Meredith Vieira

Meredith Vieira is an acclaimed American broadcast journalist and television host, renowned for her extensive career across major network news and daytime talk shows. She gained national prominence as a correspondent for the CBS News program 60 Minutes and later as the original moderator of the ABC daytime talk show The View. Vieira solidified her status as a household name by serving as the co-host of the NBC morning program Today and as the host of the syndicated version of the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Her career is distinguished by multiple Emmy Award wins and a reputation for empathetic, intelligent interviewing.

Early life and education

Meredith Louise Vieira was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to parents of Portuguese descent. Her father, a physician, and her mother, a homemaker, instilled in her a strong work ethic and an interest in current affairs. She attended Lincoln School, a private institution in Providence, where she was an active participant in student journalism and theater. For her higher education, Vieira enrolled at Tufts University, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During her time at Tufts, she contributed to the campus radio station and interned at a local WJAR television affiliate, which cemented her ambition to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.

Career

Vieira's professional journey began in radio at WOR in New York City and as a reporter for WCBS Radio. She transitioned to television news in 1982 as a reporter and anchor for CBS News in New York City, eventually joining the esteemed news magazine 60 Minutes as a correspondent in 1989. Her tenure there was marked by high-profile interviews, but she departed in 1991, citing the extensive travel's conflict with her family life. In 1997, she became a founding co-host of the ABC talk show The View, where her candid commentary and chemistry with fellow hosts like Barbara Walters and Joy Behar helped define the program's early success. From 2006 to 2011, she served as the co-anchor of NBC's Today, becoming one of the most-watched morning show hosts in America. Concurrently, from 2002 to 2013, she hosted the syndicated Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, reviving the quiz show's popularity. She later hosted her own syndicated talk show, The Meredith Vieira Show, from 2014 to 2016, and has made numerous appearances on programs like Dateline NBC and as a guest host on Jeopardy!.

Personal life

Vieira married journalist and author Richard Cohen in 1986. Cohen has been public about his struggles with multiple sclerosis and colon cancer, and Vieira has often spoken about the challenges and rewards of being a caregiver within their family. The couple has three children and resides primarily in New York City. An advocate for health-related causes, Vieira has been actively involved with organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Alzheimer's Association. She has also been a vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood and various educational initiatives. In her personal time, she is an avid fan of the New England Patriots and enjoys gardening and cooking.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Vieira has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous industry honors. She is a multiple Daytime Emmy Award winner, including awards for Outstanding Talk Show Host for her work on The View. Her work on Today also earned the program several accolades during her tenure. In 2005, she was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to journalism and her local roots. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has honored her with several Emmy Awards for her news and talk show hosting. Furthermore, she received a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media for her outstanding achievements as a female in broadcasting.

Filmography and works

Vieira's television and film appearances are extensive, reflecting her versatile career. Her notable hosting and anchoring roles include The View (1997–2006), Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (2002–2013), Today (2006–2011), and The Meredith Vieira Show (2014–2016). She has served as a correspondent for 60 Minutes (1989–1991) and Dateline NBC (1993–present, periodic). She made cameo appearances as herself in films like The Devil Wears Prada (2006) and in television series such as 30 Rock and The Good Wife. Beyond broadcasting, she was an executive producer for her daytime talk show and has been involved in documentary projects, including the National Geographic special The Alzheimer's Project.

Category:American television personalities Category:American journalists Category:1953 births Category:Living people