Barbara Walters, a pioneering figure in American television, left an indelible mark on broadcast journalism, captivating audiences with her unique interviewing style and unmatched ability to engage with high-profile figures. Known for her roles on The Today Show, 20/20, and The View, Walters shaped the landscape of television journalism over the course of her illustrious career. With a net worth of $170 million at the time of her death in 2022, her financial legacy is as impressive as her career achievements. Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93, leaving behind a monumental legacy that extends far beyond her financial success.
Early Life and Family Background
Barbara Walters was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts. Growing up in a family closely connected to the entertainment industry, Walters was exposed to a world of celebrities from a young age. Her father, Lou Walters, managed a nightclub and later worked as a Broadway producer and entertainment director for Las Vegas’ Tropicana Resort and Casino. This early exposure to high society and show business played a crucial role in shaping her career. Walters had an older sister, Jacqueline, who was mentally disabled and passed away in 1985, and a brother, Burton, who tragically died of pneumonia in 1932 when Barbara was just a child.
Educated at a variety of institutions, including Sarah Lawrence College, Walters pursued a degree in English before beginning her career in television. Her early professional years were spent working in writing and production roles for various networks, including NBC and CBS, before she landed her major breakthrough role at NBC’s The Today Show in 1961.
Career Breakthrough and Accomplishments
Barbara Walters’ professional trajectory is a testament to her perseverance and talent. In 1961, she began her journey at NBC as a writer and researcher, eventually rising to co-host The Today Show in 1974, making her the first woman to co-host a major American news program. Her ability to navigate both light-hearted segments and hard-hitting news segments garnered her widespread acclaim. Walters became a fixture of The Today Show, where she remained until 1976, marking a historic moment when she co-anchored the ABC Evening News from 1976 to 1978.
Walters’ career truly soared when she joined ABC’s 20/20 in 1979, where she co-anchored alongside Hugh Downs and later with John Stossel. She remained with the show until her retirement in 2004, leaving behind an iconic legacy. Her unparalleled interviewing skills, which earned her interviews with global leaders such as Fidel Castro, Anwar Sadat, and Margaret Thatcher, are part of what made her an industry leader.
Perhaps Walters’ most influential creation came in 1997 with the launch of The View. As both creator and co-host, she revolutionized daytime television with a show that blended news, politics, and entertainment in a unique format. The View became a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Walters retired from the show in 2014 but returned for special appearances in subsequent years, cementing her role in American television for decades.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Barbara Walters accumulated a staggering net worth of $170 million throughout her career, much of which was derived from her television roles, publishing efforts, and investments. Walters was one of the highest-paid personalities in the television industry, commanding substantial salaries for her roles at NBC, ABC, and later, her own show The View.
In addition to her salaries, Walters published two successful books, How to Talk with Practically Anybody About Practically Anything (1970) and Audition: A Memoir (2008), which contributed to her wealth. Her financial success was not only the result of her network contracts but also her ability to negotiate lucrative deals that made her one of the most respected figures in broadcasting.
Walters’ professional achievements were reflected in her compensation packages. She signed significant contracts with ABC throughout her career, including her $12 million deal with the network in 2000. Additionally, her production credits, book royalties, and public speaking engagements added to her extensive financial portfolio.
Personal Life and Family
Barbara Walters had a colorful personal life, with multiple marriages and high-profile relationships. She was married to business executive Robert Henry Katz from 1955 to 1957, though the marriage was annulled after just 11 months. Walters later married theatrical producer Lee Guber in 1963, and the couple adopted a daughter, Jacqueline, in 1968. They divorced in 1976. Walters married Merv Adelson, CEO of Lorimar Television, twice—first in 1981, then again in 1986 after their initial divorce, before finally parting ways in 1992.
Walters’ personal life also included notable relationships with influential figures, including economist Alan Greenspan and U.S. Senator John Warner. However, it was her work and dedication to her career that truly defined her legacy.
Health Struggles and Retirement
In 2010, Walters took a brief hiatus from The View and her SiriusXM show, Here’s Barbara, following open heart surgery. She underwent the procedure to replace a faulty aortic valve, and after a successful recovery, she returned to work later that year. Despite her health setbacks, Walters continued to be a visible presence on television until her retirement in 2014.
In her later years, Walters’ health began to decline, and she battled dementia. She passed away in her home in Manhattan on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93. Her death marked the end of an era in American broadcasting, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in journalism and television history.
Legacy and Awards
Barbara Walters received numerous accolades throughout her career, including multiple Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, and induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1989. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Walters’ reputation as one of the most accomplished interviewers in history was further cemented by her status as a trailblazer for women in the broadcast industry.
In 2023, a special tribute to Walters, Our Barbara, aired on ABC, celebrating her unparalleled contributions to the world of television and journalism. Her influence continues to be felt in the media world today.
Conclusion
Barbara Walters’ net worth of $170 million is a reflection of her extraordinary career as a journalist, television host, and author. With an impressive legacy that includes pioneering roles in television, groundbreaking interviews with world leaders, and creating The View, Walters remains a towering figure in American broadcasting. Her contributions to the industry, combined with her personal and professional triumphs, ensure that her influence will endure for generations to come.