Childhood and Education Journey of Barbara Walters in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 20, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Barbara Walters, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Barbara Walters (1929-2022) was a highly influential American broadcast journalist and television personality renowned for her interviewing skills and popularity. Her career spanned from 1951 to 2016, during which she hosted prominent programs such as Today, ABC Evening News, 20/20, and The View. She broke barriers for women in journalism and received numerous accolades, including induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Walters left a lasting mark on the television industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

August 28, 1909: Walters' father move to New York

On August 28, 1909, Barbara Walters' father, Louis Abraham Warmwater, moved to New York City with his father and two brothers.

September 25, 1929: Barbara Walters Born

On September 25, 1929, Barbara Jill Walters was born. She became a broadcast journalist and television personality, known for her interviewing ability and popularity.

Others born on this day/year

1939: Move to Miami Beach

In 1939, Barbara Walters' family moved to Miami Beach, Florida, and she began attending public school there.

1942: Opening of Latin Quarter nightclub

In 1942, Barbara Walters' father opened the now-famous New York location of the Latin Quarter nightclub.

1943: Ziegfeld Follies Production

In 1943, Barbara Walters' father produced the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway.

1951: Graduation from Sarah Lawrence College

In 1951, Barbara Walters earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York.

June 20, 1955: Barbara Walters Marries Robert Henry Katz

On June 20, 1955, Barbara Walters married Robert Henry Katz, a business executive and former Navy lieutenant, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

1957: Barbara Walters' First Marriage Annulled

In 1957, Barbara Walters' marriage to Robert Henry Katz was reportedly annulled after eleven months.

December 8, 1963: Barbara Walters Marries Lee Guber

On December 8, 1963, Barbara Walters married Lee Guber, a theatrical producer and theater owner.

1968: Barbara Walters and Lee Guber Adopt Daughter

In 1968, after experiencing three miscarriages, Barbara Walters and her then-husband Lee Guber adopted a baby girl named Jacqueline Dena Guber.

1976: Barbara Walters Divorces Lee Guber

In 1976, Barbara Walters divorced Lee Guber, a theatrical producer and theater owner, after being married since 1963.

1981: Barbara Walters Marries Merv Adelson

In 1981, Barbara Walters married Merv Adelson, the CEO of Lorimar Television at the time.

1984: Barbara Walters and Merv Adelson First Divorce

In 1984, Barbara Walters and Merv Adelson divorced for the first time, after marrying in 1981.

1985: Sister's death

In 1985, Barbara Walters' older sister, Jacqueline, who was born with mental disabilities, died of ovarian cancer.

1986: Barbara Walters Remarries Merv Adelson

In 1986, Barbara Walters remarried Merv Adelson after divorcing in 1984.

1992: Barbara Walters and Merv Adelson Second Divorce

In 1992, Barbara Walters and Merv Adelson divorced for the second time, after remarrying in 1986.

May 2010: Barbara Walters Announces Open-Heart Surgery

In May 2010, Barbara Walters announced that she would undergo open-heart surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve, due to aortic stenosis.

2016: Last Public Appearance

In 2016, Barbara Walters made her last public appearance.

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