Introduction
Barbara Walters was an American broadcast journalist and television personality who left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. She was known for her distinctive voice and her impeccable interviewing ability. Barbara hosted several popular shows, including ABC’s “20/20” and “The View”, where she interviewed many celebrities and world leaders, displaying a rare ability to draw out candid and personal responses from her subjects.
Barbara’s journalistic career spanned over five decades, during which she set new standards for broadcast journalism, becoming the first woman ever to acquire the title of ‘co-host’ for any news program.
One of Barbara’s most popular programs was her annual special aired on ABC, “Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People”. This program featured her interviews with some of the most fascinating people of the year, including politicians, celebrities, and cultural icons.
Barbara received many accolades throughout her career, including induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. She was widely respected and admired by her peers and fans alike, and her contributions to journalism will never be forgotten.
Sadly, Barbara Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of journalists and television personalities.
Personal life/Early life
Barbara Walters was born in Boston, Massachusetts, as the daughter of Dena and Lou Walters. Her father was a theatrical producer and nightclub owner. She grew up with four siblings, including a half-sister from her father’s first marriage. Growing up, Walters attended several schools due to her family’s frequent moves. She attended Lawrence School, a public school in Miami Beach, Florida, before moving to New York City to attend Ethical Culture Fieldston School for eighth grade. The family moved back to Miami Beach, and Walters completed her high school education at Birch Wathen School in New York City.
After graduating from high school, Walters went on to attend Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1951. During her time at college, she was a member of the sorority Alpha Phi. Following her graduation, Walters began working as a publicist for the television network, NBC, before transitioning to on-air reporting. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career in journalism and broadcasting. Throughout her career, Walters was widely respected and admired for her intelligence, tenacity, and professionalism.
Barbara Walters Height, Weight, & Body Measurements
Barbara Walters stood at a height of 5 ft 5 in / 165 cm tall and weighed approximately 126 lb / 57 kg. She had beautiful blonde hair and lovely brown eyes. She had the perfect figure to go along with her good looks. Her body build type was thin, and her dimensions were 34-26-32 inches.
Barbara Walters Husband & Children
Barbara Walters’ personal life was marked by her four marriages to three different men. Her first marriage was to Robert Henry Katz, a former Navy lieutenant and business executive, in June 1955. However, the marriage was reportedly annulled just eleven months later, in 1957. She then married Lee Guber, a theatrical producer and theater owner, in December 1963. The couple adopted a baby girl named Jacqueline Dena Guber in 1968, after Barbara had experienced three miscarriages. However, they eventually divorced in 1976.
Her third husband was Merv Adelson, CEO of Lorimar Television. They married in 1981 but divorced in 1984. The couple reconciled and remarried in 1986, but ultimately divorced for the second time in 1992.Despite having a daughter, Barbara has spoken publicly about regretting not having more children. Throughout her life, she also dated several notable figures, including Roy Cohn, Alan Greenspan, Robert Neil Butler, and Edward Brooke.
As for her sexual orientation, Barbara Walters identified as straight. While she was known for her groundbreaking interviews with LGBT figures, she never publicly identified as anything other than heterosexual.
| Celebrated Name | Barbara Walters |
|---|---|
| Age (as of 2022) | 93 Years Old |
| Nick Name | Babs |
| Birth Name | Barbara Jill Walters |
| Birth Date | 1929-09-25 |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Journalist |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Place Of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Net Worth | $170 million |
| Height | 5 ft 5 inches |
| Weight | 57 kg |
| Breast Size | 34 |
| Waist Size | 26 |
| Hip Size | 32 |
| Husband | Merv Adelson (1981-84, 1986-92), Lee Guber (1963-76) |
| Bra Cup Size | 34 B |
| High School | Miami Beach High School |
| University | Sarah Lawrence College |
| Working For | ABC News |
| Birth Nation | America |
| Race | White |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Spouse | Robert Henry Katz (m. 1955; ann. 1957) Merv Adelson (m. 1981; div. 1984) Lee Guber (m. 1963; div. 1976) (m. 1986; div. 1992) |
| Children | 1 |
| Source of Wealth | Broadcast journalist and television personality career. |
| Death Date | 30th December 2022 |
Career Highlights
- Barbara Walters had a long and successful career in journalism, beginning with her work at a small advertising agency in New York City before moving on to various TV shows and networks.
- She produced and hosted several programs, including “Ask the Camera,” “Eloise McElhone Show,” “Not for Women Only,” and “Barbara Walters Specials.”
- In 1976, she signed a five-year, $5 million contract with ABC and co-anchored the “ABC Evening News” with Harry Reasoner.
- This made her the first female network news anchor in the United States. Barbara also co-hosted “20/20” with Hugh Downs and reunited with him after their time together on “The Today Show.”
- One of Barbara’s most famous interviews was with Egypt’s President Anwar Al Sadat and Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin in the year 1977.
- She also hosted the popular annual special “Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People” starting in 1993 and co-created and co-executive produced “The View,” where she was also a co-host.
- Walters officially retired from “The View” in 2014 but continued to make occasional guest appearances.
- Barbara also returned for special interviews, including with Donald and Melania Trump, and remained a part-time contributor of programming and interviews for ABC News until the year 2016.
- ABC honored her with a special called “Our Barbara” after her passing on December 30, 2022, and her office remained untouched for a while, a testament to her influence and impact on the network and the world of journalism.
Bibliography
- In the late 1960s, Barbara authored a magazine article titled “How to Talk to Practically Anyone About Practically Anything,” and in 1970, she released the book “How to Talk to Practically Anyone About Practically Anything.”
- In 2008, she released her second autobiography, “Audition: A Memoir.”
Awards and Achievements
- 1985: Paul White Award, Radio Television Cyber News Association
- 2003: Daytime Emmy Award for Best Talk Show
- 2009: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host NAACP Image Award for Best Talk Series
- The Lucy Award was given to her in 1998 in honour of her quality and inventiveness in her creative works
- Beverly Sills, a member of the Awards Council, presented the 1991 Golden Plate Award
Barbara Walters’ cause of death
Barbara Walters was a trailblazing journalist who made a lasting impact on the field of broadcast journalism. Her death on 30th December 2022 at the age of 93 was confirmed by her spokesperson, who noted that Walters passed away peacefully at her home in Manhattan surrounded by loved ones. Walters’ spokesperson Cindi Berger stated, “She lived her life with no regrets. Barbara was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women.”
In addition to her remarkable career, Walters also faced health challenges later in life. In May 2010, she announced that she needed heart valve replacement surgery to repair a valve that had become ‘tighter and smaller.’ She underwent the procedure four days after making the announcement and her spokeswoman, Cindi Berger, reported that the operation was successful and that the doctors were pleased with the outcome.
Despite the health scare, Walters remained positive and determined to continue her work. She noted that she had known about her condition for a while and that many people had undergone the same surgery. Throughout her career, Walters had shown remarkable strength and resilience, setting an example for women in journalism and beyond. Her legacy as a trailblazer and role model for future generations will continue to be felt for years to come.
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Barbara Walters Net Worth, Salary & Assets
Barbara Walters was not only a pioneering journalist, but also a highly successful businesswoman. Throughout her long career, she was able to accumulate a vast fortune that allowed her to enjoy a lavish lifestyle filled with all the comforts and luxuries of the world.
At the time of her death in 2022, Barbara Walters had an estimated net worth of $170 million. She was widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential journalists of her time, and her unique interviewing style and insightful reporting earned her a legion of devoted fans around the world.
Despite her immense wealth, Barbara Walters was known for her down-to-earth personality and her commitment to philanthropy. She was a passionate advocate for a wide range of causes, including women’s rights, health care, and education, and she donated generously to many charitable organizations throughout her life.
Some Amazing Facts at A Glance About Barbara Walters
- She majored in English at Sarah Lawrence College.
- Barbara has worked as a spokesperson for Welch’s and has interviewed numerous celebrities and foreign leaders.
- Jacqueline Dena Guber was her daughter’s name.
- In 2000, she was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 2000, she was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Her zodiac sign was Libra.
