Meredith Vieira NBC, Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Children, Salary, Net Worth
Meredith Vieira Biography
Meredith Vieira is an American broadcast journalist, television personality, and game show host with a career spanning five decades. She was born Meredith Louise Vieira on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island into a Portuguese-American family, the youngest of four children.
Vieira began her media career in 1975 as a radio news announcer before moving into television reporting and anchoring at local stations. She later joined CBS News, working as a correspondent and co-anchor for major news segments such as West 57th and 60 Minutes.
In 1997, Vieira became the original moderator of The View, where she led discussions on politics and culture. She gained broader fame as the original host of the syndicated Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 2002 to 2013, earning Daytime Emmy Awards. Then in 2006, she succeeded Katie Couric as co-host of NBC’s Today, where she delivered news, interviews, and human-interest stories until 2011.
Vieira also hosted The Meredith Vieira Show (2014–2016) and became host of the syndicated game show 25 Words or Less in 2019, bringing entertainment and wordplay fun to daytime TV. She contributed to Dateline NBC, Rock Center with Brian Williams, and special network coverage, including Olympic events.
Off screen, Vieira graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University with a Bachelor’s in English in 1975, a foundation that supported her reporting and storytelling. She married journalist Richard M. Cohen in 1986, and they raised three children together.
Across journalism, talk shows, and game shows, Vieira remains celebrated for her warmth, professionalism, and influence on American television.
Meredith Vieira Age 2026 | How Old is Meredith Vieira?
Meredith Vieira is 72 years old as of 2026. She was born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Moreover, her age reflects decades of impactful work in television journalism and hosting. She has anchored major news programs, led talk shows, and hosted popular game shows. Additionally, her age highlights her role as a media pioneer and seasoned television personality.
Meredith Vieira Height | How Tall is Meredith Vieira?
Meredith Vieira stands 5 feet 1 inch tall (155 cm). Her height gives her a friendly and approachable on-screen presence. Moreover, this stature complements her roles as a television host and interviewer. Additionally, her height works well alongside co-hosts and guests during broadcast segments.
Meredith Vieira Education
Meredith Vieira built her successful media career on a solid academic foundation. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Her studies focused on writing, literature, and communication, which later shaped her strength as a journalist and television host. Moreover, her education equipped her with sharp storytelling skills valuable in news reporting and hosting talk shows. Additionally, she balanced academics with leadership roles in college.
Meredith Vieira Husband | Richard M. Cohen and Their Life Together
Meredith Vieira’s husband was Richard M. Cohen, a respected American journalist and author. They married in 1986 after building a supportive partnership rooted in media and storytelling. Moreover, Cohen worked for CBS News and ABC News, reporting on major national events. Together, they raised three children while balancing demanding careers. Additionally, Cohen bravely lived with multiple sclerosis for over 50 years, showing strength and resilience. He died on December 24, 2024, surrounded by family.
Meredith Vieira Children | Kids
Meredith Vieira and her husband Richard M. Cohen have three children together. Their oldest son is Liam Cohen, followed by twins Carrie and Jackie Cohen. Moreover, Liam pursued a career in media and communications, often supporting his parents’ public work. Meanwhile, Carrie and Jackie grew up alongside their siblings in a household rooted in journalism and education. Additionally, Meredith often speaks with pride about her children’s accomplishments and personal values.
Meredith Vieira Family | Parents, Siblings & Early Life
Meredith Vieira grew up in a Portuguese-American family in East Providence, Rhode Island. Her mother, Mary Elsie (Rosa), worked as a homemaker, and her father, Dr. Edwin Vieira, served as a medical doctor in their community. Moreover, both parents were first-generation Portuguese Americans, and all four of her grandparents came from the Azores islands in Portugal. Vieira is the youngest of four children, with three older brothers who helped shape her childhood experiences. Additionally, her family’s values of education and resilience supported her early confidence and career ambition.
Meredith Vieira Grandchildren | Family Expansion
Meredith Vieira has celebrated becoming a grandmother as her family grows with the next generation. In recent years, one of her three adult children welcomed a child, bringing joy to the extended family. Moreover, Vieira has expressed excitement about this new role and the special moments it brings. Additionally, her grandchildren add a fresh chapter to family celebrations and gatherings.
Meredith Vieira Husband Funeral
What happened to Meredith Vieira’s husband?
Meredith Vieira’s husband, Richard M. Cohen, died on December 24, 2024, at age 76, after living with multiple sclerosis for more than five decades. His passing occurred on Christmas Eve, surrounded by family and love.
Following news of his death, colleagues and loved ones celebrated his life and legacy. Vieira’s former Today co-host Hoda Kotb shared that Cohen was with his wife and three adult children at the time of his passing.
While detailed public information about the funeral service itself was not widely released, many tributes acknowledged his career in journalism and bravery in facing chronic illness.
Family, friends, and media figures remembered Cohen for his strength through multiple sclerosis and cancer battles, and for the love he shared with Vieira over nearly four decades of marriage.
Meredith Vieira NBC | Today Show 2026: Career, Role & Legacy
Meredith Vieira became a household name through her work on NBC’s Today show, where she served as a key personality from 2006 to 2011. She joined Today after a successful career in journalism and talk shows. Moreover, Vieira brought warmth, credibility, and thoughtful interviews to morning television audiences. During her tenure, she covered news, lifestyle segments, and high-profile interviews that expanded her national profile.
Additionally, Vieira balanced hard news with human-interest features, giving viewers a blend of information and empathy. After stepping down from her full-time co-host role in June 2011, she continued contributing to NBC as a special correspondent. Furthermore, her Today experience helped pave the way for later projects, including talk shows and game show hosting.
Meredith Vieira Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Hosting Era, Success & Awards
Meredith Vieira became a defining face of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire when she began hosting in 2002. She brought warmth, clarity, and authority to the syndicated quiz show. Moreover, her hosting style helped revive the program’s popularity nationwide. She guided contestants through high-stakes questions with calm confidence. Additionally, her work earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She hosted the show until 2013, leaving a lasting legacy.
Meredith Vieira Movies and TV Shows
Meredith Vieira has appeared in both movies and television shows beyond her journalism career. She often plays herself in cameo roles or lends her voice to animated films. Below are notable appearances:
🎥 Movies:
- Get Him to the Greek (2010) — Appeared as herself in a comedic scene.
- Shrek Forever After (2010) — Voiced Broomsy Witch in this animated feature.
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) — Made a voice cameo.
- The Stepford Wives (2004) — Had a small role.
📺 TV Shows & Cameos:
- 30 Rock — Guest appearances as herself in multiple episodes.
- Orange Is the New Black — Brief cameo as herself.
- House of Cards — Appeared in a cameo role.
- Doctor Who (feature segment cameo) — Appeared in a special crossover profile segment.
Across these projects, Meredith Vieira blends her journalism identity with light acting roles, bringing her recognizable presence to film and scripted television.
Meredith Vieira Salary 2026
Meredith Vieira earned a reported annual salary of about $11 million at the peak of her Today show career, reflecting her status as a top television host. Moreover, her income included compensation from hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and syndicated shows. Additionally, she likely earned significant pay from production and appearance fees during her long broadcasting career.
Meredith Vieira Net Worth 2026
Meredith Vieira has an estimated net worth of $60 million as of 2026, earned through her decades-long career in television. She built wealth as co-host of Today, moderator of The View, and host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Moreover, her work on daytime and syndicated shows added to her earnings. Additionally, correspondent roles and producing jobs contributed to her financial success.
