Media Icon Barbara Walters Dies At 93 Years Old
One of the best adjectives to describe Barbara Walters is trailblazing. She opened the doors wide and open for women when it came to journalism. And after being in the industry for six decades and being the first woman to be a TV news superstar, Barbara has died at the age of 93.
Barbara passed away in her New York home, surrounded by her loved ones. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but Bob Iger, the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, has confirmed her passing.
Bob called Barbara a legend and a pioneer, not just for all the women who wanted to be part of journalism but for journalism as a whole.
Recall that in 1976, Barbara made headlines when she became part of ABC News. She was the first female anchor for any evening news program, with an unparalleled compensation of $1 million. The influential and outspoken journalist also became a co-host for 20/20 and then, later on, launched The View.
Cindi Berger, Barbara’s publicist, said, “Barbara lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but all women.”
Barbara’s drive to be at the heart and core of journalism was hot, making her dedication to the industry legendary. She competed with rival networks and even with journalists at her own network. And during her time, this might have been misinterpreted, but it challenged every journalist, male and female, to do more extensive interviews.
The mighty woman was one of the few who could land most of the critical and headline-grabbing interviews in the history of journalism. She interviewed all previous US presidents and first ladies, right from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. Barbara also interviewed Joe Biden and Donald Trump but not as presidents then.
Other prominent people she interviewed were Monica Lewinsky, Fidel Castro, Mike Tyson, Robin Givens, Hugh Jackman, Katharine Hepburn, Christopher Reeve, Elizabeth Taylor, Anwar Sadat, Menachem Begin, Sean Connery, and The Menendez Brothers, to name a few.
Barbara had almost 40 years with ABC and a few with NBC. She conducted numerous interviews with celebrities, dignitaries, and politicians, earning her a reputation as one of the most reliable journalists.
Later in Barbara’s career, she also shifted to what infotainment should be through The View, an all-female weekday panel with random topics and guests.
Since the news of her death was released, celebrities, co-workers, and those she previously interviewed have expressed their condolences, recalling fond memories, and sharing stories of their experiences with the seasoned national news anchor.
Oprah Winfrey posted her tribute by saying, “’Without Barbara Walters, there wouldn’t have been me-nor any woman you see on the evening, morning, and daily news. She was indeed a Trailblazer.” She accompanied this message with a throwback photo of them together.
Lynda Carter, the original Wonder Woman, also posted a tweet of tribute and called Barbara an American institution. She put into words how Barbara was the first female national news anchor who opened the door to boundless promises for many women who wanted to be part of the TV industry, herself included.
Barbara is survived by her only daughter, Jacqueline Danforth.
