The list is endless. Women Only Over Fifty (WOOFers) who lead vibrant, meaningful lives and just seem to get younger every day.
Since we can't cover everyone, WOOF decided to start with 50 and each week pay tribute to one of them.
Meredith Vieira was born in East Providence, Rhode Island, to first generation Portuguese-Americans. All four of Vieira’s grandparents came from the Azores, three from Faial Island, one of the nine islands in the archipelago. They all left for a better life in New England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries – settling around Providence, RI. She is the youngest of four children, with three older brothers.
She first gained national recognition as a CBS reporter based in their Chicago bureau from 1982 to 1984. She later became a correspondent for nationwide news-magazine shows including West 57th (1985–89) and 60 Minutes (1989–91).
Vieira served as the moderator and co-host of The View from its debut in 1997 through the spring of 2006. Her co-hosts gave her a roast to commemorate her final appearance.Beginning SEP 13, 2006, she left The View to become co-host on The Today Show, and a contributing anchor for Dateline NBC. In addition, she had a brief stint on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2003, appearing in various scenes, A series of guest appearances including Desperate Housewives, 30 Rock, and made a cameo appearance as a reporter in Madagascar: Escape From Africa.
Vieira married Emmy-award winning CBS News journalist Richard M. Cohen on June 14, 1986. They live with their three children in Westchester County, New York. Her husband has had multiple sclerosis since he was 25 years old. She's active in several charities, but says that the one closest to her heart is Multiple Sclerosis, because of her husband's illness.
"I do my best given the platform that I have to get the word out about this disease, to let other people know they're not alone, and that this illness is very much a family affair. Richard and I are often asked to speak about MS, and we believe we have an obligation to do so."
She also serves on the board of the New York chapter of the MS Society, and participates in the annual MS Walk.
I have a special place for Meredith (I call her by her first name because we're friends, ya know). When WOOFer Diana and I took a short trip to NYC for our birthdays a couple of years ago, we stood with our homemade sign, along with all the screaming zanies, outside The Today Show. During a commercial break, she walked over, congratulated us on our birthdays and gave us a big hug! So, back atcha, Meredith!
***************
For more Women Only Over Fifty thoughts & stories:
WOOF available through Amazon and Echelon Press!
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
Posts
2 comments:
What a fabulous choice for WOOFer recognition! I have always liked Meredith and thought she had a warm and engaging personality. She's also quite funny, and once or twice during her stint on the view, bordered a tiny bit on the outrageous --which, of course, I loved!
My daughter's name is Meredith although she was born before this Meredith made her debut on the national stage, so there's no connection other than i like the name.
Therefore, I loved your selection and your post. But, the very BEST OF ALL was that fabulous and glamorous photo of both of you. What a way to celebrate your birthday! I'd say "you go girls" but you two have already shown us the way to make our mark WOOFer style--you're both "far out and gone!"
I love this picture, too, Eileen! We had so much fun in NYC and saw three plays while we were there!
Quite a birthday experience!
And, of course I love Meredith, too. Ann was really nice that day and spent a lot of time talking to us about her best friend.
Post a Comment