Barbara Walters

Season 12, Episode 1202

Original Airdate: December 18, 2005

Walters was born into a show business family as the daughter of “Ziegfeld Follies” producer Louis Walters. She began her career as a writer for NBC's “The Today Show” and within a year became a reporter at large - writing, developing and editing her own stories. She was given the rank of co-host for two years before heading to ABC to become the first woman network news anchor.

Walters is probably best known for ABC's “20/20,” which she co-hosted with Hugh Downs for two decades and became the sole host from 1999-2004. Walters more recently co-hosted ABC's “The View” which she also co-owns and co-executive produces. Known for her commentary on world changing events and her in-depth interviews with major world leaders and celebrities around the globe, Walters continues to open doors for women in the field and change the shape of American journalism.