Meredith Vieira Biography
Meredith Vieira is a well-known American broadcast journalist and television personality, celebrated for her roles in hit shows like The View, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and NBC’s Today. She kicked off her career as the original moderator of The View when it debuted in 1997, holding that position until 2006. From 2002 to 2013, she hosted the daytime version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and co-hosted Today from 2006 to 2011.
Throughout her career, Vieira has made significant contributions to major news programs such as Dateline NBC, Rock Center with Brian Williams, and NBC Nightly News. Between 1994 and 2005, she hosted Intimate Portrait, a Lifetime series that showcased the lives of remarkable women. She later created The Meredith Vieira Show, a daytime talk show that ran from 2014 to 2016. Since 2019, she has been the host of the game show 25 Words or Less, where contestants must guess words based on limited clues.
In 2019, Vieira also stepped in as a co-host on Today with Hoda & Jenna during Hoda Kotb’s maternity leave, making guest appearances that were well-received.
Her professional connection with Matt Lauer, her former co-host on Today, drew public interest after his dismissal from NBC in 2017. Reports suggested that Vieira had encouraged a former assistant, who had accused Lauer of sexual misconduct, to bring the issue to the attention of NBC executives. Following this, Lauer was fired after the network received a complaint regarding inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. These allegations and his subsequent dismissal sparked a renewed focus on workplace conduct and accountability in the television industry.
Meredith Vieira Age
Born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Meredith Vieira is 72 years old as of 2026. She spent her childhood in nearby East Providence, growing up in a Portuguese-American family. It was here that her passion for journalism blossomed, paving the way for her to become one of America’s most beloved television personalities.
Meredith Vieira Education
Meredith Vieira kicked off her education at Lincoln School, a Quaker all-girls institution in Providence, where she graduated in 1971. She then moved on to Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, to pursue a degree in English.
In 1975, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Tufts. This solid educational foundation equipped her with the essential skills in communication, research, interviewing, and storytelling that would serve her well in her career. Shortly after graduation, she dove into the world of radio before making her mark in television journalism.
Meredith Vieira Height
Standing at about 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm), Meredith Vieira has a petite stature that complements her vibrant personality.
Meredith Vieira Parents
Meredith Vieira is the daughter of Edwin Vieira and Mary Elsie Rosa Vieira. Her father was a physician, while her mother dedicated her time to raising their four children at home.
Both of her parents were first-generation Portuguese Americans, with family roots tracing back to the Azores, a beautiful group of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic. As the youngest of four siblings, Meredith grew up surrounded by three older brothers.
Her Portuguese-American heritage significantly influenced her upbringing. Raised in a Catholic household and attending a Quaker school, these experiences shaped her educational and cultural identity.
Meredith Vieira Nationality
Meredith Vieira proudly holds American nationality. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and spent her formative years in East Providence.
Meredith Vieira First Husband
Meredith Vieira didn’t have a publicly known first husband before Richard M. Cohen. Their marriage, which began in 1986, lasted until his passing in December 2024.
The two crossed paths through their journalism careers and built a family while juggling the demands of television and Cohen’s ongoing health struggles. Their bond lasted an impressive 38 years.
Meredith Vieira Husband: Richard Cohen
Meredith Vieira’s husband, Richard Cohen, was a talented journalist, producer, and author. They tied the knot on June 14, 1986, after meeting in the world of journalism.
Cohen had a notable career with CBS News and CNN, where he shared his journey living with multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed at just 25, he also faced two battles with colon cancer. Despite these hurdles, he forged a successful career in journalism and became a voice for those dealing with chronic illnesses.
Meredith Vieira Children
Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen are proud parents of three children:
– Benjamin Cohen: Their oldest son, who prefers to keep a low profile.
– Gabriel (Gabe) Cohen: Their younger son, who has made a name for himself as a journalist and reporter at CNN.
– Lily Cohen: Their daughter, who is happily married and has a little girl named Darcy.
Vieira has always highlighted how crucial family is to her, especially when it comes to her career choices. In 2011, she made the decision to leave NBC’s Today show, partly to dedicate more time to her husband and kids.
In a heartfelt interview in September 2026, Vieira shared how much she cherishes the time spent with her grandchildren, including Gabe’s son Cam and Lily’s daughter Darcy. She expressed that having more flexibility to visit her family felt particularly special after years of juggling work and caregiving duties.
Meredith Vieira Matt Lauer
Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer worked side by side on NBC’s Today show from 2006 to 2011. Vieira stepped into the role after leaving The View, taking over from Katie Couric as Lauer’s co-anchor.
Their dynamic on-air partnership was a blend of serious news coverage and lighthearted banter. Vieira later reflected on Lauer as a close colleague who shared her sense of humor, likening their bond to that of siblings.
Their professional relationship came back into the spotlight in 2017 when Lauer was let go by NBC due to allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. Vieira described the situation as both heartbreaking and complex, adding that she never felt unsafe around him during their time together.
Meredith Vieira Today: What Is She Doing Now?
As of October 2026, Meredith Vieira is still making waves in the television world, especially as the host of the game show 25 Words or Less. The show kicked off its eighth season in September 2026, as she shared in a recent interview.
In addition to her television work, Vieira has been prioritizing her family life after the passing of her husband, Richard Cohen, in December 2024. During her September 2026 chat, she mentioned how she’s been relishing the newfound freedom to visit her children and grandchildren, travel, and enjoy life away from the hectic pace of a demanding TV schedule.
She expressed that while she loves working in a studio and collaborating with a production team, she’s not looking to dive back into the daily grind of network news. Instead, she seems quite happy to pursue projects that let her strike a balance between her professional and personal life.
So, for those curious if Meredith Vieira has hung up her hat for good, the answer is a resounding no. Her ongoing role in 25 Words or Less proves she’s still very much a part of the television landscape.
What Show Was Meredith Vieira On?
Meredith Vieira has made her mark on several well-known American television shows throughout her impressive career. Her experience covers a wide range of genres, including investigative journalism, morning news, talk shows, and game shows.
1. The View (1997–2006)
As one of the original co-hosts, Vieira took on the role of moderator, skillfully introducing discussion topics and steering conversations among the panelists.
2. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2002–2013)
She hosted the daytime version of this iconic quiz show, where she became a familiar face, expertly guiding contestants through the challenging questions and prize tiers.
3. Today (2006–2011)
Vieira co-anchored NBC’s morning show alongside Matt Lauer, where she reported on significant news stories and covered major events.
4. The Meredith Vieira Show (2014–2016)
In this period, she hosted her own daytime talk show, which featured engaging celebrity interviews, heartwarming human-interest stories, and lively entertainment segments.
5. 25 Words or Less (2019–present)
Currently, Vieira is at the helm of this energetic game show, where teams race against the clock to help their partners guess words with just a few clues.
Her impressive resume also includes notable appearances on 60 Minutes, West 57th, Intimate Portrait, and Dateline NBC, showcasing her remarkable versatility as both a serious journalist and a charismatic entertainment host.
Meredith Vieira’s Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Meredith Vieira boasts an estimated net worth of $45 million.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meredith Vieira
How old is Meredith Vieira in 2026?
Meredith Vieira will be 72 years old, as she was born on December 30, 1953.
Who was Meredith Vieira’s husband?
Her husband was Richard M. Cohen, a journalist and author. They tied the knot in 1986, and sadly, he passed away on December 24, 2024.
How many children does Meredith Vieira have?
Meredith is the proud mother of three children: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily Cohen.
Is Meredith Vieira still on television?
Absolutely! As of October 2026, she is hosting the syndicated game show 25 Words or Less, which is currently in its eighth season.
What is Meredith Vieira’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth is estimated to be around $45 million, though this figure hasn’t been independently verified.
Did Meredith Vieira work with Matt Lauer?
Yes, she did! Meredith and Matt Lauer co-anchored NBC’s Today from 2006 to 2011.
What is Meredith Vieira’s nationality?
She is American and has roots in Portugal.
What did Meredith Vieira study in college?
Meredith earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tufts University in 1975.
