Barbara Walters was one of the most pioneering and respected journalists in television history. Over a career that spanned more than five decades, she broke barriers, interviewed world leaders, and redefined what it meant to be a woman in broadcast news. With her signature interviewing style and unique ability to connect with both celebrities and heads of state, Walters became a household name.
As of 2025, the question continues to circulate online: Is Barbara Walters still alive? The answer is no. Barbara Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life lived in service to journalism, truth, and television innovation.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Barbara Jill Walters was born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her father, Lou Walters, worked in show business and owned a chain of nightclubs. This early exposure to entertainers and public personalities helped cultivate her comfort around high-profile individuals and influenced her interest in media.
She attended Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a degree in English in 1951. Soon after, she entered the workforce in a media environment dominated by men. Rather than being deterred, Walters focused on building credibility, working behind the scenes in roles as a researcher and writer.
This persistence laid the foundation for a career that would later revolutionize the industry for women in journalism.
Breaking Barriers in Journalism
Walters began her career in television journalism at NBC’s Today show in the early 1960s, initially as a writer and segment producer. Her intellect, poise, and confidence in front of the camera eventually earned her a spot as a co-host in 1974—making her the first woman to co-anchor the Today show.
In 1976, she moved to ABC News and became the first woman to co-anchor a network evening news program, sharing the desk with Harry Reasoner. Her presence at that level was unprecedented at the time and opened doors for women across the broadcasting landscape.
She later became the co-host and producer of ABC’s 20/20, where she remained a fixture for decades.
Signature Interview Style
Barbara Walters was celebrated for her skill in conducting high-profile interviews. She had a unique ability to ask difficult, intimate, or emotional questions without alienating her subjects. Her interviewees often included political leaders, royalty, actors, athletes, and controversial figures.
Some of her most notable interviews included:
- Fidel Castro
- Margaret Thatcher
- Monica Lewinsky
- Vladimir Putin
- Michael Jackson
- Oprah Winfrey
- Donald Trump
- Katherine Hepburn
Her annual “Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People” special became a cultural tradition. Over time, she became not just a news anchor, but a cultural institution.
The View: A New Chapter in Daytime Television
In 1997, Walters co-created The View, a daytime panel-style talk show featuring women of different backgrounds and political perspectives. The show became a platform for conversation on politics, pop culture, health, and women’s issues.
Walters served as a co-host and executive producer, helping the program achieve high ratings and critical acclaim. Even after retiring from regular hosting in 2014, she remained involved in production and continued to make occasional appearances.
The View helped redefine the format of daytime television and influenced numerous similar shows that followed. It also provided a space where women’s voices were front and center in national conversation.
Health Issues and Final Years
In May 2010, Barbara Walters publicly revealed that she would undergo open-heart surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve. The operation was successful, and she returned to The View later that year.
After her retirement in 2014, she increasingly stepped out of the public spotlight. Reports began to surface in the late 2010s and early 2020s about her declining health. It was later confirmed that Walters had been battling dementia in the final years of her life. She lived privately in her New York City apartment, surrounded by caretakers and close friends.
She passed away peacefully on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Barbara Walters’ legacy is immense. She was a trailblazer for women in television journalism, shattering ceilings in a male-dominated field. She proved that women could not only deliver the news but do so with authority, intelligence, and empathy.
Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards
- A Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
- Induction into the Television Hall of Fame
In many ways, Walters redefined what it meant to be a public interviewer. She did not shy away from sensitive topics but handled them with grace. Her influence continues in the work of modern broadcasters and talk show hosts.
Tributes and Reactions
Following her passing, tributes poured in from media colleagues, politicians, and viewers worldwide. Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful journalists and media moguls in history, credited Walters with paving the way:
“Without Barbara Walters, there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news.”
Major news outlets ran extended retrospectives of her work. Networks aired special programs to honor her achievements. On social media, the hashtag #ThankYouBarbara trended globally as journalists and fans shared their memories and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbara Walters still alive in 2025?
No. Barbara Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93.
What was the cause of her death?
While an official cause was not publicly detailed, Walters had been privately battling dementia and age-related health issues.
What were Barbara Walters’ most notable accomplishments?
She was the first woman to co-anchor both NBC’s Today and ABC’s evening news. She was also the creator of The View and conducted numerous iconic interviews.
What awards did she receive?
She won several Daytime Emmys, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
Did Barbara Walters ever return to TV after retiring?
She made occasional appearances after her 2014 retirement but mostly withdrew from the public eye by the late 2010s due to declining health.
What is her cultural legacy?
Barbara Walters transformed American journalism, opened doors for women in media, and created formats that remain influential today.
Conclusion
Barbara Walters lived a long, remarkable life defined by courage, intelligence, and innovation. From facing gender barriers in the newsroom to becoming one of the most trusted voices in broadcast journalism, she left a profound and lasting impact on the industry.
Though she is no longer with us as of 2025, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of journalists, especially women. Her standards of professionalism, her signature interviewing style, and her dedication to public dialogue will forever be remembered.