Meredith Vieira, an accomplished American television personality and broadcast journalist, has carved an indelible mark in the media landscape. With a career spanning decades, Vieira’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and talent. As of 2025, Meredith Vieira’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million, reflecting her longstanding success in television and journalism.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Meredith Louise Vieira grew up in a close-knit family rooted in Portuguese heritage. Her parents, Mary and Edwin Vieira, were first-generation Portuguese Americans. Edwin worked as a medical doctor, while Mary dedicated her time to raising Meredith and her three siblings. The family’s lineage traces back to Faial Island, with the surname “Vieira” meaning “scallop” in Portuguese, symbolizing their ancestral ties.
Vieira attended Quaker schools throughout her early education, reflecting the family’s commitment to strong moral and ethical values. During her high school years, she excelled academically, scoring an impressive 1330 on her SATs. Following her graduation, she enrolled at Tufts University, where she earned a magna cum laude bachelor’s degree in English in 1975.
Launching a Career in Journalism
Meredith Vieira’s career in broadcast journalism began modestly in 1975 at WORC radio in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she worked as a newscaster. Her talent and passion for storytelling quickly propelled her forward, landing her a role as an investigative reporter at WCBS-TV in New York City by 1979. Her relentless pursuit of impactful stories earned her a spot at CBS’s Chicago bureau in 1982.
Vieira’s career trajectory soared when she joined CBS’s “West 57th,” a flagship investigative news program, from 1985 to 1989. Her next step was as a correspondent for the prestigious “60 Minutes” program. However, balancing a demanding career and family life led her to depart from “60 Minutes” in 1991 after the birth of her second child. Before leaving CBS in 1993, Vieira co-hosted the “CBS Morning News,” further cementing her reputation as a respected journalist.
Rise to Prominence: “The View” and “Today”
Meredith Vieira’s prominence in daytime television began in 1997 when she was invited to moderate ABC’s new talk show, “The View.” As the show’s inaugural moderator, she became a household name, steering discussions and debates with poise and insight. Her 9-year tenure on “The View” not only showcased her hosting skills but also contributed significantly to her growing net worth.
In 2006, Vieira took on another high-profile role, replacing Katie Couric as co-host of NBC’s “Today.” At the peak of her career on “Today,” Meredith Vieira earned an impressive annual salary of $11 million. Her position at NBC allowed her to co-anchor major events, including coverage of the Olympics in 2008 (Beijing), 2010 (Vancouver), 2012 (London), and 2014 (Sochi). Despite her success, Vieira stepped away from “Today” in 2011 to focus on personal projects.
Game Shows and Beyond
A significant contributor to Vieira’s wealth and fame was her tenure as host and co-producer of the syndicated version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” from 2002 to 2013. Her work on the show earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards in 2005 and 2009, making her the second woman, after Betty White, to win the Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host. Her ability to engage contestants and audiences alike kept her in the spotlight for over a decade.
Vieira continued to explore hosting opportunities, launching “The Meredith Vieira Show” in 2014. Though the talk show ended in 2016 due to declining ratings, it added to her portfolio of successful ventures. She also returned to daytime television in 2019 as the host of “25 Words or Less,” a popular game show.
Acting and Producing
In addition to her hosting roles, Meredith Vieira has dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as “Stepford Wives” (2004), “Shrek Forever After” (2010), and “Get Him to the Greek” (2010). Her talents extended behind the camera as well, co-producing the documentary “The Woman Who Wasn’t There,” which delved into the story of a fraudulent 9/11 survivor. The documentary received critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
Personal Life and Family
Meredith Vieira married fellow journalist Richard M. Cohen in June 1986. Cohen, a respected figure in television journalism, faced numerous health challenges, including multiple sclerosis and colon cancer. Despite these hurdles, their marriage flourished, and they raised three children together. Their eldest son, Gabe Cohen, followed in their footsteps and now works as a reporter for CNN.
Tragically, Richard Cohen passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 76. His legacy, marked by journalistic excellence and resilience, continues to inspire.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Over the years, Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen invested in several prime properties. Their real estate portfolio includes a luxurious penthouse in New York City’s famed Eldorado building, purchased for $8.5 million in 2014. The penthouse, previously home to celebrities such as Alec Baldwin and Bruce Willis, is one of their most notable assets. In addition, they own properties in Westchester County, New York, and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills.
Legacy and Future
Meredith Vieira’s career is a remarkable blend of journalistic integrity, television charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a net worth of $45 million at 71 years old, Vieira’s legacy extends beyond her financial achievements. She remains an influential figure in media, celebrated for her contributions to journalism, game shows, and entertainment.
