Andrew Rannells Reveals Past Relationship with Anderson Cooper, Confirms It Inspired a “Girls” Storyline

Andrew Rannells, known for his role in the acclaimed series ‘Girls’, has recently confirmed that he had a brief romantic relationship with renowned news anchor Anderson Cooper. During a recent appearance on the Daily Beast podcast, titled “Obsessed: The Podcast,” Rannells shared this revelation as well as the personal significance it held in shaping his character on the show.

The actor, who is now 47, recounted that he and Cooper had dated when he was just 25 years old. He expressed how their relationship inspired the storyline of his character, Elijah, who had a fleeting romance with a fictional TV host named Dill Harcourt, portrayed by Corey Stoll. Rannells noted, “I told Lena [Dunham] and [co-creator] Jenni Konner a story about when I was 25 that I had dated Anderson Cooper, and I told them about the experience and what that was like. Then it became the story that Elijah had in the series.”

Rannells’ reflection came after the host of the podcast directly sought clarification on any links between the character Dill and Cooper. The news anchor’s influence extended beyond mere storytelling; it served as a catalyst for a plot point in ‘Girls’. He revealed that while his relationship with Cooper was short-lived, it stood out enough to warrant mention among the show’s creators.

In ‘Girls’, Elijah finds himself entangled with the successful and charismatic Dill Harcourt. However, their romance quickly unravels once Elijah discovers that Dill wishes to maintain connections with other men while dating him. This dynamic resonated with viewers, although Rannells had previously indicated that the character Dill wasn’t strictly modelled after Cooper alone.

The question of Dill’s inspiration remained a topic of speculation even after the series concluded. Corey Stoll, who played Dill, dodged straightforward questions during promotional appearances, offering the ambiguous response, “I was playing Dill Harcourt. I did not base this character on anybody.”

Rannells previously commented on the topic of Dill’s characterisation, suggesting that Dill represented power and influence rather than any specific individual. In an interview with Elle following the airing of the episode addressing the breakup, he explained that Dill was intended as a “figurehead” — a symbol of the world outside the main characters’ lives, highlighting their transition into a more adult reality.

Anderson Cooper, a self-professed admirer of ‘Girls’, initially dismissed the notion that Dill was inspired by him. He once speculated that the character might actually mirror the persona of Bill O’Reilly, drawing parallels to his own career as a journalist. Moreover, Cooper, in a conversation with the New York Post, mentioned that he had recently met Lena Dunham at Sundance and did not glean any insights regarding Dill’s inspiration during their encounter.

Rannells and Cooper’s romance was brief, but it clearly had a lasting impact on the actor’s career and creative contributions to ‘Girls’. Since their relationship, Rannells has found love with Tuc Watkins, whom he started dating in 2019. Cooper, on the other hand, had a long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani from 2014 to 2019, highlighting the complicated world of dating among high-profile personalities.

This unexpected connection between the two individuals, arising from a fleeting romance, has woven itself into the fabric of modern television storytelling. Rannells’ honest reflection not only sheds light on his personal history but also highlights how real-life experiences can translate into art, resonating with viewers and enriching the narrative depth of beloved series like ‘Girls’.

As pop culture continues to shift and evolve, such revelations remind audiences of the often-blurred lines between reality and the fictional worlds created on screen, offering insights into the inspirations that fuel creative expression.