Emmy Award-winning host, producer and author Andy Cohen returned to his native St. Louis to deliver the 2026 WashU Commencement address. Cohen received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts during the ceremony, addressing roughly 5,000 members of the Class of 2026 and their friends and family members.
Since 2009, Cohen has welcomed the biggest names in entertainment, politics and pop culture to “Watch What Happens Live.” Cohen also serves as an executive producer of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives” franchise and has helped launch a dynamic slate of unscripted series and specials, including hits such as “Top Chef,” “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Project Runway,” “Shahs of Sunset” and “Million Dollar Listing.” Every year, millions of viewers ring in the new year with Cohen and friend Anderson Cooper, co-hosts of CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” special.
Cohen is the recipient of the Vito Russo Award by GLAAD and has been recognized in The Hollywood Reporter’s and Variety’s Most Powerful LGBTQ Players in Hollywood lists.
Cohen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022; the St. Louis Walk of Fame followed suit in 2023. Cohen grew up in Clayton and graduated from nearby Clayton High School in 1986.