Scene 1: You know, there's something fascinating about old money families, especially the Vanderbilts. Scene 2: But what many don't realize is that one of America's most familiar faces, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, is actually one of the last living Vanderbilts. Scene 3: Yes, that Anderson Cooper. Scene 4: Let me take you back to where this story really begins. Scene 5: Anderson and his brother Carter were born into what remained of America's original ultra-wealthy dynasty. Scene 6: Their mother was Gloria Vanderbilt – yes, the jeans designer, but more importantly, she was the great-great-granddaughter of railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Scene 7: Growing up, Anderson and Carter's life wasn't exactly what you'd expect from heirs to one of America's greatest fortunes. Scene 8: See, by the time they came along, much of the family wealth had dissipated. Scene 9: Their mother Gloria always told them they'd have to make their own way in the world. Scene 10: No trust funds, no easy street. Scene 11: Anderson took this to heart, working as a fact-checker before climbing his way up in journalism. Scene 12: But here's where the story takes a tragic turn. Scene 13: In 1988, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, just 23 years old, died by suicide right in front of his mother's eyes, Scene 14: jumping from the 14th-floor terrace of their penthouse apartment. Scene 15: This devastating loss changed everything. Scene 16: Anderson has spoken about how this tragedy shaped him, Scene 17: pushing him toward journalism and particularly toward covering stories of loss and survival around the world. Scene 18: Today, Anderson Cooper stands as one of the last bearers of the Vanderbilt name, Scene 19: though he's carved out his own identity far from the family's gilded past. Scene 20: He's become a father himself now, Scene 21: bringing new life to this historic lineage, but on his own terms. Scene 22: His success isn't built on his family name – Scene 23: it's built on his own merit, determination, and hard work. Scene 24: If you're intrigued by stories of America's legendary families, Scene 25: there's so much more to uncover. Scene 26: The Vanderbilts are just one chapter Scene 27: in the fascinating saga of old money America. Scene 28: Follow us Scene 29: for more tales of these historic dynasties, Scene 30: their rises, Scene 31: their falls, Scene 32: and the remarkable stories of those who carried these legendary names into the modern era.