Barbara Walters
Biography of Barbara Walters
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Barbara Jill Walters
Common Aliases: Barbara Walters
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: September 25, 1929
Death Date: December 30, 2022
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Broadcast Journalist, Television Personality, Author
Early Life and Background
Barbara Jill Walters was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dena and Louis Walters. Her father was a booking agent and nightclub producer, which exposed Barbara to the entertainment industry from a young age. This early exposure to show business played a significant role in shaping her future career. Walters attended Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Her upbringing in a family that valued communication and performance laid the foundation for her future success in journalism.
Major Accomplishments
Barbara Walters is celebrated as a trailblazer in the field of broadcast journalism. She broke through the male-dominated industry to become the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program when she joined ABC Evening News in 1976. Walters was also a co-host of the popular morning television program, "Today," on NBC, where she honed her skills in interviewing and reporting. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she became known for her ability to secure exclusive interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and other influential figures.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Walters' most notable contributions to television journalism was her creation of "The Barbara Walters Specials," a series of in-depth interviews with prominent figures. These specials became a hallmark of her career, showcasing her unique interviewing style that combined empathy with incisive questioning. Walters was also the creator and co-host of "The View," a daytime talk show that brought together women from different backgrounds to discuss current events and personal stories. This show became a cultural phenomenon and remains a staple of daytime television.
Impact and Legacy
Barbara Walters' impact on journalism is profound. She paved the way for women in the industry, demonstrating that female journalists could hold their own in high-stakes environments. Her interviewing style, characterized by thorough preparation and a genuine curiosity about her subjects, set a new standard for television journalism. Walters' ability to connect with her interviewees and elicit candid responses made her interviews memorable and influential. Her legacy is evident in the many journalists who cite her as an inspiration and in the continued success of "The View."
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Barbara Walters is widely quoted and remembered for her pioneering role in journalism and her ability to conduct interviews that resonated with audiences. Her interviews often revealed new insights into the lives and thoughts of her subjects, making them newsworthy events in their own right. Walters' quotes often reflect her keen understanding of human nature and her commitment to uncovering the truth. Her legacy as a journalist who broke barriers and set new standards for excellence ensures that her words and work continue to inspire and inform future generations.
Quotes by Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters's insights on:
Before we had airplanes and astronauts, we really thought that there was an actual place beyond the clouds, somewhere over the rainbow. There was an actual place, and we could go above the clouds and find it there.
I'm a wonderful editor. That's what I do best. I know exactly what I want. If I have to decide whether to wear the red dress or the blue dress or what should I have said, I am constantly changing my mind.
And I really do believe that the most important thing is the way you live your life on earth. But I think it’s enormously comforting to believe that you’re going to see your loved ones.
I also found that for myself, since I’ve had no religious education, it was so interesting to see the different versions of heaven and what life on earth means.
I found it interesting that as people become more technically oriented all over the world, at the same time people are becoming increasingly spiritual. The success of the Da Vinci code – even though it was a great yawn – also showed people’s interest in religion.
All of the religions – with the exception of Tibetan Buddhism, which doesn’t believe in a heaven – teach that heaven is a better place. At the end of the program, I say that heaven is a place where you are happy. All of the religions have that in common.
Celebrities used to be found in clusters, like oysters – and with much the same defensive mechanisms.