Barbara Walters was the ultimate broadcast journalism trailblazer. During her extraordinary 50-year career, she completely changed the face of television. Walters was a fierce, if not intimidating, interviewing presence. She connected with everyone from global leaders to pop culture celebrities, putting the focus on everyone’s unique perspective. She takes us on an intimate, inside-the-tent look at the personal and political lives of her subjects. It’s this skill that makes her one of television’s most revered journalists.
Over her historic career, few led the world to compelling interviews and consequential moments like Barbara Walters. In 1977, she made her iconic—though not authorized—journey to Cuba. There, she famously sat down with Fidel Castro, cementing her fierce dedication to bringing powerful stories about pivotal world events to our screens. This cast interview showcased her fierce determination. Perhaps most importantly, it showed her grit in standing up to provocateurs – something at the heart of her ethos as a professional.
Walters’ portfolio of work ranges from one-on-one conversations with the likes of Barbra Streisand to the Kardashian sisters, and even with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Every interview was a testament to her thoughtful style that married personal fascination with journalistic integrity. She was known for asking questions that others might shy away from, as noted by Oprah Winfrey:
“She asked the question that nobody else had asked, and asked it in a way that always hit a nerve.” – Oprah Winfrey
Her interviews were more than just fact-finding missions. They delved into the emotional and psychological depths of her subjects. Or, share epic and influential interviews. In 1990, she did a tough and fearless interview with Saddam Hussein. This encounter demonstrated her uncanny knack for besting even the most obdurate political stalwarts. In much the same way, her 2011 interview with then-Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad provided a view of the tightrope walked while confronting a reviled leader. Al-Assad’s response to inquiries about his regime’s actions was chillingly candid:
“You don’t feel guilty when you don’t kill people.” – Bashar al-Assad
Beyond politicians, Walters probed the personal lives of celebrities and public figures. Her seminal interviews with Robin Givens and Mike Tyson transcended tabloid journalism and weaknesses, pushing the bounds of passion, vulnerability, and discord in celebrity romance. The Menendez brothers interview gave us a deep look into their infamous court cases and twisted life stories. Erik Menendez’s statement during his interview exemplified the emotional weight of their story:
“I’m just a normal – I’m just a normal kid.” – Erik Menendez
Bette Midler noted her fearless approach, stating:
“She was fearless, and sometimes she got under people’s skin.” – Bette Midler
This sentiment was echoed by Cynthia McFadden, who remarked on the nature of Walters’ interviews:
“No one ever got out totally unscathed.” – Cynthia McFadden
Walters’ legacy is most easily seen in the powerful and high-profile personalities she interviewed. Her forceful advocacy behind those one-on-one interactions had a lasting imprint. Victor Neufeld described the atmosphere Walters created during interviews:
“When she prepared for an interview, the whole world stopped when you were in this session with her. Nothing could interrupt.” – Victor Neufeld
We will miss her genuine passion and caring for guests, which made her a favorite among travelers. This creative connection beautifully translated into tender moments captured on film, easily relatable to many Americans. Clint Eastwood once reflected on his experience, emphasizing the unpredictability of their exchanges:
“Well we could try it and see if it worked out.” – Clint Eastwood
From contending with racism in her career, to unpacking complicated topics like apartheid, Walters was relentless in her pursuit of journalistic integrity and storytelling. While beautifully and spontaneously constructed, her interviews left room for her subjects to shine through. In her own words, she acknowledged the dynamic nature of interviews:
“You would drive me nuts and I would drive you crazy because I would be saying, ‘But, you know.’” – Barbara Walters
Walters’ impact on journalism and television in general is deep and lasting. She made life easier and opportunities greater for generations of journalists of all races. She raised the bar for all interviewers by bringing together empathy, vision, and fearlessness in her discussions.
