For over four decades, Barbara Walters was the voice of America's most engaging conversations. As a broadcast journalist and TV host, she sat down with some of the biggest names in history—movie stars, presidents, and newsmakers alike. Her groundbreaking work in TV news paved the way for generations of female journalists, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. She wasn’t just a pioneer; she was a force to be reckoned with.
In a new book titled The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters, written by Susan Page, the Washington bureau chief of USA Today, we get an inside look at what drove Barbara to greatness. “In the beginning, she was the first and the only woman,” Page exclusively tells Closer. But by the end of her life, she was thrilled to see so many women excelling in TV journalism. It was a legacy she could be proud of.
Barbara’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. Her father, Lou Walters, was a well-known nightclub impresario who exposed her to the glamorous world of celebrities from a young age. However, this world wasn’t as stable as it seemed. “He would make a million dollars, and then he would lose a million dollars,” Page explains. Lou’s gambling habit caused chaos in the family, forcing them to move from luxurious penthouses overlooking Central Park to modest Miami rentals within months. This unpredictability left Barbara with a deep-seated fear that success could vanish in an instant. “It made her competitive, but I think it also cost her any sense of contentment no matter how much she achieved,” Page adds.
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It wasn’t until a life-altering crisis that Barbara found her true calling. “Her father attempted to commit suicide when she was 28,” Page reveals. Up until that point, Barbara had been drifting through life. She had recently divorced her first husband and wasn’t particularly focused on her career. But when her father’s life was on the line, everything changed. “It’s interesting. Barbara’s mother didn’t call an ambulance,” Page recounts. “She called Barbara. That moment became a turning point in Barbara’s life, the spark that fueled her for the rest of her days.”
A Journey to the Top
Barbara’s rise in the world of television was nothing short of extraordinary. She began her career as a writer for The Today Show in 1961, eventually earning her place on camera. Within a decade, she was hosting her own affiliate news show, and by 1974, she made history as the first female cohost of a national news program. Her talent, charm, and ability to land exclusive interviews made her one of the highest-paid news anchors in the industry—regardless of gender.
Personal Sacrifices for Professional Success
Barbara’s relentless drive to succeed came at a cost to her personal life. While she adored her daughter, Jackie, her demanding career often took precedence. “She was not a great mother,” Page admits. This pattern extended to her relationships. Married four times to three different men, Barbara always put her career first. Even her long-term affair with Massachusetts Senator Edward Brooke ended when she felt it might jeopardize her job. “If there was ever a conflict between her career and her personal life, she would always choose her career,” Page explains.
A Legacy of No Regrets
Barbara Walters passed away in 2022 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievement. Despite the sacrifices she made, she looked back on her life with pride. “She put on her gravestone: ‘No regrets. I had a great life,’” Page shares. “I think that’s exactly how she felt.” Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and breaking barriers.
