You’ve probably seen Anderson Cooper on CNN or read about the famous Vanderbilt family. But did you know Anderson has a half-brother who lives a totally different life?
His name is Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski, but most people just call him Stan. While Anderson is on TV, Stan chooses to stay out of the spotlight. He’s not a celebrity, but his life is still full of interesting moments — from his family’s fame to his quiet business success.
In this article, we’ll explore the story of Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski, Anderson Cooper’s brother. We’ll learn about his early life, family background, career, and personal life — all in a way that’s easy and enjoyable to read.
Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski Quick Bio
| Full Name | Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski |
| Nickname | Stan |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1950 |
| Age (2026) | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous As | Anderson Cooper’s brother |
| Parents | Gloria Vanderbilt & Leopold Stokowski |
| Siblings | Christopher, Carter (late), Anderson |
| Occupation | Businessman, Landscape Designer |
| Education | Private schooling in New York (details private) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Emily Goldstein (previously Ivy Strick) |
| Children | Aurora and Abra |
| Known For | Private life, successful business |
| Lives In | New York & New England, USA |
Who Is Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski?
Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski was born on August 22, 1950, in New York City. He is now 76 years old as of 2026. He is best known today as Anderson Cooper’s older half-brother, but there’s much more to him than that.
Stan is the son of two famous people: Gloria Vanderbilt, the fashion icon and heiress, and Leopold Anthony Stokowski, a world-famous orchestra conductor. He was born into a life of fame, but he never wanted it for himself.
Instead of living in the spotlight, Stan built his own peaceful path — one focused on family, business, and privacy.
Growing Up in a Famous Family
Stan’s childhood wasn’t like most kids’. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was not just rich — she was also a style icon, artist, and author. She came from the powerful Vanderbilt family, one of the richest families in American history.
His father, Leopold Stokowski, was a famous British conductor who worked with top orchestras. You may have even heard his music in Disney’s Fantasia. He was known around the world.
Stan grew up in a creative home in New York, surrounded by artists, writers, and musicians. But even with all the noise of fame, Stan liked to stay quiet and private. He didn’t want to be in the news — he wanted a calm life, away from cameras and reporters.
Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski and Anderson Cooper’s Bond
You may be wondering: how exactly are Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski and Anderson Cooper related?
They are half-brothers. They share the same mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, but they have different fathers. Stan is 17 years older than Anderson.
Even though there’s a big age gap, Stan has been part of important family moments. In 2016, he joined Anderson at the red carpet premiere of their mother’s documentary, Nothing Left Unsaid. That was a rare moment where Stan stepped into the spotlight — just for family.
Anderson has always spoken with respect about Stan, and Stan has quietly supported his younger brother from behind the scenes.
A Quiet Life Away from the Cameras
While Anderson is one of the most well-known news anchors on TV, Stan Stokowski is the total opposite. He doesn’t give interviews. He doesn’t go on talk shows. You won’t find him on social media either.
Stan simply chooses a peaceful life. He focuses on his work, his family, and his privacy. He still shows up for big family events, but he’s never chasing attention.
In a world full of people trying to get noticed, Stan is a great example of someone who values calm over fame.
Stan’s Career in Landscaping and Business
Even though he came from a wealthy family, Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski worked hard to build his own career. He didn’t become a fashion designer like his mother or a journalist like his brother.
Instead, he started landscaping businesses in New York and New England. He became known for designing beautiful outdoor spaces for fancy homes and buildings.
Later, he even got involved in real estate projects in London. People who’ve worked with him say he’s smart, creative, and always professional. Some even call him an “international entrepreneurial icon” — even if he doesn’t care about titles like that.
He simply loves nature, design, and doing honest work.
His Two Marriages and Private Family Life
Stan is not just a businessman — he’s also a husband and a father.
His first wife was Ivy Strick, a writer and artist from a business family. Their marriage didn’t last, but it was a big part of his early adult life.
Later, he married Emily Goldstein, and they’ve built a strong and quiet life together. They have two daughters, Aurora and Abra. Both daughters stay out of the spotlight, just like their dad.
Stan has shown that it’s possible to be part of a famous family and still raise children in a calm, private way. He enjoys fatherhood, and he’s proud of his girls — even if the world doesn’t see them.
His Strong Relationship with Gloria Vanderbilt
Even though Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski stayed out of the spotlight, he had a close and caring relationship with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.
He showed up for her many times. In 2012, he attended the opening of her art show in New York. In 2016, he stood beside her and Anderson at the premiere of Nothing Left Unsaid, the HBO documentary about her life. These quiet actions showed how deeply he loved and respected his mother.
Stan didn’t need to be loud to show his support. He believed in simply being there when it mattered most.
What Did Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski Inherit?
When Gloria Vanderbilt passed away in 2019, many people wondered who would inherit her fortune. She had four sons, but the biggest part of her estate went to Anderson Cooper.
Still, Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski was not left out. He received one of her prized properties — a beautiful apartment at 30 Beekman Place in Manhattan. While he didn’t get a large amount of money, Stan didn’t need it. He had already built a life and career on his own.
Anderson has said he doesn’t believe in big inheritances. He feels people should make their own way. Stan seems to live by that same idea — and he did.
Tragedy and Loss in the Stokowski-Cooper Family
Even in a famous family, pain and loss still happen — sometimes deeply.
Stan lost his father, Leopold Anthony Stokowski, in 1977. Just one year later, his stepfather Wyatt Cooper (Anderson’s dad) died during heart surgery. But the hardest moment came in 1988, when Stan’s younger half-brother Carter Vanderbilt Cooper died by suicide at just 23 years old.
That loss shook the entire family. Gloria saw it happen and never fully recovered. Anderson has often said that Carter’s death changed him forever. And though Stan rarely spoke about it, he carried that grief too.
Loss like this brings sadness but also shows the strength a family can have — even one as well-known as the Vanderbilts.
The Story of His Brother Christopher Stokowski
Stan has one full brother, Christopher Stokowski. They were close when they were young. But in the late 1970s, something happened.
Christopher fell in love with a woman named April Sandmeyer. After some problems involving Gloria’s therapist and family interference, Christopher pulled away. He disappeared from the public and family life — for nearly 38 years.
He missed weddings, birthdays, and even their mother’s big events. For a long time, no one knew if they’d ever speak again.
But in 2016, something changed. After the release of Nothing Left Unsaid, Christopher watched the film. It touched him. Through April, he reached out. Slowly, he began to reconnect with the family — including Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski.
It was a quiet reunion, but a powerful one.
Where Is Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski Now?
Today, Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski still enjoys a calm and peaceful life. He lives with his wife Emily Goldstein, and they divide their time between New York and New England.
He continues his work in landscaping and business, doing what he loves most — creating beautiful outdoor spaces. He’s not in the news. He doesn’t post online. He just lives his life, surrounded by nature, art, and family.
His daughters, Aurora and Abra, also stay away from fame. They live private lives, just like their dad. One of them, Aurora, is married to Anthony Mazzei, a New York-based investor.
Stan’s days are filled with peace, not noise — and that’s exactly how he likes it.
Why Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski’s Story Matters
So, why does the story of Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski matter?
Because he reminds us that success doesn’t always mean being famous. He could have followed the spotlight, but he didn’t. He chose a life of privacy, purpose, and family.
He worked hard, built his own career, and stayed close to the people he loved. Even during hard times, he stayed strong.
In a world where people often chase attention, Stan’s quiet strength is something rare — and inspiring. He is proof that a meaningful life doesn’t have to be loud. It just needs to be real.
(FAQs)
What was Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski like when he was young?
He grew up in a rich and famous family. But even as a kid, he didn’t like being in the spotlight. He liked quiet things and stayed out of the news.
Does Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski have any children?
He has two daughters named Aurora and Abra. They live very private lives, just like their dad.
How old is Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski and when is his birthday?
He was born on August 22, 1950. That means he is 76 years old in 2026.
Was Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski in the movie Fantasia?
No, but his dad was! His father was the music conductor in Disney’s Fantasia. Stan chose a different life in business and gardening.
Where does Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski live now?
He lives a quiet life between New York and New England. He works in landscaping and enjoys a peaceful family life.
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