Cohen Richard

Richard Merrill Cohen (1948-2024) was an American journalist, television producer, and author, recognized for his work with CBS News and CNN. He received multiple Emmy Awards for his journalism. Cohen's life was significantly shaped by his health challenges; he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 25 and later battled colon cancer twice. He was also legally blind. These experiences formed the basis of his autobiography, 'Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness: A Reluctant Memoir.'

He was married to television personality Meredith Vieira, and they had three children. While identifying as a "cultural Jew," they observed holidays like Passover. Cohen passed away in December 2024 due to respiratory failure following a two-month battle with pneumonia. His published works explored themes related to illness and resilience.

Richard Merrill Cohen built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism, holding senior producer roles at both CBS News and CNN. His contributions were recognized with multiple accolades, including three Emmy Awards. Beyond his television work, Cohen also contributed occasional columns to The New York Times, specifically writing for its "Health and Fitness" section. This demonstrated a breadth of interest that extended from hard news production to personal health narratives.

Born in New York City in 1948, Cohen's life was marked by significant health struggles. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1973, at the age of 25, and endured two separate battles with colon cancer in 1999 and 2000. Furthermore, he lived with legal blindness. These personal health experiences profoundly influenced his later writing, leading him to author an autobiography that detailed his journey of living with illness.

Cohen's writing often drew directly from his lived experiences with chronic illness and disability. His autobiography, 'Blindsided: Lifting a Life Above Illness: A Reluctant Memoir,' offered a personal account of navigating life with significant health challenges. He also authored other books, including 'Strong At The Broken Places' and 'I Want to Kill the Dog,' suggesting a continued exploration of human resilience and the complexities of life, often through a lens informed by his personal struggles.