Meredith Vieira at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities
- Net Worth: $45 Million
- Birthdate: Dec 30, 1953 (70 years old)
- Birthplace: Providence
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Journalist, Actor, Television producer, Game Show Host, Presenter, Talk show host, Voice Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m)
Meredith Vieira’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career and Fortune
Introduction: A Media Icon
Meredith Vieira is a celebrated figure in American television, known for her versatility, intelligence, and warm personality. Over a career spanning several decades, she has become a household name, captivating audiences with her work on iconic shows like “The View” and “Today.” This article delves into Meredith Vieira’s career, exploring her net worth, salary, early life, and the various roles that have shaped her into a media icon.
Meredith Vieira’s Net Worth and Salary
Meredith Vieira has amassed a considerable fortune throughout her career. Her estimated net worth stands at $45 million, a testament to her successful ventures in television. Her salary has also reflected her value in the industry. At her peak, while co-hosting NBC’s “Today,” she earned a substantial annual salary of $11 million, solidifying her position among the highest-paid television personalities.
Early Life and Education
Meredith Louise Vieira was born on December 30, 1953, in Providence, Rhode Island. Her parents, Mary and Edwin Vieira, were first-generation Portuguese Americans. Growing up in a close-knit family, Meredith attended a Quaker primary and high school in Providence. Demonstrating her academic prowess early on, she scored an impressive 1330 on the SAT in her junior year of high school. After graduating, she pursued higher education at Tufts University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English, graduating magna cum laude in 1975.
Early Career in Broadcast Journalism
Vieira’s journey in the media began in 1975 as a newscaster at radio station WORC in Worcester, Massachusetts. She gradually transitioned to television, taking on more significant roles. In 1979, she began working as an investigative reporter at WCBS-TV in New York City, which helped hone her skills and build her reputation as a reliable journalist. She moved to CBS’s Chicago bureau in 1982 before becoming a correspondent for “West 57th,” an investigative news show on CBS, from 1985 to 1989. Vieira’s career trajectory then led her to co-hosting “CBS Morning News” and hosting “60 Minutes” from 1989 until 1991 before leaving the network in 1993 to join ABC as chief correspondent of the news special program “Turning Point.”
“The View” and Subsequent Career Highlights
In 1997, Vieira took on one of the most recognizable roles of her career as moderator of ABC’s daytime talk show, “The View.” In this role, she opened and closed the show and guided the discussions among the hosts. She remained in this position until 2006, leaving to join “Today.” Alongside “The View,” Vieira expanded her career, becoming the host and co-producer of the syndicated version of the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” in 2002. Her performance on the show earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards in 2005 and 2009, making her the second woman to win in the category of Outstanding Game Show Host, after Betty White. She hosted “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” for eleven seasons.
Hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”
Vieira’s ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike made her a perfect fit for “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Her tenure on the show not only brought her critical acclaim, as evidenced by her Emmy wins, but also boosted the show’s popularity. During her time, she showed her wit and charm, contributing to the show’s enduring appeal and further solidifying her presence in the world of game shows.
Co-Hosting “Today”
In 2006, Vieira joined NBC to replace Katie Couric as co-host of “Today” alongside Matt Lauer. During her time at NBC, she also occasionally served as an anchor for “Dateline,” and she became a significant part of NBC’s Olympic coverage. She hosted “Today” from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the 2012 London Summer Olympics, and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Although Vieira and Lauer were criticized for some of their coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, she remained a valued part of the “Today” team until she left in 2011.
In 2013, Vieira announced plans to host her own talk show, “The Meredith Vieira Show,” which premiered in 2014 but was canceled two years later due to declining ratings.

Valerie Macon/Getty Images
Other Work: Acting and Producing Ventures
Beyond her work as a television host, Vieira has also explored acting and producing. She appeared in the 2004 film “Stepford Wives,” the 2010 comedy “Get Him to the Greek,” and provided a voice role in the 2010 animated hit “Shrek Forever After.” She also co-hosted PBS’s week-long coverage of Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018. In 2019, Meredith returned to daytime television as the host of the Fox game show “25 Words or Less.” Additionally, she has made appearances as herself in popular television shows such as “30 Rock,” “House of Cards,” and “Orange is the New Black.” Vieira was also involved in producing the 2011 drama “The Return” and the documentary “The Woman Who Wasn’t There,” which earned an Emmy nomination.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Vieira’s personal life is marked by a loving marriage and a strong family. She married journalist Richard M. Cohen in June 1986. Despite Cohen’s health issues, including multiple sclerosis and colon cancer, the couple has maintained a strong bond. Richard Cohen had a distinguished career and won three Emmys before retiring as a senior producer for CNN and CBS News. They have three children, including their son Gabe, who followed in his parents’ footsteps and is now a reporter for CNN based in Washington, D.C.
Real Estate Holdings
Meredith and Richard Vieira have invested in several properties over the years. They own homes in Westchester County, New York, a penthouse in New York City, and a house in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Their NYC penthouse, purchased in December 2014 for $8.5 million, is in the iconic Eldorado building, known for its celebrity residents. Their Westchester property, a 2.1-acre estate, was acquired in 2000 for $2.1 million. The Hollywood Hills home was purchased in 2012 for $1.15 million, indicating a diverse portfolio of real estate investments.
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Conclusion: Vieira’s Enduring Legacy
Meredith Vieira’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal. From her early days in broadcast journalism to her roles on “The View,” “Today,” and numerous game shows, she has consistently connected with audiences. Her substantial net worth of $45 million and peak salary of $11 million reflect her success. Her personal life, marked by family and resilience, adds another layer to her story. Meredith Vieira remains a prominent figure in American media.
Career Earnings
Source / Title | Amount |
---|---|
Today | $10 Million/year |
Total Earnings | $10 Million |