World-renowned television journalist and host Barbara Walters passed away today at 93.
Born in 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts, Walters began her career as a writer and researcher for the Today Show in 1961. In 1974, she made history by becoming the first woman to co-anchor the Today Show.
In 1976, she created and began hosting the investigative news program 20/20, which became a staple of ABC’s primetime lineup.
In 1997, Walters co-created, co-executive-produced, and co-hosted The View, a daytime talk show focused on women’s issues and featured a panel discussing current events and pop culture. She formally retired from full-time hosting duties in 2014.
Walters was further famous for her many “Barbara Walters Specials,” in which she conducted in-depth interviews with high-profile figures such as world leaders, celebrities, and politicians. Her last on-air interview occurred back in 2015 in which she interviewed Donald Trump.
Throughout her career, Walters won several Emmy Awards, including a distinguishing Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (2000). She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.
Walters will be remembered for her ability to conduct thoughtful and insightful interviews alongside her far-reaching impact on the media industry.
