Meredith Vieira Biography, Age, Husband, Family, Career & Net Worth 2026 in 2026

Meredith Vieira is an American journalist, TV host, and producer best known for co-hosting The View, anchoring NBC’s Today, and hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she has spent almost 50 years on television and remains one of the most trusted faces in daytime and morning TV.

As of September 2026, fans still search for Meredith Vieira biography, age, husband, children, family, young photos, height, career highlights, and net worth. Here is her full life story, updated for 2026, from her Portuguese-American roots to her current work on 25 Words or Less and special projects with NBC.

Quick Facts – Updated 2026

Full Name	Meredith Louise Vieira
Nick Name	Mer, Ditz (Today show nickname)
Profession	Journalist, Television Host, Anchor, Producer, Author
Birth Date	December 30, 1953
Age	72 years 9 months old
Birth Place	Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Hometown	East Providence, Rhode Island
Nationality	American
Known For	The View, Today Show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 60 Minutes, Dateline NBC, 25 Words or Less
Ethnicity	Portuguese-American, White
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn
Height	5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
Weight	Approx. 139 lbs (63 kg)
Body Measurements	36-27-36 inches
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Eye Color	Hazel Brown
Qualification	B.A. in English, Tufts University (1975)
High School	Lincoln School, Providence
Religion	Roman Catholic
Marital Status	Widowed
Husband	Richard M. Cohen (m. 1986 – d. 2024)
Children	3 – Benjamin Edwin Cohen, Gabriel Anthony Cohen, Lily Max Cohen
Parents	Father: Dr. Edwin Vieira, Mother: Mary Elsie Rosa
Siblings	3 brothers – Edwin, Frederick, and Stephen Vieira
Hobbies	Reading, gardening, cooking Portuguese dishes, crossword puzzles, hiking
Current Work in 2026	Host of 25 Words or Less, NBC News Special Correspondent, Producer
Years Active	1975 – Present
Net Worth in 2026	Estimated $40 Million
Annual Salary	Estimated $3 – $5 Million (syndication + specials)

If you like Meredith Vieira, you will also follow similar TV journalists and hosts trending in America right now like Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Gayle King, Robin Roberts, Kelly Ripa, and Anderson Cooper. Like Vieira, they built long careers in morning shows, talk shows, and game shows.

Early Life & Education

Meredith Louise Vieira biography starts on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island. She was the youngest of four children born to Mary Elsie Rosa, a homemaker, and Dr. Edwin Vieira, a doctor. Both parents were first-generation Portuguese-Americans with roots in the Azores, and the family was close, Catholic, and proud of its heritage.

She grew up in East Providence in a busy house with three older brothers. As a kid, Meredith was funny, talkative, and curious. She loved to read, put on plays in the living room, and mimic TV news anchors. Teachers at Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Providence, remember her as smart and quick with jokes.

After high school in 1971, she went to Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She first planned to go to medical school like her father, but she fell in love with English literature. She graduated summa cum laude in 1975 with a B.A. in English. While at Tufts, she worked at the college radio station and found she loved telling stories with a microphone.

Right after college, she took a job as a news announcer at WORC radio in Worcester, Massachusetts, reading news and doing small reports. That first low-pay job taught her how to write fast, speak clearly, and stay calm on air — skills that shaped her whole career.

Career Journey in 2026: From Local News to National Icon

Meredith Vieira career spans five decades, from small-market radio to network morning TV, primetime news, daytime talk, and game shows. Few hosts have succeeded in so many formats.

1975 – 1982: Local Beginnings

Vieira started at WORC in Worcester in 1975, then moved to TV at WJAR-TV in Providence as a reporter and anchor. In 1979, she jumped to WCBS-TV in New York City as an investigative reporter. Her warm but tough style caught the eye of CBS News executives.

1982 – 1991: 60 Minutes and CBS Morning News

In 1982, at age 28, she joined CBS News. She became a correspondent for West 57th and then for 60 Minutes from 1989 to 1991. She covered major stories on child abuse, politics, and health care. She left 60 Minutes after the birth of her first son to spend more time with family, a decision that made headlines and showed her focus on work-life balance.

From 1992 to 1993, she co-anchored the CBS Morning News and contributed to Dateline NBC later in the decade. She also hosted Intimate Portrait on Lifetime, where her soft interview style won many fans.

1997 – 2006: The View and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

In August 1997, Barbara Walters picked Vieira as one of the original co-hosts of ABC’s The View alongside Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos, Joy Behar, and Walters. For nine seasons, Vieira acted as moderator. She kept debates calm, asked smart questions, and added humor. The show earned Daytime Emmy nominations and became a daytime hit.

In 2002, she took on a second job as host of the syndicated Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. She hosted for 11 seasons until 2013, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. Her famous line, checking answers with kindness instead of pressure, made her loved by contestants.

2006 – 2011: Today Show Anchor

In September 2006, Vieira replaced Katie Couric as co-anchor of NBC’s Today with Matt Lauer. For nearly five years, she led coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2008 presidential election, royal weddings, hurricanes, and breaking news. Today stayed No. 1 in ratings for most of her run. She left in June 2011 to spend time with her husband, who was dealing with multiple sclerosis and cancer, but she stayed as a special correspondent.

2012 – 2026: Recent Activity, 25 Words or Less and Specials

After Today, Vieira hosted her own daytime talk show The Meredith Vieira Show (2014-2016), produced documentaries like Tower to the Sun, and returned often to NBC for Olympics coverage and reunion specials.

Since 2019, her main job has been hosting the Fox game show 25 Words or Less, which she also executive produces. As of early 2026, the show is in its seventh season in syndication and remains a strong ratings performer with celebrity guests like Jane Lynch, Mario Lopez, and Colman Domingo.

In 2026, Vieira is also active as an NBC special correspondent. She appeared in January 2025 for Hoda Kotb’s farewell from Today, returned for Today 70th anniversary specials, and in late 2025 she spoke openly about grief and caregiving after the loss of her husband. In March 2026, she taped a new PBS special on Alzheimer’s caregiving and launched a podcast series on family health stories. She continues to live in New York and Los Angeles for tapings.

Watch: Meredith Vieira recent TODAY appearance and interview highlights.

Meredith Vieira TV Shows and Career Stats

WJAR-TV Providence (1975-1979) – Reporter / Anchor
WCBS-TV New York (1979-1982) – Investigative Reporter
60 Minutes – CBS (1989-1991) – Correspondent
The View – ABC (1997-2006) – Moderator / Co-host, 2,147 episodes
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2002-2013) – Host, 1,800+ episodes
Today – NBC (2006-2011) – Co-anchor, 1,200+ episodes
Dateline NBC (1993-2006, guest to present) – Correspondent
The Meredith Vieira Show (2014-2016) – Host / Producer
25 Words or Less (2019-Present) – Host / Executive Producer, 700+ episodes as of 2026
Documentaries: No One Would Tell, Tower to the Sun, The Woman Who Wasn’t There
Books / Audio: Contributor to caregiving books, 2025 memoir interviews

Personal Life, Husband, Children and Family

Meredith Vieira personal life has been marked by a long love story, three kids, and years as a caregiver. Young fans who see her old photos often ask about her husband and family today.

Husband – Richard M. Cohen

Vieira married CBS News producer and author Richard M. Cohen on June 14, 1986. They met in the 1970s at CBS and stayed together for 38 years. Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years and survived colon cancer twice. Vieira often reduced work to care for him.

Cohen, a best-selling author of books like Blindsided and Chasing Hope, died on December 24, 2024, at age 76. In 2025 and 2026 interviews with People and Today, Vieira spoke about grief, saying she still talks to him every morning and finds comfort in their kids and work. As of September 2026, she has not remarried and says she is focused on family and health advocacy.

Children

Benjamin Edwin Cohen (Ben) – Born May 1989. Works as a TV producer and writer in New York. Married to Sara Cohen. He often joins his mom for charity events.
Gabriel Anthony Cohen (Gabe) – Born October 1991. A writer and former VICE reporter. He wrote about his dad’s illness and his mom’s strength.
Lily Max Cohen – Born October 1993. Graduated from Northwestern. Works in entertainment development in Los Angeles and is close to her mom.

Parents and Siblings

Her father Dr. Edwin Vieira died young, and her mother Mary Elsie Rosa Vieira died in 2020 at age 102. Meredith has three older brothers: Edwin, Frederick, and Stephen. The family still gathers in Rhode Island every summer.

Dating History and Affairs

Before marriage, Vieira dated a college boyfriend at Tufts but kept it private. Since meeting Cohen in the late 1970s, she has had no public affairs or other relationships. She has said in interviews that Cohen was her first true love and best friend.

Outside work, she loves cooking Portuguese kale soup, gardening at her New York home, playing with her two dogs, and supporting MS research and Alzheimer’s groups. In 2026, she joined the board of a caregiving nonprofit in her husband’s honor.

Awards & Achievements

14 Daytime Emmy Awards – including Outstanding Morning Program for Today (2007) and Outstanding Game Show Host for Millionaire (2005, 2009)
News & Documentary Emmy for 60 Minutes and Dateline reporting
Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications (2006)
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Television (2016)
Tufts University Distinguished Alumni Award
National MS Society Hope Award for caregiving advocacy with Richard Cohen
Inducted into Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2018)
2025 Gracie Award tribute for lifetime work in media

Physical Statistics

Meredith Vieira height is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) and weight is around 139 lbs (63 kg). Even in her 70s, she is known for a fit, active look. She has dark brown hair, often worn in a shoulder bob, hazel-brown eyes, and a warm smile. Her dress size is US 8, shoe size US 7. She stays active with walking, yoga, and light weights. Young photos from the 1980s show the same short brown hair and bright smile she still has in 2026.

Quotes by Meredith Vieira

“I learned that you can love your work and still know when to walk away for family. Family always wins.”

“Ask the next question. Listen harder than you talk. That is the whole secret of interviewing.”

“Grief does not end, it changes shape. I carry Richard with me into every room I walk into.” – Today interview, 2025

Controversies

Vieira has had a mostly clean image, but faced a few public bumps. In 2006, her exit from The View sparked rumors of tension with Star Jones and Barbara Walters, though all three later said it was friendly. In 2011, some critics questioned her decision to leave Today at the top of ratings, but she explained it was for her husband’s health. In 2015, her daytime talk show faced low ratings and was canceled, leading to debate about daytime TV competition. None involved scandals, and she remains widely respected.

Favorites

Favorite Food: Portuguese kale soup, clam chowder, dark chocolate
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
Favorite Host: Barbara Walters (mentor)
Favorite Vacation Spot: Azores, Portugal and Martha’s Vineyard
Favorite Hobby: Gardening and crossword puzzles
Favorite Quote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Meredith Vieira Net Worth and Earnings in 2026

Meredith Vieira net worth in 2026 is estimated at $40 million, based on TV salaries, syndication pay, producing fees, and real estate. During her Today years (2006-2011), she earned about $10 million per year, making her one of TV’s highest-paid anchors. For Millionaire, she earned about $3 million per season.

In 2026, her income comes from hosting and executive producing 25 Words or Less (estimated $3 million per year), NBC specials, speaking events ($50,000 – $100,000 per talk), and royalties. She and her late husband owned a $8.9 million apartment in New York City and a home in Irvington, New York, which she still owns. She also supports charities for MS, cancer research, and caregiving.

Interesting Facts

She is fluent in Portuguese phrases from her Azorean grandparents and still cooks family recipes.
She turned down Dancing with the Stars twice because of bad knees.
She was Barbara Walters’ first choice to moderate The View in 1997.
She has interviewed every U.S. president from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden.
She keeps all her press badges from 60 Minutes, Today, and the Olympics in a scrapbook.
Her son Gabe once surprised her on Millionaire as an audience contestant.
In 2026, she still writes thank-you notes by hand to every 25 Words or Less contestant.

Did You Know Already?

Did you know Meredith Vieira almost became a doctor? She entered Tufts as a pre-med student before switching to English. Did you know she left 60 Minutes because producers would not let her work part-time after having a baby? That choice led her to Lifetime, The View, and later Today. And did you know in 2026 she mentors young female journalists at Tufts through a scholarship named for her mother?

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Meredith Vieira in 2026?

Born December 30, 1953, Meredith Vieira is 72 years old as of September 2026. She will turn 73 in December 2026.

Who is Meredith Vieira’s husband?

Her husband was journalist and author Richard M. Cohen. They married in 1986 and were together until his death on December 24, 2024. She is currently widowed.

How many children does Meredith Vieira have?

She has three children: sons Benjamin and Gabriel Cohen and daughter Lily Cohen. All three work in media and writing.

What is Meredith Vieira doing now in 2026?

In 2026, she hosts and executive produces 25 Words or Less, appears as an NBC News special correspondent, and works on caregiving advocacy after her husband’s passing.

What is Meredith Vieira net worth?

Her net worth is estimated at $40 million in 2026 from decades on Today, The View, Millionaire, and 25 Words or Less, plus producing and real estate.

Why did Meredith Vieira leave the Today Show?

She left in 2011 to care for her husband Richard Cohen, who had MS and cancer, and to spend more time with family. She stayed friends with NBC and still returns for specials.

Conclusion

Meredith Vieira biography shows a caring journalist who ruled morning TV, daytime talk, and game shows without losing her kindness. From Providence to Today and 25 Words or Less in 2026, her story inspires young hosts across America. If you found this Meredith Vieira age, family, career, and net worth guide helpful, please share it with friends and leave a comment below.

Key Sources: NBC News, People Magazine, The New York Times, Tufts University Alumni Records