If you are Anderson Cooper’s audience, you might know his connection to the Vanderbilt fortune through his late mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. However, very few are familiar with his long-lost half-brother, Christopher Stokowski. Let me tell you that he has intentionally stayed away from the public eye for years. The reason for his privacy stems from family discord dating back to earlier years.
Despite the family’s complex dynamics, Anderson, 15 years younger than Christopher, has maintained a discreet stance on the events leading to his half-brother’s withdrawal from family life. Although Anderson has chosen not to give the details, someone previously close to the family has suggested that external factors played a significant role in the estrangement. Therefore, if you wish to know more about his brother, you should go through this article in detail.
Why Did Christopher Stokowski Stay Away From Family?
Interestingly, in 2014, Christopher’s ex-fiancée, April Sandmeyer, shared her narrative with the Daily Mail. She shed light on why her former partner distanced himself from his family for an extended period. The socialite stated that after graduating from college, Stokowski chose to stay in New York City with his mother and half-brothers. At that time, she was pursuing a career as a musician. Sandmeyer recalled Anderson’s deep love for his older half-brother.
Their romantic relationship resulted in an engagement in 1974. However, this event coincided with a challenging period. Let me tell you that it was a period when Stokowski’s father, Leopold Stokowski, fell seriously ill and ultimately passed away in 1977. Adding to the sorrow, Gloria Vanderbilt’s fourth husband, Wyatt Emory Cooper, also passed away just months later. Sandmeyer stated that during this vulnerable period, Vanderbilt’s therapist, Dr Zois, played a prominent role in influencing the lives of Vanderbilt and her children. Reportedly, Vanderbilt spent her resources on flights and extravagant gifts for Dr. Zois and his associates, with the therapist frequently present in her home.
According to Sandmeyer, Dr Zois interfered in her relationship with Christopher, leading her to call off the engagement in 1978. To win back Sandmeyer’s affection, Christopher moved out of the Vanderbilt household, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Following her rejection, a “former associate” revealed that the sad musician relocated out of the city and gradually lost contact with his family.
Yet Came The Reunion
You must know that after the release of the 2016 documentary “Nothing Left Unsaid” by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt, viewers were surprised at the omission of any mention of Vanderbilt’s second child, Christopher Stokowski. According to sources, Stokowski settled in New England after leaving New York City, maintaining a low profile. He survived by creating music and art under a pseudonym to avoid recognition of his famous last name. In 2016, Stokowski’s ex-fiancée, April Sandmeyer, suggested that Vanderbilt omit him from the film out of respect for his desire for privacy and avoidance of public attention.
Interestingly, the documentary, which delved into their family history, catalysed reconciliation between the half-brothers. Harry Cooper, Anderson’s uncle, further acknowledged that Anderson and Stokowski had multiple meetings after the documentary premiere. Since then, the family has chosen to remain tight-lipped regarding the musician. Notably, when Gloria Vanderbilt passed away from stomach cancer in 2019, her will disclosed that the majority of her estate was bequeathed to Cooper, one property designated for older brother Leopold “Stan” Stokowski, and nothing allocated for Christopher.
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