TV legend Barbara Walter has been a fixture of American television for more than 50 years but today announced at 83 she is ready to retire.
She’s been known for grilling celebrities, politicians and newsmakers since breaking barriers to become the nation’s first female anchorwoman in 1976 on ABC News.
No one is safe from her signature interviewing style, which comedian Jon Stewart dubbed “the withering Walters assault” — signing up for an interview with Walters almost guarantees tears.
Here are some of her most famous interviews through the years.
TV journalist Barbara Waters has announced her retirement after half a century in broadcast journalism.
Barbara’s 1976 debut on ABC News as the nation’s first female anchorwoman.
She interviewed Prince Philip for NBC’s *The Today Show*.
She interviewed Prince Philip for NBC’s The Today Show.
The 1997 interview with Michael Jackson was revealing.
Even Oprah was brought to tears talking about her relationship with best friend Gayle King.
Terri Irwin was brought to tears in her first emotional interview after her husband’s death.
Martha Stewart’s first interview when she got out of prison went to Walters in 2003.
Barbara Walters has interviewed every US president since Nixon in 1980.
The Monica Lewinsky interview in 1999 was legendary.
She’s grilled leaders from Arafat (above).
to Castro.
With Princess Caroline of Monaco in 1985.
She was criticised for asking Katharine Hepburn “If you were a tree, what kind would you be.”
An exclusive interview with Elton John, partner David Furnish and their son Zachary.
With Elton John again after Princess Diana’s death.
George W. Bush’s 1997 interview was one of her classical political interviews.
Barbara interviewed *Vogue* editor Anna Wintour.
Barbara interviewed Vogue editor Anna Wintour.