During the early years of the Barbara Walters Specials, Walters became known for her ability to gain unexpectedly candid responses from interviewees. Her persistence in securing high-profile interviews and asking difficult yet thoughtful questions contributed significantly to her reputation in journalism. Her approach balanced assertiveness with tact, rarely alienating her subjects.
Despite her accomplishments, many of Walters’ male colleagues responded critically—some visibly uncomfortable with her rapid ascent. ABC co-anchor Harry Reasoner, in particular, was known for his on-air condescension toward her. Walters' slight speech impediment was famously spoofed by comedian Gilda Radner on Saturday Night Live, but it did not hinder her success.
In 1979, Walters joined ABC’s news magazine program 20/20 as a part-time correspondent. One of her most significant moments came in 1980, when she conducted former President Richard Nixon’s first television interview since his resignation in 1974. She became a full-time co-host of 20/20 in 1984, reuniting with Hugh Downs. After Downs retired in 1999, he was succeeded by John Miller and later John Stossel.
In August 1997, Walters launched The View, a daytime talk show that she co-executive produced and co-hosted. The program became known for its rotating panel of diverse female co-hosts, which included Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Star Jones, Lisa Ling, Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The show focused on news, current events, and lifestyle topics and became a cultural touchstone.
Walters signed a five-year contract extension with ABC in 2000, making her the highest-paid news host at the time, with an annual salary of $12 million. In 2004, at the age of 73, she stepped down as co-host of 20/20. Her farewell broadcast featured a retrospective of her most iconic interviews with political leaders, celebrities, and other influential figures.
Barbara Walters officially announced her retirement from television journalism in May 2013. Over the course of her career, she received numerous accolades, including the prestigious President’s Award in 1988 and induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1990. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 and won a total of 34 Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Her educational honors include honorary doctoral degrees from Sarah Lawrence College, Ohio State University, Hofstra University, Temple University, Marymount College, Wheaton College, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Through her groundbreaking work and enduring impact, Barbara Walters remains one of the most influential figures in the history of broadcast journalism.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 25 Sep, 1929 |
| Age: | 90 yrs |
| Occupations: | Journalist Television presenter Writer News presenter |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Boston |
| Education: | Sarah Lawrence College |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American broadcast journalist, author, and television personality |
| Spouse: | Merv Adelson[1981-1984] Lee Guber[1963-1976] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 170 million |
