Marites Allen

Barbara Walters was a prominent American broadcast journalist and television personality whose career spanned from 1951 to 2014. She was recognized for her interviewing prowess and broad appeal, hosting a variety of influential television programs including "Today," "ABC Evening News," "20/20," and "The View." Her contributions to journalism were significant, breaking barriers for women in broadcasting.

Walters began her career in television in the early 1950s, eventually joining "The Today Show" in the 1960s. Her role evolved from writer to on-air personality, becoming the show's first female co-host in 1974. She continued to make history in 1976 as the first American female co-anchor of a network evening news program on ABC. Throughout her extensive career, she conducted interviews with a wide range of notable figures, including world leaders and celebrities.

Born in Boston in 1929 to parents of Russian Jewish immigrant descent, Barbara Walters spent her formative years surrounded by the entertainment industry. Her father, Lou Walters, was involved in managing nightclubs, producing Broadway shows, and bringing famous European revues to Las Vegas. This environment, filled with performers and celebrities, likely contributed to Walters' later comfort and ease in interviewing public figures, as she stated it prevented her from being "in awe" of them. The family experienced financial ups and downs due to her father's ventures, and Walters also navigated personal losses, including the death of her older brother and the lifelong challenges faced by her elder sister. Her early education involved attending various public and private schools across different cities.

Walters' professional journey in broadcasting began in the early 1950s with roles in publicity and writing. She quickly moved into television production, working on programs like "Ask the Camera" and "The Eloise McElhone Show." In 1961, she joined NBC's "The Today Show" as a writer, gradually increasing her on-air presence. Initially assigned lighter segments, her role expanded, and by 1971, she hosted her own local show, "Not for Women Only." Her rise culminated in becoming the first female co-host of "The Today Show" in 1974. This groundbreaking achievement was followed by another significant milestone in 1976 when she became the first woman to co-anchor an American network evening news program, "ABC Evening News."

Barbara Walters became renowned for her distinctive interviewing style, often referred to as "personality journalism," and for securing exclusive "scoop" interviews. She hosted the "Barbara Walters Specials," which featured high-profile guests, including presidents and first ladies, as well as major celebrities. Her interview subjects spanned the global political spectrum, from Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin to Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin, and included prominent figures like Katharine Hepburn and Monica Lewinsky. She also played a key role in major news events, serving as a commentator for ABC News specials and moderating presidential debates. Later in her career, she created, produced, and co-hosted the popular daytime talk show "The View" from 1997 until her retirement in 2014.

“He had a breakdown. He went down to live in our house in Florida, and then the government took the house, and they took the car, and they took the furniture. [...] My mother should have married the way her friends did, to a man who was a doctor or who was in the dress business.”

“Did Barbara get anything I didn't get?”