Meredith Vieira, an iconic figure in American television, has long been celebrated for her versatility, warmth, and professionalism. From her time as a hard-hitting journalist to becoming one of most beloved hosts on daytime television, her career trajectory is as inspiring as it is impressive. Meredith Vieira net worth currently stands at an estimated $45 million, reflecting decades of dedication and excellence in broadcasting. This article explores her life, career highlights, personal triumphs, and significant impact of her late husband, Richard Cohen.
Meredith Vieira’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Meredith Vieira grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and hard work. She started her career in journalism at WORC radio in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1975 before transitioning to television as a reporter and anchor for WJAR-TV in Rhode Island. These early roles laid foundation for a career that would span nearly five decades.
Career Highlights: From Newsrooms to National Fame
Meredith’s journey to prominence began in 1980s when she joined CBS News. As an investigative reporter and correspondent for shows like 60 Minutes and CBS Morning News, she showcased her sharp journalistic instincts and empathetic storytelling.
Key Achievements:
- View Legacy: In 1997, Meredith became inaugural moderator of ABC’s groundbreaking talk show, View. Her balanced and insightful approach helped shape program into a cultural phenomenon.
- Today Show Co-Anchor Salary: In 2006, Meredith succeeded Katie Couric as co-anchor of NBC’s Today. Her five-year tenure on show was marked by significant interviews and global reporting, earning her an annual salary of $11 million at her peak.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Tenure: From 2002 to 2013, she hosted syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards. Her natural rapport with contestants and ability to build suspense made her a household favorite.
Meredith Vieira Net Worth 2025 Updates: How She Built Her Wealth
As of 2025, Meredith Vieira net worth is estimated at $45 million, driven by a combination of salaries, endorsements, and production roles. Key sources of her income include:
- Television Hosting: Salaries from View, Today, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire played a significant role.
- Game Show Hosting: Her ongoing work on 25 Words or Less, which began in 2019, adds to her financial portfolio.
- Real Estate: Meredith and her late husband Richard Cohen owned multiple properties, including a luxurious $8.5 million penthouse in Hollywood Hills.
Personal Life: Meredith Vieira’s Husband Richard Cohen and Family
Meredith married journalist and author Richard Cohen in 1986. Their enduring relationship was marked by mutual respect, love, and resilience in face of challenges. Richard battled multiple sclerosis from age of 25 and succumbed to complications from pneumonia in December 2024. His passing at age of 76 deeply affected Meredith.
Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen Marriage Story:
Despite challenges posed by Richard’s illness, their marriage thrived for nearly four decades. They raised three children—Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily—and built a life centered around love, laughter, and shared passions.
Meredith Vieira’s Husband Richard Cohen Death Impact:
Richard’s death marked a significant loss for Meredith. His advocacy for individuals with multiple sclerosis and his achievements as a journalist and author left a lasting legacy.
Meredith Vieira House Properties and Penthouse Details
Meredith and Richard invested in real estate, including:
- Hollywood Hills Penthouse: Purchased for $8.5 million, this luxurious home featured four bedrooms and breathtaking views.
- Irvington Estate: Another family residence that offered privacy and serenity.
These properties reflect Meredith’s preference for tasteful and comfortable living spaces.
Meredith Vieira Career Highlights and Earnings
Meredith’s career is a testament to her adaptability and skill across various formats. Beyond news and game shows, she ventured into talk shows with Meredith Vieira Show (2014–2016) and participated in film projects like Shrek Forever After, where she voiced character Broomsy Witch.
Additional Achievements:
- Olympic Coverage: Meredith reported on four Olympic Games for NBC, showcasing her versatility.
- Documentaries and Productions: She produced Woman Who Wasn’t There, a documentary that received critical acclaim.
Meredith Vieira Game Show 25 Words or Less Hosting
Since 2019, Meredith has hosted 25 Words or Less, a light-hearted game show known for its engaging format. Her enthusiasm and charisma continue to resonate with audiences.
Legacy of Meredith Vieira
Meredith Vieira’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level. Whether moderating intense discussions on View or sharing heartfelt moments on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, she has consistently demonstrated her range and reliability.
Meredith Vieira Family Life and Children:
Meredith often speaks about importance of balancing career and family. Her children, Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily, remain a source of pride and joy.
Major Details in Table Format
Aspect | Details |
Full Name | Meredith Louise Vieira |
Net Worth (2025) | $45 million |
Career Start | 1975 (WORC Radio) |
Major Roles | View, Today, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 25 Words or Less |
Spouse | Richard Cohen (m. 1986 – 2024) |
Children | Benjamin, Gabriel, Lily |
Notable Properties | Hollywood Hills Penthouse ($8.5 million), Irvington Estate |
Peak Salary | $11 million/year (NBC Today) |
Awards | Daytime Emmy Awards |
Disclaimer
information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available data as of January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details independently. Meredith Vieira net worth estimates may vary based on updates and undisclosed earnings.
Through her talent and perseverance, Meredith Vieira has carved a unique space in media landscape. Her career highlights, enduring marriage, and significant contributions to broadcasting continue to inspire countless individuals. Meredith Vieira net worth, along with her legacy, stands as a testament to her remarkable journey in world of television.
Keyword | Description |
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Meredith Vieira net worth 2025 updates | Meredith Vieira’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $45 million, primarily earned from her extensive TV career. |
Meredith Vieira’s husband Richard Cohen death impact | Richard Cohen’s passing in December 2024 at age 76 brought attention to his advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness. Meredith’s loss has resonated deeply with fans and colleagues. |
Meredith Vieira career highlights and earnings | Spanning nearly 50 years, Vieira’s career includes roles at CBS, ABC, and NBC, with earnings peaking at $11 million annually. |
Meredith Vieira The View legacy | As the original moderator of The View, Meredith shaped the show’s identity, blending humor with insightful commentary. |
Meredith Vieira Today Show co-anchor salary | During her tenure as Today Show co-anchor from 2006-2011, Meredith earned an impressive $11 million annually. |
Meredith Vieira Who Wants to Be a Millionaire tenure | Hosting the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for over a decade, she earned two Daytime Emmy Awards. |
Meredith Vieira game show 25 Words or Less hosting | Since 2019, Meredith has hosted the game show 25 Words or Less, a fan-favorite for its light-hearted and competitive spirit. |
Meredith Vieira family life and children | Meredith and her late husband, Richard Cohen, raised three children: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily, prioritizing family amidst her busy career. |
Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen marriage story | Married in 1986, Meredith and Richard shared a 38-year partnership, marked by love, resilience, and mutual support through his MS battle. |
Meredith Vieira house properties and penthouse details | Vieira owns several luxurious properties, including an $8.5 million penthouse in Hollywood Hills and an estate in Irvington, New York. |