Barbara Walters Biography

Barbara Walters, journalist and talk show host

Birthdate: September 25, 1929

Birthplace: Brookline, Massachusetts

Sign: Libra

American journalist, TV news anchor and talk show host Barbara Jill Walters was born in Brookline, Massachusetts before living and attending school in New York where her father opened a chain of nightclubs called the Latin Quarter. After their father lost the nightclubs and their apartment in Central Park West, they moved to Florida where Walters graduated from Miami Beach Senior High. She later received a B.A. in English from Sarah Lawrence College in New York.

She began her work in journalism as a writer and producer for a NBC affiliate and again for a CBS morning show before beginning her first on-camera features for NBC's Today Show in 1961, including reporting and interviews. In 1974, she became the first female co-host of the Today Show.

In 1976, Walters became the first network anchorwoman as well as the first news anchor to earn $1,000,000 a year when ABC signed her on to their ABC Evening News program. She then began her popular primetime specials as well as hosting and appearing on shows on other networks. In 1979, she became the co-anchor of 20/20 alongside Hugh Downs, which she continued on for 25 years. She is best known for her high-profile interviews, including celebrities and world leaders.

In 1997, Walters became the co-Creator and co-Executive Producer of a Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, The View. She continues to serve as a co-host on the show, alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Sherri Shepherd and Joy Behar.

In 2004, she semi-retired from 20/20 and broadcast journalism but continues as a special contributor and correspondent for ABC News programs. She also continues her primetime specials, including the yearly 10 Most Fascinating People.

In 2008, she released her first memoir, Audition, which became a #1 Best Seller.