Yes, Barbara Walters Is Still Alive — Here’s a Look at Her Storied Life
When it comes to journalism, few individuals have a career as iconic as Barbara Walters.
Over the past few decades, the world has gotten to know the poised and ambitious journalist through her work and impressive hosting abilities. Walters was well known for her drive and skills to lockdown exclusive first interviews with some of the most high-profile cases in the nation.
A few years back, Walters decided to retire, but many of her loyal fans and followers have wondered how the broadcasting star has been doing.
Take a look back at the legendary television journalists’ journey, and find out what she has been up to more recently.
Barbara Walters’ upbringing
A Boston native, according to Biography, Walters was born in Massachusetts in 1929. Both her brother and sister died at a young age. Growing up, Walters’ father worked in the nightclub and event business, which ultimately led him to move his family to Miami Beach, Florida.
After high school, Walters began studying English at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating in 1953. Walters worked as a publicity director assistant for Tex McCrary, a Republican activist, before writing content for CBS’ Morning Show.
Barbara Walters’ rise to fame
According to Distractify, Walters’ career and reputation took off when she worked for NBC’s Today. Walters traveled to India and Pakistan with first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Walters spent over a decade on Today as the country fell in love with her and her casual yet tactful interviewing skills.
In 1975, Walters was awarded a Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award, and it became clear she didn’t plan on going anywhere any time soon. Walters began working for ABC and soon started appearing on 20/20. The beloved journalist became such a staple on the program, and many people jokingly wondered if Walters would have any special contributions when it came time to ring in the next decade.
‘The View’ and retirement
Walters’ iconic work had many positive influences on television broadcasting and reporting. The journalist is often praised for her role on The View. Walters created the talk show back in 1997, and it has been a sensational hit ever since. The idea was to create a program where the co-hosts and guests could offer their perspectives on everything from politics to career, family, and pop culture.
After many, many monumental interviews, Walters announced her retirement in 2013 and made it official just one year later.
When Walters first entered retirement, she shared with the Los Angeles Times (via Biography): “I do not want to appear on another program or climb another mountain. I want instead to sit on a sunny field and admire the very gifted women — and OK, some men too — who will be taking my place.”
