Barbara Walters told it like it was. The pioneering journalist, who died in 2022 and is the subject of a new documentary streaming this month, paved the way for other female reporters who followed her, breaking ground with news-making interviews. But she was also controversial.
Here are six highlights from the new documentary, ‘Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything.’ While interviewing Clint Eastwood at his California ranch in 1982, Walters and the ‘Dirty Harry’ actor discussed how he kept most of his feelings inside, often not even sharing his worries with romantic partners. Walters told Eastwood, ‘You would drive me nuts, and I would drive you crazy because you do not share your worries with people.’ Eastwood responded, ‘I would say, ‘I would like to drive you crazy. But I would like to be in the car with you.’ They had a laugh.
Walters reflected on the complexity of her relationships, particularly with individuals like Roy Cohn, a powerful and controversial figure in the legal world. She noted that Cohn was one of the few people she was ever afraid of during her career. The documentary also explores her internal struggles with fame, power, and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while pursuing her career.
Another key aspect of the documentary is the personal sacrifices Walters made, including her difficulties with motherhood and the strain her demanding career placed on her family life. She shared that she adopted her only child, Jackie, in her 30s during her second marriage and that she struggled with balancing her career and motherhood.
The documentary also highlights the impact of her fame on her personal relationships, as well as the legacy of her work and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The film provides a comprehensive view of Walters’ life, from her early days as a journalist to her later years, emphasizing her contributions to television and her personal challenges.