Inside the Epic Journey of Barbara Walters: A New Documentary Unveils Her Story

The forthcoming documentary “Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything” delves deep into her ascent to stardom, the challenges in her personal life, and her allure to wealth and influence. Premiering on Hulu on June 23, the documentary peels back the layers to reveal a more profound—sometimes shadowed—side of Walters. Highlighting her trailblazing role as the first female co-anchor of network news, it also sheds light on the sexism she battled and the personal sacrifices she made for her career. “Her journey to triumph was littered with obstacles, peril, and doubters,” shares David Sloan, her long-time friend and senior executive producer at ABC News.

Despite her unparalleled achievements, Walters struggled with deep-seated insecurities, as noted by her friends and colleagues, who recall her critical self-view, especially concerning her appearance. These feelings likely took root in her turbulent childhood. Growing up in Boston, her showman father ran a nightclub where she mingled with stars such as Frank Sinatra. But when the business failed, the family lost everything, pushing Walters to work in support of her parents and her older sister, Jacqueline, who faced developmental challenges.

In 1976, Walters shattered barriers by being hired as ABC’s first female nightly news co-anchor, joining Harry Reasoner. While the position marked a historic achievement for women, the reality was a nightmare. She faced relentless harassment from male colleagues, protective of their turf. Despite the adversity, Walters emerged as a powerhouse interviewer, earning her special broadcasts starting in 1976. “No one was ever as prepared,” Sloan recounts, remembering Walters meticulously reviewing her questions, each carefully written on index cards.