Barbara Walters | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 27, 2025

Who is Barbara Walters?

Barbara Walters was a pioneering American television journalist, renowned for her candid interviewing style and her ability to engage with high-profile subjects. Born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, she rose through the ranks of the broadcasting industry, starting her career as a writer and researcher for NBC. In 1976, Walters broke barriers by becoming the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program, a role in which she displayed an uncanny ability to ask probing questions while maintaining a casual demeanor that put her guests at ease. Over the years, Walters interviewed every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama, solidifying her reputation as a formidable presence in journalism.

Walters is perhaps best known for her work on shows such as NBC's "Today" and ABC's "20/20." She further expanded her influence by creating "The View" in 1997, a talk show that showcased diverse perspectives from women on various topics. Throughout her illustrious career, Walters received numerous accolades, including over 30 Emmy Awards and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She continued to make guest appearances even after her retirement in 2014, leaving behind a legacy that not only opened doors for women in journalism but also changed the landscape of American television news.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Jill Walters was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dena Seletsky Walters and Lou Walters, a prominent nightclub impresario. She was the youngest of three siblings, with an older sister, Jacqueline, who had developmental disabilities, and a brother, Burton, who passed away at a young age. Growing up in a vibrant environment surrounded by celebrities fostered her confidence and ease in interacting with well-known figures, a trait that would later define her career as a groundbreaking journalist.

Walters attended several private schools in New York City before graduating from Miami Beach High School in 1947. She pursued higher education at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, graduating in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in English. After initially working as a secretary, Walters transitioned into journalism, landing her first major role as the assistant to the publicity director at an NBC affiliate. This position allowed her to hone her writing skills, paving the way for her subsequent rise in the television industry and her distinctive interview style.

Working for the "Today" Show and Career Start

Barbara Walters began her illustrious career in journalism in 1961 when she joined NBC’s Today show as a researcher and writer. Initially focused on female-oriented stories, Walters quickly sought more prominent assignments, notably traveling with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy during a diplomatic trip to India and Pakistan. This groundbreaking experience not only showcased her talent but also laid the foundation for her dynamic interviewing style. Over time, she became known as "Today girl," sharing the stage with co-hosts like Hugh Downs and Frank McGee, while her profound engagement with guests helped establish her as an authoritative presence in the male-dominated field of television news.

Walters’ ascent at the Today show culminated in her becoming the first woman to hold the title of co-host in 1974. Despite facing challenges, such as being limited from asking questions until her male counterpart finished, she persisted and refined her trademark probing-yet-casual interviewing technique. By the early 1970s, she was recognized for her skills and even joined the press corps for President Richard Nixon's historic trip to China. In 1975, her hard work was rewarded with her first Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award, marking the beginning of a series of significant achievements that would define her groundbreaking career in television journalism.

Becoming a Household Name in Journalism

Barbara Walters transformed the landscape of television journalism, becoming a household name through her persistent efforts and groundbreaking achievements. After spending over a decade with NBC's Today show, where she earned the endearing title of “Today girl,” Walters made history in 1976 as the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program on ABC. Her bold transition not only shattered gender barriers but also attracted scrutiny from her peers, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the media. Despite criticism, Walters cultivated her signature probing-yet-casual interviewing style, which resonated with viewers and distinguished her as a leading journalist of her era.

Her notable ability to secure exclusive interviews further solidified her reputation in the industry. Walters became known for her willingness to tackle tough questions and engage directly with influential figures, including world leaders and public figures. She conducted historic interviews with personalities such as Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Dalai Lama. In 1999, her two-hour exclusive with Monica Lewinsky became the highest-rated news program ever aired on a single network. Walters’ relentless pursuit of the “first interview” not only elevated her career but also provided audiences with an intimate glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential personalities of the late 20th century.

Creating "The View" and Retirement

In August 1997, Barbara Walters launched the talk show "The View," which featured a diverse panel of women discussing various issues ranging from politics to family and careers. The show's format was revolutionary, allowing each co-host to share their unique perspectives, creating a lively and often candid atmosphere. Walters served not only as co-host but also as a co-executive producer, ensuring that the discussions remained relevant and engaging. Throughout its run, "The View" showcased a rotating cast of prominent figures, including Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, making it one of daytime television's most recognizable platforms.

Walters announced her retirement from television journalism in May 2013, after a remarkable career that spanned over half a century. She stated, “I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain,” expressing a desire to step back from the spotlight and admire the next generation of journalists. Although her last full-time appearance on "The View" was on May 16, 2014, she continued to influence television by remaining an occasional guest host and executive producer. Walters' legacy remains evident in the format and substance of talk shows today, reflecting her innovative approach to interviewing and storytelling.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Barbara Walters navigated a complex personal life alongside her groundbreaking career. She was married three times and had significant relationships with prominent figures. Her first marriage was to Robert Henry Katz, a business executive, in 1955; the couple divorced in 1958. Walters then wed theatrical producer Lee Guber in 1963. Together, they adopted a daughter, Jacqueline Dena, named in honor of Walters' late sister and mother. However, this marriage ended in divorce in 1976, marking a difficult period in Walters' personal life.

Walters' third marriage was to Merv Adelson, a developer turned television producer, in 1986; their union ended in 1992. Throughout her life, Walters had high-profile relationships, including an affair with then-U.S. Senator Edward Brooke during the 1970s, as well as partnerships with Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Senator John Warner of Virginia. Despite the challenges in her romantic endeavors, Walters remained focused on her illustrious career and her role as a mother to her daughter, Jacqueline, who was a significant part of her life until the end.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Barbara Walters, renowned for her groundbreaking role in television journalism, achieved remarkable financial success throughout her illustrious career. At the pinnacle of her profession, she was recognized not only for her exceptional interviewing skills but also for her lucrative salary. In 2000, Walters renewed her contract with ABC, earning a staggering $12 million per year, which made her the highest-paid news host in history at the time. This significant salary underlines her impact and popularity as a trusted figure in the world of journalism.

In addition to her impressive annual salary, Walters accumulated considerable wealth through various ventures, including her role as a producer of "The View," a talk show that continues to thrive today. Over the course of her career, she received multiple prestigious awards, including over 30 Emmys, highlighting her excellence and influence in the industry. Her ability to secure groundbreaking interviews with political figures and celebrities further contributed to her reputation and income, solidifying Barbara Walters as a formidable name in television journalism and a pioneering woman in the field.