Barbara Walters, a pioneering figure in journalism, revolutionized the news landscape for women when she burst onto the scene in the 1960s with The Today Show. Reflecting on her impactful career, the new documentary *Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything*, directed by Jackie Jensko, delves into the challenges she faced as a woman in news, as well as her intricate personal life.
This documentary, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival, showcases Walters’ famous interviews, including one with Muammar Gaddafi, where she wore a striking pink Chanel suit, indicating her determination to make a statement in a traditionally male-dominated field. The film emphasizes how her carefully chosen attire often became part of her narrative, representing her cultural significance.
Walters’ landmark interview with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977 is also featured, revealing that Begin had personally arranged the meeting. This archival moment underscores how Walters competed fiercely for exclusives, aiming to deliver the news before eminent figures like Walter Cronkite and Johnny Carson.
The documentary goes beyond her professional triumphs, exploring her romantic history, including her relationships with lawyer Roy Cohn and Senator Edward Brooke, where her colleagues offer both praise and critique of her decisions in love. It also touches on her early life, explaining how her father’s financial struggles drove her to forge a path in a challenging time for women in the workforce.
Walters began her career in writing women’s features—typically focused on trivial topics like fashion—before advocating for more substantive interviews. Her relentless pursuit for richer stories eventually led her to become an anchor at The Today Show, where she faced significant hurdles, including sexism from male counterparts like Frank McGee, who imposed restrictions on their joint interviews.
Her innovative approach to celebrity interviews helped reshape news programming, paving the way for the modern blending of celebrity culture with journalism. Despite initial backlash, Walters’ ability to humanize public figures made her a favorite among viewers, showcasing her talent for candid interviews.
The film also highlights her transition to ABC with a groundbreaking contract that made her the highest-paid anchor at the time, and her creation of *The View*, further cementing her legacy in the industry. The closing scenes feature a heartwarming surprise tribute from prominent female journalists, symbolizing the significant impact Walters had on women in the workplace.
*Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything* will be available for streaming on Hulu starting June 23, celebrating the indelible mark Walters left on journalism and inspiring future generations.