Barbara Walters poses for a portrait in 2008.
Barbara Walters' life in pictures
Barbara Walters poses for a portrait in 2008.
Todd Plitt/Contour/Getty Images

Updated 11:06 PM EST, Fri December 30, 2022

Barbara Walters, the pioneering TV journalist whose interviewing skills made her one of the most prominent figures in broadcasting, died on Friday, December 30, her spokesperson confirmed to CNN. She was 93.

Walters began her national broadcast career as a reporter, writer and panel member for NBC's "Today" show in 1961. She was promoted to co-host in 1974, and by 1976 ABC had snatched her up for its own news programs.

At ABC, Walters was a co-host and correspondent for "20/20" before landing on "The View." She was perhaps best known for her "Barbara Walters Specials" that would feature in-depth interviews with famous people.

Walters interviewed every US president and first lady during her career, starting with Richard and Pat Nixon. Other notable interviews include Fidel Castro, Vladimir Putin, Michael Jackson, Katharine Hepburn and Monica Lewinsky. In 1977, she had a joint interview with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

After a journalism career spanning a half-century, Walters hosted her last TV show in 2015.

Walters produces the 15-minute children's program "Ask the Camera" in 1953.
Walters produces the 15-minute children's program "Ask the Camera" in 1953.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters, right, is seen with "Ask the Camera" host Kathi Norris in 1953.
Walters, right, is seen with "Ask the Camera" host Kathi Norris in 1953.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters takes a phone call at her desk in New York in 1962. In 1961, she started working as a reporter, writer and panel member on NBC's "Today" show.
Walters takes a phone call at her desk in New York in 1962. In 1961, she started working as a reporter, writer and panel member on NBC's "Today" show.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Walters and Hugh Downs sit at the "Today" show desk in 1966. The two worked together for much of their career.
Walters and Hugh Downs sit at the "Today" show desk in 1966. The two worked together for much of their career.
Rowland Scherman/Getty Images
Walters looks at film negatives behind the scenes in 1966.
Walters looks at film negatives behind the scenes in 1966.
Rowland Scherman/Getty Images
Walters has her makeup applied prior to a "Today" filming in 1966.
Walters has her makeup applied prior to a "Today" filming in 1966.
Rowland Scherman/Getty Images
Walters and Downs, right, stand with a dishwasher on the '"Today" show set in 1966.
Walters and Downs, right, stand with a dishwasher on the '"Today" show set in 1966.
Rowland Scherman/Getty Images
Walters relaxes with her second husband, businessman and theater producer Lee Guber, at their New York home in 1966.
Walters relaxes with her second husband, businessman and theater producer Lee Guber, at their New York home in 1966.
Rowland Scherman/Getty Images
Walters interviews writer Truman Capote for the "Today" show in 1967.
Walters interviews writer Truman Capote for the "Today" show in 1967.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters interviews Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in 1969.
Walters interviews Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in 1969.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters interviewed former first lady Mamie Eisenhower during a special tribute to the late President in 1970.
Walters interviewed former first lady Mamie Eisenhower during a special tribute to the late President in 1970.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters carries her daughter, Jackie, circa 1970. Jackie is Walters' only child. She adopted her with her second husband, Lee Guber.
Walters carries her daughter, Jackie, circa 1970. Jackie is Walters' only child. She adopted her with her second husband, Lee Guber.
Douglas Kirkland/Corbis/Getty Images
Walters with her "Today" show colleagues in 1971: from left, Joe Garagiola, Frank Blair and Frank McGee.
Walters with her "Today" show colleagues in 1971: from left, Joe Garagiola, Frank Blair and Frank McGee.
NBC/Getty Images
During her career, Walters was nominated for 31 Daytime Emmy Awards. She won three and also received an honorary award. She's also won seven Documentary Emmy Awards and one Primetime Emmy.
During her career, Walters was nominated for 31 Daytime Emmy Awards. She won three and also received an honorary award. She's also won seven Documentary Emmy Awards and one Primetime Emmy.
ABC/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters sits with first lady Pat Nixon in the White House library in 1972. Walters interviewed every first lady and President during her career.
Walters sits with first lady Pat Nixon in the White House library in 1972. Walters interviewed every first lady and President during her career.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Walters works for NBC News during the Republican National Convention in 1972.
Walters works for NBC News during the Republican National Convention in 1972.
NBC/Getty Images
In 1975, Walters won her first Daytime Emmy.
In 1975, Walters won her first Daytime Emmy.
NBC/Getty Images
President Gerald Ford gives Walters a helping hand after she slipped during a White House awards presentation in 1975.
President Gerald Ford gives Walters a helping hand after she slipped during a White House awards presentation in 1975.
AP
Walters and Jim Hartz cover New Hampshire's Democratic primary in 1976.
Walters and Jim Hartz cover New Hampshire's Democratic primary in 1976.
NBC News/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Walters interviews dancer Fred Astaire on his birthday in 1976.
Walters interviews dancer Fred Astaire on his birthday in 1976.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Walters co-hosted the "Today" show from 1974-1976. Then she moved to ABC and became the first female to co-anchor the "ABC Evening News." She earned $1 million a year, making her television's highest-paid news personality.
Walters co-hosted the "Today" show from 1974-1976. Then she moved to ABC and became the first female to co-anchor the "ABC Evening News." She earned $1 million a year, making her television's highest-paid news personality.
Raymond Borea/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Walters interviewed Cuban President Fidel Castro as they crossed the Bay of Pigs for an ABC News special that aired in 1977.
Walters interviewed Cuban President Fidel Castro as they crossed the Bay of Pigs for an ABC News special that aired in 1977.
ABC/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters held a groundbreaking interview with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1977.
Walters held a groundbreaking interview with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1977.
Israel Sun/Simyonski/Landov
Walters interviews Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1978. He was overthrown the next year.
Walters interviews Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1978. He was overthrown the next year.
ABC/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters interviews former President Richard Nixon in 1980.
Walters interviews former President Richard Nixon in 1980.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Walters meets with President Ronald Reagan at his ranch in Santa Barbara, California, in 1981.
Walters meets with President Ronald Reagan at his ranch in Santa Barbara, California, in 1981.
ABC/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters interviews legendary actress Katharine Hepburn in 1981.
Walters interviews legendary actress Katharine Hepburn in 1981.
Courtesy Everett Collection
Walters is photographed with Donald Trump and Don King in 1987.
Walters is photographed with Donald Trump and Don King in 1987.
Ron Galella/Getty Images
Walters shakes hands with the Dalai Lama when he visited New York in 1992. At right is actor Richard Gere.
Walters shakes hands with the Dalai Lama when he visited New York in 1992. At right is actor Richard Gere.
Arnaldo Magnan/Getty Images/file
Walters interviewed actor Christopher Reeve in 1995. It was his first interview since a horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed.
Walters interviewed actor Christopher Reeve in 1995. It was his first interview since a horseback-riding accident left him paralyzed.
Reuters/Landov
Walters takes a photo with singer Michael Jackson, whom she interviewed in 1997.
Walters takes a photo with singer Michael Jackson, whom she interviewed in 1997.
Steve Fenn/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, whose affair with President Bill Clinton resulted in Clinton's impeachment, broke her longtime silence to talk with Walters in 1999. A record 70 million viewers tuned in.
Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, whose affair with President Bill Clinton resulted in Clinton's impeachment, broke her longtime silence to talk with Walters in 1999. A record 70 million viewers tuned in.
Virginia Sherwood/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters and other hosts of "The View" appear on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno in 2000. With Walters, from left, are Lisa Ling, Joy Behar and Star Jones.
Walters and other hosts of "The View" appear on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno in 2000. With Walters, from left, are Lisa Ling, Joy Behar and Star Jones.
NBC/Getty Images
Walters interviews Cuban leader Fidel Castro again in 2000.
Walters interviews Cuban leader Fidel Castro again in 2000.
Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photo/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Walters at the Kremlin in Moscow in 2001.
Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Walters at the Kremlin in Moscow in 2001.
ITAR-TASS/AP
Barbara Walters poses for a portrait in her New York apartment in 2004.
Barbara Walters poses for a portrait in her New York apartment in 2004.
Richard Perry/The New York Times/Redux
In 2005, Walters met with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. It was their first joint interview after the November 2004 election.
In 2005, Walters met with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. It was their first joint interview after the November 2004 election.
Susan Sterner/White House/Getty Images
Walters arrives at the "She Made It" launch party in 2005. "She Made It" was an initiative celebrating the achievements of women in the television and radio industry.
Walters arrives at the "She Made It" launch party in 2005. "She Made It" was an initiative celebrating the achievements of women in the television and radio industry.
Stephen Chernin/AP
Walters interviewed Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for an exclusive "20/20" interview in 2007.
Walters interviewed Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for an exclusive "20/20" interview in 2007.
Donna Svennevik/ABC/Getty Images
Walters and fellow TV journalist Katie Couric attend the Emmy Awards in 2009.
Walters and fellow TV journalist Katie Couric attend the Emmy Awards in 2009.
Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage
Walters and Diane Sawyer work together in London when Britain's Prince William married Catherine Middleton in 2011.
Walters and Diane Sawyer work together in London when Britain's Prince William married Catherine Middleton in 2011.
Donna Svennevik/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters sits down with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. It was his first on-camera interview with an American journalist since the start of the uprising in Syria.
Walters sits down with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. It was his first on-camera interview with an American journalist since the start of the uprising in Syria.
Rob Wallace/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters and Behar pose with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on the set of "The View" in 2012.
Walters and Behar pose with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on the set of "The View" in 2012.
Allan Tannenbaum-Pool/Getty Images
Walters' annual specials on the year's "most fascinating people" focused on big names in entertainment, sports, politics and popular culture. In 2012, she interviewed then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Walters' annual specials on the year's "most fascinating people" focused on big names in entertainment, sports, politics and popular culture. In 2012, she interviewed then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Martin H. Simon/ABC/Getty Image
Hosts of "The View" laugh it up during an episode in 2014. From left are guest co-host Sunny Hostin, Walters, guest Bette Midler, Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Hosts of "The View" laugh it up during an episode in 2014. From left are guest co-host Sunny Hostin, Walters, guest Bette Midler, Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Heidi Gutman/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters is interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show" in 2014.
Walters is interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show" in 2014.
Jamie McCarthy/NBC/Getty Images
Walters interviewed media mogul Oprah Winfrey for her "Most Fascinating People" special in 2014.
Walters interviewed media mogul Oprah Winfrey for her "Most Fascinating People" special in 2014.
Ida Mae Astute/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Walters attends Time magazine's 100 Gala in 2015.
Walters attends Time magazine's 100 Gala in 2015.
Taylor Hill/Getty Images