Richard Cohen: Life, Career, and Legacy (1947-2024)
Richard Cohen, an award-winning journalist, author, and advocate, passed away on Christmas Eve 2024 at the age of 76. He was widely known for his impressive career in journalism, his public battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), and his marriage to Meredith Vieira, former TODAY show anchor.
Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Richard Merrill Cohen
- Born: February 14, 1947
- Died: December 24, 2024 (Age: 76)
- Birthplace: Plainview, New York, USA
- Education: Columbia University
Richard Cohen graduated from Columbia University, where he developed a passion for journalism and storytelling.
Career Highlights
Richard Cohen had a successful career spanning over four decades as a journalist and producer.
Key Career Achievements:
- 📰 CBS News: Cohen worked as a producer for CBS News, where he won multiple Emmy Awards for his work.
- 📺 ABC News: Served as a senior producer on CBS Evening News and worked on CBS Reports.
- 📖 Author: Cohen authored multiple bestselling books, often focusing on his personal experiences with health struggles and overcoming adversity.
Notable Works:
- Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness (2004)
- Strong at the Broken Places: Voices of Illness, a Chorus of Hope (2008)
Cohen was respected for his ability to blend personal storytelling with journalistic integrity.
Battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Cohen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1973 at the age of 25.
Health Challenges:
- 🦠 Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosed in his mid-20s, he lived with MS for over 50 years, losing his vision in both eyes.
- 🎗️ Cancer Survivor: He also survived two battles with colon cancer, showing resilience through his health challenges.
Cohen became a public advocate for MS awareness, using his platform to inspire others living with chronic illnesses.
Marriage and Family
Richard Cohen was married to Meredith Vieira in 1986. The couple shared a strong bond through their 38-year marriage.
Children:
- The couple had three children:
- Benjamin Cohen
- Gabriel Cohen
- Lily Cohen
Vieira often credited her husband’s strength and humor as a cornerstone of their relationship.
Legacy and Death
Richard Cohen passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 76.
Cause of Death:
- Multiple Sclerosis Complications and a pneumonia diagnosis led to his passing after a prolonged health battle.
Public Tributes:
- Meredith Vieira and the TODAY show publicly mourned his death, with Vieira expressing gratitude for their life together.
- Journalistic Legacy: Cohen’s work continues to inspire both journalists and those living with chronic illnesses.
Awards and Recognitions
- 🏆 Multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a journalist.
- 📚 Bestselling Author for Blindsided and Strong at the Broken Places.
Notable Quotes by Richard Cohen:
- “Adversity introduces us to ourselves. It reveals our inner strength.”
- “Living with illness does not mean being defined by it.”
Books by Richard Cohen:
- Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness (2004)
- Strong at the Broken Places: Voices of Illness, a Chorus of Hope (2008)
- I Want to Kill the Dog (2012) – A humorous memoir about family life.
A Life of Resilience and Inspiration
Richard Cohen’s life was marked by courage, journalistic excellence, and personal strength. Despite battling chronic illness for most of his life, he remained a powerful voice in media and literature, inspiring countless people facing similar challenges.
He will be remembered not only for his contributions to broadcast journalism but also for his advocacy and the strength he showed throughout his life.
FAQs About Richard Cohen
1. How long was Richard Cohen married to Meredith Vieira?
- He was married to Meredith Vieira for 38 years, from 1986 until his death in 2024.
2. What illness did Richard Cohen have?
- Cohen battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 50 years and was a cancer survivor.
3. Did Richard Cohen write any books?
- Yes, his most notable works include Blindsided and Strong at the Broken Places.
4. How many children did Richard Cohen have?
- He had three children with Meredith Vieira: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily.
5. What awards did Richard Cohen win?
- He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a journalist and producer.
