Richard Cohen was a man who spent most of his life defying a medical expiration date. To the casual TV viewer, he was simply Meredith Vieira’s husband, the brave man behind the scenes of a legendary broadcast career. But if you actually dig into his life, you realize the guy was a powerhouse in his own right. He wasn't just "the husband with MS." He was a three-time Emmy winner, a producer for the giants like CBS and CNN, and a writer who didn't sugarcoat a single thing about what it’s like to live with a body that’s actively quitting on you.
Honestly, their love story started in the most chaotic, unromantic way possible. It was 1983. Meredith was in the Chicago bureau for CBS. Richard walked in, basically acting as a high-end bag carrier for Leslie Stahl. Meredith was sitting on a couch watching Looney Tunes because she didn't have a story that day. Richard, being his usual sardonic self, dropped a sarcastic comment. Her first thought? "What a jerk." Her second thought? "I’m going to marry this guy."
That’s basically the vibe of their entire 38-year marriage. It was built on grit, sarcasm, and a level of honesty that most couples would find terrifying.
The Reality of Richard Cohen and His Decades-Long Battle
Richard was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when he was just 25. Think about that. Most of us at 25 are worried about rent or getting a promotion. He was told "adios" by doctors who basically said there was no hope. He didn't just tuck tail and hide, though. He went on to cover wars. He directed presidential campaign coverage. He worked with Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather.
By the time he and Meredith went on their second date, he knew he had to lay it all out. He told her about the MS. He expected her to bolt. Most people would. But Meredith? She didn't blink. She once said she figured anyone could get hit by a bus tomorrow, so why let a diagnosis stop them?
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But don't mistake this for a Hallmark movie. It was hard. Really hard.
Richard eventually became legally blind. He survived colon cancer—twice. He dealt with a massive blood clot in his lungs. In his memoir, Blindsided, he was incredibly raw about how chronic illness isn't just a "patient" problem; it's a family affair. He wrote about how spouses sometimes want to "push the loved one out a window" because the burden is so heavy. He didn't want Meredith to be a spectator; he wanted her in the ring with him.
Why the World Lost a Giant in 2024
On Christmas Eve in 2024, Richard Cohen passed away at the age of 76. He had spent over 50 years living with MS. It’s wild to think that he outlived almost every prediction made by his early doctors.
The news didn't really hit the public until early January 2025, when Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie shared the tribute on Today. Meredith told them that the kids—Ben, Gabe, and Lily—had all gathered around Thanksgiving because they thought they were losing him then. Instead, they got one last "glorious month."
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A Career That Stood on Its Own
While he's often searched for as Meredith Vieira's husband, his professional resume was massive.
- Three Emmy Awards for his work at CBS News.
- A George Foster Peabody Award, which is basically the Pulitzer of broadcasting.
- New York Times Bestselling Author of books like Blindsided and Strong at the Broken Places.
He wasn't just sitting at home. He was a founding member of the advisory council for the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center. He was a "Pontifical Hero," a title given to him by the Vatican in 2018 for his work in advocacy. The guy was a fighter in every sense of the word.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Dynamic
People love the "saintly caregiver" narrative. It makes for good daytime TV. But Meredith and Richard hated that. They were "venters." They allowed each other to get angry. Meredith was open about the fact that some days she couldn't stand the limitations the illness put on their family. Richard was open about how his own "selfishness" and self-absorption—driven by his fear of losing independence—sometimes hurt their marriage.
That’s the real lesson here. It wasn't a perfect marriage because they were "strong." It was a successful marriage because they were honest about being weak.
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One of the most sobering stories Richard ever shared involved a day when he had fallen too many times. Meredith wanted to call the police for help. Richard, prideful and embarrassed, refused. He didn't want to be "that guy" again. Meredith finally snapped. She told him she was "done with the MS" and that they couldn't live like this. She walked out of the house. That moment forced Richard to realize that his illness wasn't just happening to him; it was happening to her, too.
Actionable Lessons from Richard Cohen’s Life
If you’re looking at Richard’s life and wondering what to take away from it, it’s not just "be brave." It's more practical than that.
- Get it on the table early. Richard’s decision to disclose his MS on date two saved them years of "what ifs." Whether it's health, debt, or life goals, transparency is a filter for finding the right partner.
- Lean into the "Sarcasm Defense." Both Richard and Meredith used humor to survive. When the body fails, the mind has to find a way to laugh, even if the joke is dark.
- Acknowledge the Caregiver. If you are the one suffering, realize your family is in the ring with you. They aren't just spectators. Give them the space to be "done" with the situation without making them the villain.
- Redefine Hope. Richard’s final book, Chasing Hope, was about his journey into stem cell research. He didn't look for a miracle cure for himself; he looked for hope as a "long-term relationship."
Richard Cohen lived a life that was technically "limited" by every medical standard, yet he saw more of the world than most healthy people ever do. He was a journalist, a father, a husband, and a cynic who somehow managed to be the most hopeful person in the room.
If you're dealing with a chronic diagnosis or supporting someone who is, the best thing you can do is read Richard's work. Don't look for the "inspirational" quotes—look for the parts where he's angry. That's where the real truth is. Start by checking out Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness. It’s probably the most honest thing ever written about the subject.
Next Steps:
- Read Richard Cohen’s memoir Blindsided to understand the reality of living with a chronic condition.
- Watch Meredith Vieira’s 2018 interview with Richard on the Today show to see their unique, humorous dynamic in action.
- Explore the National Multiple Sclerosis Society resources if you or a loved one are navigating a new diagnosis.