucy was born in New York.
Why does that matter?
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Because New York used to have incredibly restrictive laws regarding paid surrogacy. It was actually illegal to compensate a surrogate in NY for a long time, which forced many intended parents to go out of state. Andy was a vocal advocate for the Child-Parent Security Act, which finally legalized gestational surrogacy in New York in 2021. He literally helped change the law so he could bring his daughter into the world in his home state. That’s a level of commitment that goes way beyond a "celebrity baby announcement."
Lucy's arrival made Ben a big brother, a role he seems to handle with a mix of affection and typical toddler skepticism. Seeing the two of them together on social media, you notice how much they look like Andy. They’ve both got that thick, wavy hair and expressive eyes. It’s wild how much a three-year-old can look like a 57-year-old TV executive.
The Dynamics of Being a Solo Parent
Let's be real: Andy Cohen is rich. He has help. He’s the first to admit he has a nanny and a support system that most people would kill for. But even with all the money in the world, being a solo parent is a heavy lift. There’s no "good cop/bad cop" dynamic when it’s just you.
He’s talked about the "guilt" of leaving for work. He hosts a daily radio show on SiriusXM, tapes WWHL at night, and produces a dozen different shows. That’s a lot of time away from home. Yet, he seems to have mastered the art of the "dad pivot." He’ll be at a high-glamour event with Sarah Jessica Parker one minute and then be posting a video of himself cleaning up spilled juice the next.
He’s also leaned heavily on his famous friends. Anderson Cooper, who has two sons of his own (Wyatt and Sebastian), is basically family. The "Cooper-Cohen" playdates are legendary. It’s interesting to watch these two titans of media navigate fatherhood together. They’re providing a blueprint for a different kind of family structure—one built on deep friendship and shared experience rather than a traditional marriage.
What People Get Wrong About His Journey
A lot of critics like to point at the cost. Yes, surrogacy is expensive. It can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 or more when you factor in agency fees, legal costs, medical bills, and compensation for the surrogate. People often assume that because Andy is wealthy, it was "easy."
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It wasn't.
The emotional toll of surrogacy is massive. You're putting your dreams of a family in someone else’s hands—literally. There are contracts, psychological screenings, and the constant anxiety of a pregnancy that you aren't physically carrying. Andy has touched on the "waiting game" and the nerves involved in ensuring everything goes smoothly. It’s a high-stakes process regardless of your bank account balance.
Another misconception is that he's "raising them in the spotlight." While he shares photos and videos, he’s actually somewhat protective. He doesn't do "sponsored" posts with his kids for diaper brands or toy companies. They aren't "content babies" in the way some reality stars use their children. They are just... his kids. He shares the funny moments because he’s a proud dad, but there’s a line he doesn't seem to cross.
Navigating the "Housewives" Influence
You have to wonder what kind of impact being raised by the "Daddy of Bravo" will have. Ben has already met most of the Real Housewives. He’s been on the set. He’s had his birthday celebrated by some of the most famous (and infamous) women on television.
But Andy seems intent on keeping them grounded. He’s often seen taking Ben on the subway or walking him to school in the West Village. He wants them to have a "New York kid" upbringing. He’s also been very clear about the importance of manners and boundaries. Watching him negotiate with Ben over "one more minute of screen time" is a reminder that at the end of the day, a toddler doesn't care if you're an Emmy winner. They just want their iPad.
The Practical Side of the Story
If you're looking at Andy's story and thinking about your own path to parenthood, there are some very real takeaways.
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First, the legal landscape is everything. If you are considering surrogacy, you have to look at the laws in your specific state. What worked for Andy with Ben in California was different from what worked with Lucy in New York. Laws regarding parental orders (the legal document that says you are the parent, not the surrogate) vary wildly.
Second, the "village" isn't just a cliché. Andy’s reliance on his "Council of Dads" and close female friends shows that you don't need a spouse to create a stable, loving environment. You just need people who show up.
Third, be prepared for the questions. Andy has been very open with Ben about how he came into the world. He’s mentioned that they have books about different kinds of families. He isn't hiding the fact that there isn't a "mom" in the traditional sense. He’s framing it as: "You were wanted by so many people, and this is how we became a family."
Real-World Steps for Intended Parents
If you are following the path of Andy Cohen children and exploring surrogacy as a single parent or LGBTQ+ individual, start with these non-negotiables:
- Get a specialized attorney immediately. Don't use a general practice lawyer. You need someone who specializes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) law.
- Vet your agency. There are hundreds of surrogacy agencies. Look for ones with a long track record and transparent fee structures.
- Financial Planning. Surrogacy is a marathon, not a sprint. The costs can balloon quickly if there are medical complications or if multiple egg retrieval cycles are needed.
- Support Systems. Join groups like Men Having Babies or similar organizations. The emotional support from people who have "been there" is more valuable than any "how-to" book.
Andy Cohen’s kids aren't just accessories to his fame. They changed the trajectory of his life and, in many ways, changed the public perception of what a "Bravo" lifestyle looks like. It’s less about the reunion fights now and more about the quiet moments in the morning before the cameras start rolling. He’s shown that even the busiest man in show business can find a way to make it work, provided he's willing to put in the legal, emotional, and physical work to get there.
The transition from "King of Late Night" to "Dad" is the most authentic storyline Andy has ever produced. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s clearly the thing he’s most proud of. As Ben and Lucy grow up, they’ll likely continue to be a staple of his social media, but the foundation he’s built for them—rooted in a hard-fought legal battle and a very public desire to be a father—is what actually matters.
To mirror this success in your own life, prioritize the legal groundwork before the emotional journey begins. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the "pre-birth order" requirements in your jurisdiction. Research the different types of surrogacy (gestational vs. traditional) to understand which path aligns with your biological and ethical goals. Finally, build a network of fellow parents who understand the specific nuances of solo or LGBTQ+ parenting; those connections will be your lifeline when the reality of sleepless nights sets in.