Richard Cohen, who was born on February 6, 1941, was a renowned American journalist and columnist famous for his contributions to The Washington Post. In 1968, he joined the newspaper and quickly emerged as a prominent figure in political commentary. From 1976 to 2019, he diligently crafted his column, which delved into various subjects such as national politics, cultural matters, and social observations.
Career Highlights
Cohen achieved significant milestones in his professional journey, such as unearthing the details of the inquiry into former Vice President Spiro Agnew. This momentous event served as the inspiration for his book titled A Heartbeat Away: The Investigation and Resignation of Spiro T. Agnew. During his time at The Washington Post, Cohen’s exceptional work garnered numerous accolades, including four Pulitzer Prize nominations for his insightful commentary.
Cohen has faced controversy throughout his successful career due to his remarks on race and politics. His comments on sensitive subjects, such as racial profiling, have generated public debate and attracted significant criticism.
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Age
Richard Cohen, passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 76.
Parents
Richard Cohen was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut by his Jewish parents, Teresa (Beitzer) and Benjamin Cohen. His mother worked as a nurse while his father practiced medicine. During his formative years, Cohen displayed a rebellious nature, exemplified by an infamous act of purloining an electric chair from a derelict correctional facility.
Wife and Children
Richard Cohen was married to veteran broadcast journalist Meredith Vieira from 1986 until his death on December 24, 2024. The couple shared a deep bond, having met while working at CBS Evening News. They had three children together: sons Benjamin and Gabriel, and daughter Lily.
Throughout their nearly four decades of marriage, Vieira was a steadfast supporter as Cohen battled multiple sclerosis for over 50 years and faced two separate cancer diagnoses.
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Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Richard Cohen, the journalist and columnist, is not widely reported in financial databases. However, one source indicates that his net worth is approximately $400,000 as of late 2024.
Cause of Death
Richard Cohen, aged 76, succumbed to multiple sclerosis (MS) on December 24, 2024, after enduring the condition for more than five decades. Alongside his prolonged fight against MS, Cohen bravely confronted two occurrences of colon cancer in 1999 and 2000.
Moreover, his final days were marked by a two-month battle with pneumonia. Cohen peacefully passed away in the presence of his beloved family, which included his wife, Meredith Vieira, and their three children.
Some Lesser-Known Facts about Richard Cohen
- Early MS Diagnosis: Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 25, Cohen initially denied the severity of his condition.
- Family Connection: MS ran in his family, as both his father and paternal grandmother also had the disease.
- Candid About Illness: He openly discussed his MS diagnosis with Meredith Vieira on their second date, emphasizing the importance of honesty.
- Acclaimed Career: Cohen won three Emmy Awards and worked with major networks like CBS, CNN, and PBS, in addition to writing a health column for The New York Times.
- Advocacy: He raised awareness about chronic illnesses and encouraged openness about health struggles.
- Positive Outlook: Despite challenges, Cohen maintained a positive attitude, focusing on what he could still achieve in life.
Social Media Links
Here are the social media links associated with Richard Cohen, the journalist and husband of Meredith Vieira:
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn – A profile detailing his career in journalism, education, and experience covering Congress.
- Instagram: @author.richcohen – His personal account featuring photos and updates related to his work as a journalist.
- X (Twitter): @aboutrichard – His account for sharing thoughts and updates.
FAQs about Richard Cohen
Who was Richard Cohen?
Richard Cohen was an American journalist best known for his long-running column in The Washington Post, which he wrote from 1976 until 2019. He has covered various topics, including national politics and social issues.
What was Richard Cohen’s writing style?
Cohen’s writing style was characterized by direct and often opinionated commentary, particularly on political issues. His columns blend factual information with personal viewpoints, often critiquing policies and public figures.
What controversies has Richard Cohen faced?
Cohen has faced criticism for several controversial columns, particularly regarding race and racial profiling. Notably, he defended the right of shopkeepers to refuse entry to young Black men in a 1986 column, which led to significant backlash.
What notable works has Richard Cohen authored?
Cohen co-authored the book A Heartbeat Away: The Investigation and Resignation of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and has written numerous columns that have sparked public debate on various issues.
What health challenges has Richard Cohen experienced?
Cohen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 25 and has openly discussed his health struggles throughout his career, including his battles with cancer.
Who is Richard Cohen’s wife?
Richard Cohen was married to television personality Meredith Vieira since 1986 until his passing in December 2024. They had three children together.
