Barbara Walters—when you hear that name, you instantly think of a trailblazer in the
world of journalism, a woman who broke barriers and set new standards for what it means to
be a reporter.
She was a pioneer, a woman who wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions, and who gave us
some of the most memorable interviews in television history.
Sadly, Barbara Walters left us on December 30, 2022.
She died at her home in Manhattan at the age of 93, her final years marked by a struggle
with dementia.
Her passing was a moment of reflection for many, a time to look back at her incredible
contributions to journalism and the media landscape.
But what if we told you that her story doesn't end there?
You see, every life has its hidden chapters, and Barbara Walters is no exception.
While her public persona was larger than life, there were many aspects of her journey that
remained shrouded in mystery.
In this video, we're going beyond the headlines and the well-known facts.
We're peeling back the layers to reveal the Barbara Walters you never knew.
Over the next few minutes, we'll be diving deep into these previously untold stories.
From her early years and the challenges she faced, to her relationships and affairs that
are only now coming to light, we'll explore the complexities that made Barbara Walters
the icon she was.
So sit back and get ready for an eye-opening journey into the life of a woman who changed
the way we see the world.
Facts Verse Presents: Barbara Walters Died Last Year, Now Her Affairs Come to Light
A Glimpse into Her Dating History
Barbara Walters was a woman of many facets, and her romantic life was no exception.
She had a series of relationships that were as high-profile as her career.
One of her notable relationships was with Merv Adelson, a TV producer who was a significant
figure in the entertainment industry.
Their relationship was not just a fling; it was a meaningful connection that had its own
set of complexities and nuances.
Another significant relationship was with U.S. Senator Edward Brooke.
Brooke was not just any senator; he was the first African-American to be popularly elected
to the Senate.
Their relationship was a well-kept secret, hidden from the public eye for years.
These relationships were not mere footnotes in her life; they were chapters that contributed
to her story, shaping her both personally and professionally.
Breaking the Silence on Her Affair with Edward Brooke
In 2008, Barbara Walters did something she had never done before; she opened up about
her affair with U.S. Senator Edward Brooke.
This affair took place in the 1970s and was kept under wraps for over three decades.
Walters described Brooke as "exciting" and "brilliant," and revealed that they both knew
the risks involved.
Public knowledge of their affair could have been career-ending for both of them.
A friend even warned Walters about the potential fallout, urging her to end the relationship.
The affair was a complex chapter in her life, one that she chose to keep private for years.
It wasn't just a romantic entanglement; it was a part of her life that she had to navigate
carefully, balancing her public image with her private desires.
New Rumors: An Affair with Richard Pryor?
Just when you thought you knew everything about Barbara Walters, a new rumor surfaces.
Sherri Shepherd, a former co-host on 'The View,' recently reignited rumors that Walters
had an affair with comedian Richard Pryor.
This rumor was initially spread by comedian Paul Mooney, who claimed to have walked in
on them.
While Walters never publicly confirmed this relationship, she did speak warmly of Pryor
in past interviews.
She described him as "more than a comedian," hinting at a deeper connection.
Pryor had been interviewed by Walters multiple times in the '70s and '80s, and their warm
interactions over the years add fuel to the speculation.
Whether true or not, this rumored affair adds another layer of intrigue to Walters' already
captivating life story.
The Complexity of Her Relationships
Barbara Walters was a complex individual, and this complexity extended to her interpersonal
relationships.
Sherri Shepherd, who once viewed Walters as a mentor, described their relationship as
complicated but nurturing.
Walters was tough on Shepherd, pushing her to excel in her career.
This tough love was a hallmark of Walters' relationships, both professional and personal.
She had a unique ability to form intricate relationships that went beyond the surface.
Whether it was her colleagues, like Shepherd, or the men she was romantically involved with,
Walters had a knack for connecting on a deeper level.
This ability to form complex relationships adds another layer to the enigma that was
Barbara Walters.
Other Secrets From Her Memoir
Barbara Walters was a woman of many layers, and her memoir, "Audition," peels back some
of those layers to reveal a life filled with complexities.
One of the most striking aspects of her life was her difficult upbringing.
Walters grew up in an environment filled with "tension in the air," according to psychoanalyst
Joyce Ashley, one of her closest friends from youth.
Her parents were unlike any others, and her father was a mysterious figure who fell on
hard times in the '50s after opening several nightclubs that failed.
Walters' older sister, Jackie, was thought to be "slow," and may have been autistic,
adding another layer of responsibility on young Barbara.
Her memoir also delves into the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during her time on "The
View."
For instance, Star Jones, one of the co-hosts, underwent gastric bypass surgery but kept
it a secret for four years.
Walters and her co-stars were put in a difficult position, virtually having to lie for Jones
when she claimed her weight loss was due to "portion control and Pilates."
Walters also revealed that Jones used her position on the show to promote businesses
in exchange for free services for her wedding, which eventually led to her being cut from
the show's hosting cast.
Her Last Words Were Recently Revealed
Barbara Walters' final words have been revealed in an excerpt from her forthcoming biography,
"The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters," by USA Today's Washington bureau
chief Susan Page.
The biography is scheduled for release next spring and includes the first look at Walters'
gravesite, where her final words are etched in gold lettering.
They read: "No regrets – I had a great life."
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of a woman who broke barriers
and lived life on her own terms.
These words serve as a fitting epitaph for a woman who shattered glass ceilings and became
one of television's most prominent interviewers.
Her career spanned five decades, during which she interviewed some of the biggest names
in the world, including Fidel Castro, Margaret Thatcher, and every U.S. president and first
lady since Richard and Pat Nixon.
With 12 Emmy awards to her name, Walters remained an executive producer of "The View" and continued
to do interviews and specials for ABC News even after her final TV appearance in 2014.
The Woman Behind the Interviews
Barbara Walters was best known for her probing interviews, but what many people don't know
is that she had a unique approach to preparing for them.
She would spend hours, sometimes days, researching her subjects, going beyond the surface-level
facts that were readily available.
Walters believed that the key to a great interview was understanding the person sitting across
from her.
She would delve into their past, their motivations, and even their fears.
This meticulous preparation was her secret weapon, allowing her to ask questions that
others wouldn't dare to ask.
It wasn't just about getting a scoop; it was about revealing the human behind the public
persona.
Passion for Philanthropy
While Walters' career was in the spotlight, her philanthropic efforts often went unnoticed.
She was deeply committed to various causes, particularly those related to education and
healthcare.
Walters donated generously to her alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, and funded scholarships
for aspiring journalists.
She also supported medical research, contributing to institutions focused on heart disease and
dementia, the latter being a condition she battled in her later years.
Her charitable endeavors were a testament to her belief in giving back, a side of her
that was overshadowed by her high-profile career but was equally important in defining
who she was.
A Love for the Arts
Another lesser-known facet of Walters' life was her love for the arts.
She was an avid theater-goer and had an extensive collection of modern art.
Her Manhattan home was adorned with works from some of the 20th century's most renowned
artists.
This love for the arts wasn't just a hobby; it was a passion that she nurtured throughout
her life.
She believed that art and culture enriched her understanding of the world, giving her
a broader perspective that she brought into her work.
It's no surprise that some of her most memorable interviews were with artists, musicians, and
actors, as she had a deep appreciation for the creative process.
The Private Struggles
While Walters seemed to have it all, she faced her share of struggles away from the public
eye.
One of the most significant challenges was balancing her career with motherhood.
Walters adopted her daughter, Jackie, in 1968 and raised her as a single mother.
Juggling the demands of a high-profile career with the responsibilities of motherhood was
no easy feat, and Walters often spoke about the guilt she felt for not being as present
as she would have liked.
Despite the challenges, she maintained a close relationship with her daughter, who has often
spoken about the profound influence her mother had on her life.
In this video, we've taken a journey through the untold chapters of Barbara Walters' life.
We've explored her high-profile relationships and affairs, delved into the secrets she revealed
in her memoir, and even learned about her poignant last words.
We've also uncovered lesser-known facets of her life, from her unique approach to journalism
and her philanthropic efforts to her love for the arts and the private struggles she
faced.
Now, we'd love to hear from you.
What's your opinion of Barbara Walters?
Do these revelations change how you view this iconic figure in journalism?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the life of Barbara Walters.
Stay tuned for more eye-opening stories about the people who've shaped our world.