Oprah, Bob Iger, Alyssa Milano and Lynda Carter were among friends, journalists and Hollywood figures remembering Barbara Walters, who died Friday evening at the age of 93.
The legendary broadcast journalist was the first female co-host of the Today show, the first evening news anchorwoman and a co-creator and co-host of The View. She died at her home in New York.
“Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me — nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news,” Oprah wrote on social media. “She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger shared a message on social media honoring the broadcast legend, saying “Barbara was a true legend, a pioneer not just for women in journalism but for journalism itself. She was a one-of-a-kind reporter who landed many of the most important interviews of our time, from heads of state to the biggest celebrities and sports icons. I had the pleasure of calling Barbara a colleague for more than three decades, but more importantly, I was able to call her a dear friend. She will be missed by all of us at The Walt Disney Company, and we send our deepest condolences to her daughter, Jacqueline.”
Actress Alyssa Milano took to Twitter to honor the iconic journalist, writing, ‘Rest In Peace, Barbara Walters. Thanks for helping me find my voice.”
“Barbara Walters was an American institution,” actress Lynda Carter tweeted, honoring Walters. “As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to endless possibilities for so many girls who wanted to work in TV, myself included. Her impact cannot be overstated. I’ll miss you, Barbara. Thank you for everything.”
David Muir, the anchor of ABC World News Tonight, shared a tribute for Walters, saying “So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer — but Barbara Walters was all of these. And perhaps, above all else, Barbara Walters was brave. She paved the way for so many — we learned from her — and remain in awe of her to this day. RIP, Barbara.”
“Barbara Walters was a true trailblazer,” Robin Roberts, anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, wrote on Twitter. “Forever grateful for her stellar example and for her friendship. Sending condolences to her daughter and family.”
Read more tributes below.
“so tell me, monica, how do you feel …etc etc.” she was the very first person with whom i ever sat for a television interview… and will certainly be my most memorable. barbara will be missed by many — including me. sending love to jackie, george + her other friends.#RIPBarbara
— Monica Lewinsky (she/her) (@MonicaLewinsky) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters was an American institution. As the first female national news anchor, she opened the door to endless possibilities for so many girls who wanted to work in TV, myself included. Her impact cannot be overstated. I’ll miss you, Barbara. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/HokDilM6Rj
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters was a true trailblazer. Forever grateful for her stellar example and for her friendship. Sending condolences to her daughter and family.🙏🏾 https://t.co/vKjvFJTU6u
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) December 31, 2022
Remarkable. Fearless. Assured and laser focused in her interviews, she broke through every barrier, paving the way for every woman journalist who followed. What an honor it was to be interviewed by her on @TheView. RIP Barbara Walters. pic.twitter.com/HSkzeLVgBP
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 31, 2022
So often we toss around the words icon, legend, trailblazer – but Barbara Walters was all of these. And perhaps, above all else, Barbara Walters was brave. She paved the way for so many – we learned from her – and remain in awe of her to this day. RIP, Barbara. pic.twitter.com/ovmtCebcGe
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) December 31, 2022
She was obviously amazing on television but I selfishly loved spending time with her in person. Sitting next to her at a dinner party was the best seat in the house. With love, respect and admiration – rest in peace Barbara Walters. #barbarawalters pic.twitter.com/AD4BQtHrUg
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters never flinched when questioning the world’s most powerful people. She held them accountable. She cared about the truth and she made us care too. Fortunately, she inspired many other journalists to be just as unrelenting. We are all better off because of her.
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) December 31, 2022
Sad hear the news about Barbara Walters. Always loved interviewing with her. She was always kind. Such a trailblazer and icon. Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest In Peace🙏
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) December 31, 2022
Thank you Barbara Walters for giving a shy girl who didn’t like to debate a seven-year chance of a lifetime. Thank You for allowing me to find my voice and encouraging me to fly. My heart hurts, but I’ll always love you Lady! ❤️ #BarbaraWalters pic.twitter.com/lzvtRnJiR4
— Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters will always be known as a trail blazer. Her hard hitting questions & welcoming demeanor made her a household name and leader in American journalism.
Her creation of The View is something I will always be appreciative of. Rest in peace you will forever be an icon.— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 31, 2022
So sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Walters. What an honor to share the set @ABC with the inimitable trailblazer when I joined @abc2020. Will never forget the phone call when she asked me to join the groundbreaking program. pic.twitter.com/0zKgKxmayY
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) December 31, 2022
#BarbaraWalters was a trailblazer. She was a mentor to me as well as a friend. So many women broke into the news business because she did her job well.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) December 31, 2022
Pioneering TV news broadcaster Barbara Walters has died.
A true trailblazer, she was the 1st woman anchor on the evening news.
And I was privileged to know her.
When she interviewed me, it was clear she did her homework. She was always prepared.
May she rest in power. https://t.co/DkZlpl2w3b
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters is gone, an awful thought. She was the greatest reporter, host, interviewer ever, kind & considerate to this brash upstart. Describing her will take books.
Determined, connected, courageous, tough, compassionate, she’ll be on the Mount Rushmore of journalists.— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters will forever be a titan of journalism. She told LGBTQ stories with truth and heart, earning GLAAD’s first Excellence in Media Award in 1996, plus several #glaadawards noms + wins for intrepid work on @TheView + @ABC2020 including powerful reports on trans youth.💔 pic.twitter.com/sCrtVjYCDf
— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) December 31, 2022
We have lost a true legend with the passing of Barbara Walters. Such a trail blazer. Such a generous woman – I learned so much from working with her. pic.twitter.com/k9PT6d8Xdz
— Joan Lunden (@JoanLunden) December 31, 2022
Barbara Walters walked so women such as myself could run. She was a trailblazer who opened the door for every woman you see on morning, evening and daily television today. Rest well Ms. Walters. Your legacy will live on forever. ❤️
— Symone D. Sanders-Townsend (@SymoneDSanders) December 31, 2022
One of the first rites of passage of becoming a host on @TheView was to have lunch with Barbara Walters. Few times in my life have I been that nervous. She was an absolute trailblazer, class, elegance, smarts that are increasingly hard to come by. I’ll always be grateful. RIP
— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) December 31, 2022
