Andy Cohen 2.0: Now With More Candor Than Ever

Written by | Entertainment

As our conversation with Andy Cohen continues, we discuss the potential perils of living in a gay mecca, how he avoids social media trolls getting him down, and his favorite celebrity keepsake in the Bravo Clubhouse.

Photo by Smallz & Raskind/Bravo

Photo by Smallz & Raskind/Bravo

If you missed part 1 of our conversation, Click Here.

METROSOURCE: You know, I’ve run into you around NYC couple of times — once walking Wacha and once at the Monster.

ANDY COHEN: Was I nice or mean?

You were lovely. But I always look at you and I think, “Wow, he is in the center of Gayville, USA; how does he go to the grocery store? How does he go out on a date? Isn’t he just constantly mobbed by gay guys who are presumptuous and wanting your time, wanting your autograph, wanting you to talk to them?”

No way, not at all. Especially not in New York. I mean, look, you’ve already seen me several times just around. I mean, I’m kind of ubiquitous in the West Village. I don’t think anyone cares when they see me. I mean, I take a few selfies on the street every day. But it’s pretty mellow, you know. I don’t think people are that excited to see me. I’ve been around a while.

I hear so many celebs demonizing social media these days, and certainly there’s an amount of negativity that’s problematic about it. But I feel like you allow the attention to buoy you in this interesting way.

Well, I mean, I’ve been fighting with Trump supporters on social media for the last, you know, six months.

Is it wearing you down?


Yes.

How do get past the negativity?


I just don’t think I think too hard about it. And I think I have a very thick skin. I think both of those things are important. You have to have a thick skin, because s otherwise pretty upsetting. Or it can be.

You now have power across radio, TV, publishing. What do you see as your responsibility in choosing the people you promote — to your audience, to history, to society as a whole?

To entertain people. That’s what I’m doing. I think my responsibility is to be true to my voice and find people who I think are worthy of my audience’s attention.

Since you’re talking about dating more in the new book, how would you describe your ideal man?

Independent, strong, handsome, good sense of humor, has their own life going.

Photo courtesy of Andy Cohen

Selfie Courtesy of Andy Cohen

Do you have a favorite piece of memorabilia from the walls of the Bravo Clubhouse?

I mean, it’s probably the shotski. Because it was, it’s become so much part of the show, and it’s become part of the lexicon. And Jimmy [Fallon] and his wife made it for us. It’s become something bigger than just like a little wooden ski, you know.

Looking back at the year so far, can you point to any particular high point? Something that made you excited or proud?

I finished renovating my apartment, which you saw me buy in the last book. So I just moved into my brand new apartment like three weeks ago in the West Village. And I’m really excited about it, and I’m very proud of it. For the first time, I feel like I made it.

I don’t know if it’s too far to look ahead, but I was wondering if you have any big long-term goals that you’re hoping to realize for 2017 – either personally or professionally?

Oh, my God. I have no idea.

You’re like, “Let me get the book out first, brother.”


Exactly.

Last modified: April 16, 2018