Every groundbreaking Barbara Walters was a trailblazer who made television journalism stronger. She definitely left an indelible mark on the industry during her outstanding 50-year career. Known for her incisive questioning and ability to connect with a diverse range of interviewees, Walters interviewed thousands of people, from global leaders to pop culture icons. Her complex, inquisitive legacy is perhaps most profoundly characterized by her trail of landmark interviews, which spellbound audiences across the globe.
Over the course of her career, Walters interviewed a dazzlingly colorful cast of characters. Among those she spoke with were Fidel Castro, the controversial leader of Cuba, the dictatorial Caribbean island nation, whom she was able to interview in 1977. This trip became a true turning point in her career. It was perhaps the first time an American journalist had gotten so much access to Castro. Walters’ no-holds-barred style paved the way for the next generation of journalists who dared to confront global leaders.
Beyond politicians, Walters had wide-ranging interviews with the biggest entertainers. She sat down with Barbra Streisand, one of the most successful female recording artists in history, showcasing her ability to blend entertainment with hard-hitting journalism. Her interviews provided intimate glimpses into the lives of these iconic celebrities, cracking open the hard shells they all often built for public consumption.
From Walters’ portfolio, one might immediately think of her high-profile interviews with the Kardashian sisters. She introduced their reality show sensibilities to the house of serious journalism. She deftly interacts with all sorts of topics. Her artistry is never more apparent than when she’s addressing the beautiful, chaotic currents of media and public attention.
On the political front, Walters’ most famous interview was with Vladimir Putin. This allowed American audiences an unprecedented glimpse into the often secretive and inscrutable Russian leader. Her blunt interview style always drew out the most honest answers from her subjects, making them share more than they bargained for. Bashar Al-Assad, former Syrian president, was yet another major world leader that Walters challenged during her illustrious career. Her 2011 interview with him was particularly notable for its tension, as she questioned him about the ongoing civil war in Syria.
Walters further gained notoriety for her controversial interviews with leaders like Saddam Hussein and fellow newsmaker, Monica Lewinsky. Her skill at pressing for tough answers but doing so without losing her cool won her admiration from colleagues and audiences across the country. Oprah Winfrey remarked on Walters’ unique interviewing style, saying, “She asked the question that nobody else had asked, and asked it in a way that always hit a nerve.”
Her interviews were not without challenges. Cynthia McFadden reflected on Walters’ approach: “No one ever got out totally unscathed.” This spirit of inquiry was felt across her entire career as she acted as an inquisitor and provoker of her subjects.
Walters’ no-nonsense approach and confidence quickly commanded respect from her colleagues as well as from her interview subjects. Bette Midler commented on this trait, stating, “She was fearless, and sometimes she got under people’s skin.” This fearlessness afforded her the opportunity to dig deep into controversial topics, hold powerful people accountable and take creative risks that few others could even come close to matching.
Victor Neufeld, a former producer for Walters, highlighted her dedication to her craft: “When she prepared for an interview, the whole world stopped when you were in this session with her. Nothing could interrupt.” Her dogged advance preparation led an abundance of substance and quality, even depth, to her on-the-street interviews.
Even when dealing with deeply difficult topics, Walters was funny, real, and relatable. She would have a lot of fun with you because you’d drive me nuts! You’d drive her crazy as well, constantly going, “But, you know.” Her sincere sincerity struck a chord with audience members, endearing her to the public even as she interviewed megastars.
Her interviews often featured surprising revelations. For instance, during his interview with Walters, Bashar Al-Assad stated, “You don’t feel guilty when you don’t kill people,” a chilling remark that drew significant media attention. In another notable moment, Erik Menendez, one of the Menendez brothers implicated in a high-profile murder case, shared candid reflections on his upbringing: “I’m just a normal – I’m just a normal kid.”
