Meredith Vieira: Life, Career, and Personal Journey

Meredith Vieira is a highly acclaimed American journalist, television personality, and talk show host, known for her work on The View, The Today Show, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Beyond her professional achievements, she has also drawn public attention due to her personal life, particularly her marriage to journalist Richard Cohen, who recently passed away.

Early Life and Education

• Full Name: Meredith Louise Vieira
• Born: December 30, 1953
• Birthplace: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Tufts University (1975)

Meredith was raised in a close-knit Portuguese-American family. She graduated from Tufts University with a degree in English before starting her career in broadcast journalism.

Television Career Highlights

CBS News (1979-1991)

• Began as a reporter and correspondent.
• Gained recognition for her coverage on 60 Minutes and CBS Morning News.

ABC News and ‘The View’ (1997-2006)

• Original co-host of The View from 1997 to 2006, where she was known for her insightful commentary and balanced perspective.
• Won Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on The View.

The Today Show (2006-2011)

• Co-hosted NBC’s Today Show, replacing Katie Couric in 2006.
• Became a household name with her warm on-screen presence.

Game Show Hosting and Other Projects

• Hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2002-2013).
• Launched her own daytime talk show, The Meredith Vieira Show, in 2014.

Personal Life and Marriage to Richard Cohen

Spouse:

• Married to Richard Cohen (1986-2024).
• Cohen was an Emmy-winning journalist and author, widely known for his battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 50 years.

Children:

• The couple had three children:
  • Benjamin Cohen
  • Gabriel Cohen
  • Lily Cohen

Richard Cohen’s Health Struggles and Passing:

• Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his 20s.
• Overcame colon cancer twice.
• Passed away on Christmas Eve 2024, at the age of 76, due to complications from MS and pneumonia.

Vieira’s Support:

• Meredith often spoke openly about her role as a caregiver, balancing her career and supporting her husband during his health battles.

Advocacy and Philanthropy

Meredith Vieira has been an advocate for:

• Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Raising awareness and supporting caregivers for those affected by chronic illnesses.
• Women’s Rights and Equal Pay: Speaking out on gender equality issues in the workplace.
• Health Advocacy: Sharing personal stories to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.

Awards and Recognitions

• Daytime Emmy Awards:
  • The View – Outstanding Talk Show Host
  • Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Outstanding Game Show Host
• News & Documentary Emmy Award: 60 Minutes Coverage.

Notable Works and Contributions

• The View: Groundbreaking daytime talk show focusing on women’s issues.
• The Today Show: Major contributor to morning television journalism.
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Redefined prime-time game shows with her hosting style.

Legacy and Influence

Meredith Vieira remains a trailblazer in journalism and daytime television. Her career has been marked by:

• Authenticity: Genuine on-screen presence.
• Versatility: Success across journalism, talk shows, and game shows.
• Inspiration: Advocacy for caregiving and health awareness.

Meredith Vieira’s life has been one of professional excellence and personal resilience. Balancing a demanding career while supporting her husband through his health challenges has made her an inspiring figure in both media and health advocacy.

Her legacy continues to inspire audiences, both through her journalistic contributions and her commitment to family.

FAQs About Meredith Vieira

1. How long was Meredith Vieira married to Richard Cohen?

• She was married to Richard Cohen for 38 years from 1986 until his death in 2024.

2. Did Meredith Vieira have children?

• Yes, she has three children: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily Cohen.

3. What is Meredith Vieira known for?

• She is known for hosting The View, The Today Show, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

4. What health challenges did her husband face?

• Richard Cohen battled multiple sclerosis for over 50 years and survived colon cancer twice.

5. Is Meredith Vieira still active in television?

• While she has stepped back from daily hosting, she occasionally appears as a guest host and advocate for health causes.