39 Facts About Meredith Vieira

Early Life and Education

Meredith Vieira's journey to becoming a household name began with a solid foundation in education and early experiences that shaped her career.

1. 01Born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island, Meredith Louise Vieira grew up in a Portuguese-American family.
2. 02She attended the prestigious Lincoln School, an all-girls Quaker school in Providence.
3. 03Vieira graduated from Tufts University in 1975 with a degree in English.
4. 04Her interest in journalism sparked during her college years, where she worked as a news announcer for the university's radio station, WMFO.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a prominent TV personality, Vieira had to climb the ranks in the competitive world of journalism.

5. 05Her first job in broadcasting was as a news announcer for WORC radio in Worcester, Massachusetts.
6. 06Vieira's television career began at WJAR-TV in Providence, where she worked as a local reporter and anchor.
7. 07In 1979, she moved to WCBS-TV in New York City, where she served as an investigative reporter.
8. 08Vieira's big break came when she joined CBS News in 1982 as a reporter based in Chicago.

Rise to Fame

Meredith Vieira's career took off as she became a familiar face on national television.

9. 09She became a correspondent for the CBS newsmagazine "West 57th" in 1985.
10. 10In 1989, Vieira joined the CBS show "60 Minutes" as a correspondent, where she worked until 1991.
11. 11She won her first Emmy Award for her work on "60 Minutes."
12. 12Vieira co-anchored the CBS Morning News from 1992 to 1993.

The View and Beyond

Vieira's versatility and charm made her a perfect fit for various television formats, including talk shows and game shows.

13. 13In 1997, she became the original moderator of the daytime talk show "The View," created by Barbara Walters.
14. 14Vieira won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host for her work on "The View."
15. 15She left "The View" in 2006 to replace Katie Couric on NBC's "Today" show.
16. 16Vieira co-anchored "Today" from 2006 to 2011, becoming a beloved morning show host.

Game Show Host

Meredith Vieira also made her mark in the world of game shows, showcasing her versatility as a television host.

17. 17She hosted the syndicated version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" from 2002 to 2013.
18. 18Vieira won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host for her work on "Millionaire."
19. 19She holds the record for the most episodes hosted by a female game show host, with over 2,000 episodes of "Millionaire."
20. 20In 2014, she launched her own daytime talk show, "The Meredith Vieira Show," which ran for two seasons.

Personal Life

Behind the scenes, Vieira's personal life has been filled with love, challenges, and resilience.

21. 21She married Richard M. Cohen, a journalist and author, in 1986.
22. 22The couple has three children: Benjamin, Gabriel, and Lily.
23. 23Cohen has battled multiple sclerosis since he was 25, and Vieira has been open about the challenges they face as a family.
24. 24Vieira is an advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness and has participated in various fundraising events.

Awards and Recognition

Meredith Vieira's contributions to television have not gone unnoticed, earning her numerous accolades over the years.

25. 25She has won 14 Daytime Emmy Awards throughout her career.
26. 26Vieira received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Women in Communications in 2006.
27. 27In 2017, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
28. 28Vieira was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.

Fun Facts

Vieira's life is filled with interesting tidbits that showcase her personality and interests.

29. 29She is an avid animal lover and has adopted several rescue pets over the years.
30. 30Vieira enjoys cooking and often shares her favorite recipes with fans.
31. 31She has a passion for gardening and finds it a relaxing hobby.
32. 32Vieira is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and often attends games with her family.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Meredith Vieira uses her platform to support various causes and make a positive impact on the world.

33. 33She is a strong advocate for cancer research and has supported organizations like Stand Up to Cancer.
34. 34Vieira has worked with the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness and funds for research.
35. 35She supports the Special Olympics and has participated in events to promote inclusion and acceptance.
36. 36Vieira is involved with the Pajama Program, which provides pajamas and books to children in need.

Recent Projects

Even after decades in the industry, Vieira continues to take on new projects and challenges.

37. 37In 2019, she hosted the PBS series "The Great American Read," which explored America's 100 best-loved novels.
38. 38Vieira launched a podcast called "The Meredith Vieira Show" in 2020, where she interviews celebrities and discusses current events.
39. 39She remains active in television, often appearing as a guest host or commentator on various programs.

Meredith Vieira: A Remarkable Journey

Meredith Vieira's career is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days on CBS to becoming a household name on "The View" and "Today," she's shown versatility and resilience. Her work on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "60 Minutes" further cemented her status as a top journalist and TV host.

Beyond her professional achievements, Meredith's personal life is equally compelling. Her advocacy for multiple sclerosis, inspired by her husband's battle with the disease, highlights her compassionate nature. She's also a dedicated mother and wife, balancing a demanding career with family life.

Meredith Vieira's story is a testament to hard work, determination, and empathy. Her contributions to journalism and television have left an indelible mark, making her a true icon in the industry. Her journey continues to inspire many, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.