When you grow up with Joan Rivers as your grandmother, "normal" is a relative term. For Edgar Cooper Endicott, life wasn't just about the bright lights of Hollywood or the red carpets; it was about surviving the whirlwind of one of the most famous comedy dynasties in history. Most of us remember him as the quiet kid on Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, often acting as the grounded foil to his grandmother’s legendary antics. But now that he’s in his mid-twenties, the conversation around Melissa Rivers son Cooper has shifted. He’s no longer just a "legacy" kid. He’s a man with his own trajectory, and honestly, it’s a lot more low-key than you might expect.
It’s easy to assume the grandson of a woman who owned a $35 million Manhattan penthouse would be a spoiled "nepo baby." But if you’ve followed Melissa Rivers’ journey as a parent, you know she went out of her way to make sure that didn't happen.
The Reality of Growing Up a Rivers
Cooper was born in 2000, the only child of Melissa Rivers and her ex-husband, horse trainer John Endicott. While the marriage didn't last—they divorced in 2003—the parenting style was remarkably consistent. Melissa has been vocal about the fact that she didn't want Cooper to be a "Hollywood brat."
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Growing up in the shadow of Joan Rivers is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have access to the best of everything. On the other, the public eye is relentless. Cooper spent a huge chunk of his childhood being filmed for reality TV. He was basically a supporting character in the Joan Rivers brand. Yet, despite the cameras, Melissa describes him as "solid."
A Different Kind of Education
Unlike many celebrity kids who dive headfirst into acting or influencer culture, Cooper took a more academic route. He headed to the University of Southern California (USC) to study business. This wasn't just a random choice; it was a move toward independence.
- Academics: Business Administration at USC.
- Athletics: A major focus during his younger years, specifically lacrosse.
- Philanthropy: Active involvement in mental health advocacy, continuing the work his mother and grandmother started.
Actually, his involvement in sports played a massive role in keeping him grounded. Lacrosse isn't exactly a "glamour" sport in the way that being a teen model is. It’s gritty. It’s team-oriented. It’s about getting hit and getting back up. That’s a pretty good metaphor for the Rivers family history, if you think about it.
The Relationship with Melissa: More Than Just Mother and Son
Melissa Rivers and her son Cooper share a bond that was forged in some pretty heavy stuff. They lost Joan in 2014, a loss that shook the entertainment world but devastated their small family unit. Melissa has mentioned in interviews—most notably on her podcast Melissa Rivers' Group Text—that they have an incredibly open dialogue.
She’s admitted that she’s "not the kind of mom" who hides things. They talk about everything: mental health, the legacy of his grandfather Edgar Rosenberg (who died by suicide in 1987), and the pressures of the family name. In 2021, Melissa spoke to People about how the pandemic actually strengthened their relationship. They were stuck in a house together, forced to navigate the "new normal" just like everyone else. She saw him transition from a college kid to a young adult in real-time.
The Recent Milestone: Melissa’s Wedding
A huge moment for the family happened recently when Melissa married attorney Steve Mitchel in Jackson Hole. Cooper wasn't just a guest; he was a central figure. At 24 years old, he gave a speech that apparently left the room in tears. Welcoming a new stepfather into the mix can be tricky for any adult child, but by all accounts, Cooper handled it with the kind of grace that makes Melissa "ridiculously proud."
Why the "Nepo Baby" Label Doesn't Quite Fit
The internet loves to talk about celebrity kids "taking up space," but Cooper seems to be doing the opposite. He’s not out there trying to land a Netflix special or a reality show of his own. He’s working. He’s studying. He’s staying out of the tabloids.
Honestly, he’s become the "solid person" Melissa always hoped he would be.
- Low Profile: His social media is mostly private or focused on friends, not "clout."
- Career Focus: He’s leaning into the business side of the industry rather than the performance side.
- Inheritance: Yes, he and Melissa inherited Joan’s massive estate, but they’ve used much of that platform for charitable work, particularly with God’s Love We Deliver and various mental health organizations.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think because he’s a Rivers, he must be "on" all the time. But Cooper is famously the quiet one. Friends describe him as approachable and down-to-earth. He’s got the sharp wit—you can’t escape that DNA—but it’s used in private circles rather than on a stage.
He’s also deeply involved in his mother's life in a way that feels supportive rather than dependent. When Melissa talks about him, she doesn't talk about his "potential to be a star." She talks about his character. "He’s kind. He has empathy," she told People. In the world of celebrity, that’s a much rarer currency than a SAG card.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Cooper?
As we move through 2026, Cooper is navigating the world as a young professional. While he stays away from the "celebrity for the sake of celebrity" path, his influence is felt behind the scenes. He’s a bridge between the old-school Hollywood legend of his grandmother and a new, more private generation.
If you’re looking to follow his journey, don’t expect a TikTok dance or a controversial tweet. Expect to see him at a charity gala, on a lacrosse field, or perhaps eventually managing the business side of the Rivers legacy.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Observers
If you're interested in the legacy Cooper represents, there are a few ways to engage with the work he and Melissa are doing:
- Listen to the Podcast: Melissa often shares updates on their family life on Melissa Rivers' Group Text. It’s the best way to get a real, unvarnished look at their dynamic.
- Support the Causes: The family is deeply involved with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. If you want to honor Joan’s legacy, that’s where they put their energy.
- Watch the Archives: If you want to see the "origin story," go back and watch Joan Knows Best?. It’s a fascinating look at a kid trying to be normal in a very abnormal world.
Cooper Endicott is proof that you can grow up in a circus and not become a clown. He’s a reminder that even in the most public families, there’s a way to build a private, meaningful life.