To celebrate 15 years of Watch What Happens Live, we’re taking a look back at the man himself, host Andy Cohen. While Andy was already a household name to Bravo fans for hosting the Real Housewives reunions, WWHL definitely raised his profile. For instance, the show put him in line with the other late-night hosts. And it officially made him the face of the Bravo network.
Over the past 15 years, many WWHL guests donned memorable looks. And some iconic items from Bravo stars now reside in Andy’s clubhouse. These include Jax Taylor’s chunky sweater and Kyle Cooke’s mullet. Of course, no walk down memory lane would be complete without reminiscing on Andy’s hosting looks from over the years.
Suave debut
Were we ever so young? Here’s the look that Andy wore back in the very first episode of WWHL. And while guest Danielle Staub’s outfit is a little dated (sorry Danielle!), Andy kept his look classic and timeless from the jump. Reflecting on the first season, Andy recently said he tried to be a little more “butch” at the start. Thankfully, he embraced being himself soon enough, giving fans many memorable moments.
Ringing in the new year in style
Before he started co-hosting CNN’s coverage with Anderson Cooper, Andy held his own New Year’s Eve party on WWHL. To ring in 2011, the emcee wore a classic tux- with a twist of sequined lapels, for a little extra dazzle, of course. The guest list of Andy’s NYE party included some legendary Real Housewives, with Lisa Vanderpump, Nene Leakes, Kim Zolciak, and Tamra Judge in attendance.
Mazel to this look
“Mazel” quickly became Andy’s catchphrase on WWHL. Naturally, the word spawned tons of merch. Including this knit cap from Joe and Melissa Gorga.
Pajama party
Andy wore matching pjs, and fuzzy slippers, for a WWHL slumber party with guests Ralph Finnes and Holly Hunter. Holly also brought a Barbie version of her character from The Piano, which is a genius accessory this author would love to have. Amy Sedaris was also on the episode, in much more revealing pjs.
Years later, Ralph would go on to give one of the best WWHL Clubhouse Playhouse performances. His rendition of Lisa Barlow’s infamous rant about Meredith Marks was Shakespearean.
Silver fox
Over his years in the public eye, Andy’s gone from salt-and-pepper to silver fox. A descriptor he shares with his friend and sometimes co-host, Anderson Cooper. Anderson recently sang Andy’s praises in a Vulture profile. In the piece, which also touched on the attempted lawsuits, Anderson said that Andy makes hosting WWHL “look easy.”
Bringing it with a beard
Andy usually keeps his facial hair very clean-shaven. But sometimes, on the rare occasion, he’ll grow a little scruff, like in this WWHL episode from 2019.
Covid casual
During COVID, Andy interviewed his guests over Zoom. When he was in the studio by himself, Andy traded his usual suits in for sweaters. He also rocked longer, less styled hair. Honestly, it’s a good look. He could lean into the casual style more often. Maybe Andy should rock a Brooks Marks tracksuit sometime like John Oliver did.
15 years later
After 15 years in late night, things have changed for Andy. For instance, he became the father of two adorable children, Ben and Lucy. But his dapper, silver fox style remains consistent.
After some public backlash and legal battles with former Real Housewives, there were rumors that Andy would take a step back from Bravo. However, the host confirmed that he’s not leaving WWHL anytime soon. Here’s to years of many more Andy looks!
We’ll have to wait and see what Andy wears for his upcoming 15th-anniversary special. In the meantime, past episodes of Watch What Happens Live are available to watch on Peacock.
