Anderson Cooper On "Ellen": Refuses To Dance, Talks "Real Housewives" (VIDEO)

Anderson Cooper appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Thursday but he refused to take part in the show's trademark dance.

Walking out after his introduction, Cooper put his head in his hands as Ellen tried to coerce him to dance.

"No one really wants to see a middle-aged guy with silver hair wriggling," he said. "It's not gonna happen. I'm a WASP. I was raised to suppress my emotions. I can't be publicly expressing things.

Anderson then referenced previous news personalities who have danced on Ellen's show.

"Plus, I saw what happened to Blitzer out here," he said.

WATCH WOLF BLITZER DANCE ON ELLEN HERE.

"He was fine, he was not the trouble," Ellen said.

"It's a slippery slope, though, from Wolf Blitzer to Chris Matthews," Anderson responded.

Anderson and Ellen went on to discuss Bravo's "Real Housewives" series — one of his favorite topics — and why he prefers the Atlanta and Orange County shows to the New York edition.

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta to me were just kind of jaw-dropping," he said. "The Real Housewives of Orange County were just each more horrific than the next...I have not been able to commit to Real Housewives of New York because they just creep me out."

Watch:

Comments

[markinaz]

Puppets...please. AC is as white as they come. Ain't no way he can dance.

[JJ30]

I love Bethany and Ramona because they both say what they think. I like when Ramona smacked LuAnn and LuAnn got all ticked off at her. I was like good for Ramona! At least she stood up to her. LuAnn thinks everyone has to kiss her butt because she has the title "Countess" in her name. No one cares about the title in America. LuAnn needs to wise up and get an attitude adjustment!

[Pleneras]

I'm glad he didn't. This is why I can't stand the beginning of her show. It's soooo corny. Standing up there dancing even if you look silly. No one should be expected to do so unless they agree from the beginning. I've yet to watch one full show of her. Three were enough for me and always turned it off when the "dancing" began.

[rainbowrecruiter]

i cringe and change channels when I see the opening dancing. Way back when it was fun and spontaneous. Now it's contrived.

[jalowe1957]

At least Anderson Cooper knows how to keep his dignity, particulary when Ellen asked him to dance.

[Sparty1]

He WOULD love NeNe.

[vasta]

I think it is hysterical that he watches the Real Housewives. My husband does as well but it is a family secret.

[tlgeiger62]

LOL

[nyc251]

One of the things I admire about Anderson is how he sticks to his guns and does exactly what he wants regardless of the criticism he might get from others. He's never allowed anyone to bully him into talking about his personal life and sexuality and he doesn't feel he has to dance on Ellen's show just because everyone else has done it, why should he? As much as I'd want to see him shaking his butt, I do love his defiant/stubborn streak.

[bazokbros]

Note to Countess Luann: Not that Anderson Cooper's opinion, or anyone else, matters, but maybe when so many people find you dispicable you might be due for an attitude change. I'm sure you've done plenty of Google searches about yourself and read enough message boards people declaring how narcissitically shallow of a person you are. I don't know you, but the idea if it walks like a duck, qucks like a duck...sorta applies in your case since that's the only image you project. Writing some checks to charity doesn't absolve that.

[onlyred]

no doubt! She was fun last season, this year she's revoltingly obnoxious, crude, and full of herself.

[Karma7]

I disagree. She's the most interesting and loviest of all.

[Lisbeth35]

Real Housewives of NYC is the most fantastic one of all! Go Bethany!

[happycat]

I enjoy the show too. I call it my guilty pleasure.

[jimrs6]

Each one is clearly looking for something different in a dance partner.

[totalliberal]

Give him a little cocktail dress and a sting of pearls and he'll dance.

[zeezan]

Meow

[Melissa]

I love Anderson. He is also fun to watch when he appears as co-host on Regis & Kelly. Anderson & Kelly have great chemistry.

[SouthJerseySteve]

No, a Speedo! Did you see his swimming/interview with Michael Phelps? Yummy.

[neurologymatters]

Anderson was great on Ellen's show. AC is down to earth and funny. None of our business what his preference is for sexual orientation.

[Michael45]

neurologymatters - Straight people have no problem publicly identifying their sexual orientation, so why should gay people have a problem publicly identifying theirs?

[readreza]

straight people are not called upon to identify orientation... it's only an issue once the "is so-and-so gay" questioning starts.

[Pippilangstrumpf]

Because, Michael45, gay people (especially famous gay people) get pilloried in the press when they publicly identify their sexual orientation.

Not that I've ever seen a straight person have to 'publicly identify' their orientation.

Ellen was very brave to come out, but we still live in a world where it's not accepted. He did publicly identify as a WASP, so I"m sure that has a lot to do with his keeping his sexual orientation to himself.

I certainly don't blame him one bit for not coming out.

[neurologymatters]

Michael45, A person's sexual preference is nobody's business-it does not affect anyone else. Public identity is a choice each person, straight or gay, has the right to keep private.

[neurologymatters]

Michael45- I agree everyone should publicly identify their sexual orientation if they choose. Outing people is speculation- that is what I do not lile-it is invasive.

I live in a state where same sex marriage is legal- and am so glad it is.

[DeniseD]

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and a stick up his butt.

[readreza]

and a good heart, and an impressive mind, and an appealing personality. And has withstood family tragedy as well as bigotry...

[dessertsfirst]

CNN in the evening is b-o-r-i-n -g!! After the first 30 minutes of AC360 (if you can stand to watch that much), all it is is repeat. It actually is painful to watch Anderson try to find his s0u/. Beginning w/ Blitzer, all the news is a repeat in one form or another until midnight. Even Lou Dobbs is sounding tired, and seems distracted (ever since he appeared to be considering a run for the presidency last year as Mr. Independent).

[madashellvoter]

Just because he's gay, doesn't mean he can dance?

[Davwbaird]

Gay? nooooooooooooooooo.

[SouthJerseySteve]

Believe me, there are plenty of gay men who CANNOT dance, starting with my adorable partner! :-)