With a career spanning nearly 50 years, it’s no surprise that Meredith Vieira has amassed considerable wealth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, her current net worth is estimated at $45 million. At the peak of her career, Vieira earned an impressive $11 million annually during her tenure as co-host of NBC’s “Today.” This salary made her one of the highest-paid personalities in morning television at the time.
Her hosting role on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” not only cemented her status as a household name but also contributed significantly to her fortune. Vieira hosted the syndicated version from 2002 to 2013, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Meredith Louise Vieira grew up in a tight-knit Portuguese-American family. Her parents, Mary Elsie Rosa Vieira and Edwin Vieira, instilled a strong sense of community and resilience in their four children. Meredith’s father worked as a medical doctor, while her mother dedicated her life to raising the family.
Vieira’s surname, which means “scallop” in Portuguese, reflects her family’s roots in the Azores, specifically Faial Island. Meredith attended a Quaker primary and high school in Providence, later earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Tufts University in 1975. Her academic excellence was apparent early on, with Vieira graduating magna cum laude.
Launching a Career in Journalism
Vieira’s first foray into broadcasting came in 1975 as a newscaster at WORC radio in Worcester, Massachusetts. By 1979, she had transitioned to television, working as an investigative reporter for WCBS-TV in New York City. Her natural charisma and journalistic prowess quickly propelled her forward, and by 1982, she had secured a role at CBS News’ Chicago bureau.
Meredith spent the next decade climbing the ranks at CBS, serving as a correspondent for the news magazine show “West 57th” from 1985 to 1989, and later contributing to the prestigious “60 Minutes.” Vieira’s career momentarily paused in 1991 following the birth of her second child, highlighting her dedication to family alongside professional ambitions.
The View and National Recognition
In 1997, Vieira became the original moderator and co-host of ABC’s “The View.” Her sharp wit and balanced approach to moderating discussions won her widespread acclaim. Vieira remained a staple of the show until 2006, when she departed to join NBC’s “Today.” Replacing Katie Couric, she co-hosted alongside Matt Lauer, bringing warmth and professionalism to the morning broadcast for five years.
During her tenure at NBC, Vieira also contributed to “Dateline” and hosted coverage of four Olympic Games, including the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Game Show Success and Talk Show Ventures
Vieira made history in 2002 as the first host of the American syndicated version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” She led the show for over a decade, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television. Her talent for connecting with contestants and audiences alike earned her industry accolades and financial success.
In 2014, Vieira launched her own syndicated talk show, “The Meredith Vieira Show.” Though the show concluded after two seasons in 2016, it further solidified her status as a versatile and enduring television personality.
Currently, Vieira hosts “25 Words or Less,” a weekday game show that debuted in 2019, continuing her streak as a beloved TV presence.
Personal Life and Family
Meredith Vieira married journalist and author Richard M. Cohen in 1986. The couple shared more than three decades together, raising three children: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily. Cohen, who battled multiple sclerosis and survived two bouts with colon cancer, was a senior producer at CBS News and CNN. Tragically, Richard passed away in December 2024 at the age of 76.
Their eldest son, Gabe, followed in his parents’ footsteps, working as a reporter for CNN based in Washington, D.C.
Real Estate Investments
Over the years, Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen invested in several high-profile properties. In 2014, the couple purchased a penthouse in New York City‘s prestigious Eldorado building for $8.5 million. The building, located on Central Park West, has housed numerous celebrities. Additionally, the family owns a 2.1-acre estate in Irvington, New York, acquired in 2000, and a Hollywood Hills home purchased in 2012 for $1.15 million.
A Lasting Legacy
Meredith Vieira’s remarkable career reflects not only her journalistic talents but also her ability to adapt and thrive across various formats in television. From news desks to game show stages, her enduring presence continues to inspire audiences and aspiring broadcasters alike. As she celebrates her 70th birthday in 2024, Vieira’s legacy as a trailblazer in television journalism and entertainment remains unmatched.