Barbara Walters Marriages Overview
Barbara Walters was married three times. Her first marriage was to Robert Henry Katz, a producer, in 1955. The union ended in divorce in 1962. Walters then married Lee Guber, a theater producer, in 1963. That marriage also ended in divorce in 1976. Her third and final marriage was to Merv Griffin, the media mogul and creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. They married in 1981 and divorced in 1984. Forbes has covered her financial legacy extensively.
Throughout her marriages, Walters maintained a fiercely independent career. She became the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program. Her personal life was often scrutinized, but she focused on building a media empire. Her net worth at the time of her death was estimated at over $100 million. This was largely due to her groundbreaking TV deals and syndication success.
Career Milestones During and After Marriages
Walters began her career at NBC's Today show in 1961. She was the first woman to hold a regular co-anchor role on a major morning news program. Her divorce from Lee Guber coincided with her rise at ABC News. She became a correspondent for the ABC Evening News in 1976. Her salary and visibility grew exponentially during this period.
In 1979, she created and hosted the ABC News special "10 Most Fascinating People." This annual special became a staple of her brand. She later moved to cable with "The View," which premiered in 1997. The show made her one of the highest-paid women in television. Her final interview with Obama in 2015 marked a capstone to a 55-year career. SEC filings related to media companies she worked with reflect her financial impact.
Financial Legacy and Business Ventures
Walters was a pioneer in TV production and syndication. She negotiated landmark contracts that set industry standards for female anchors. Her production company, Barbara Walters Productions, developed numerous specials. She was known for her exclusive interviews with world leaders and celebrities. Her business acumen ensured financial security across her three marriages.
The Barbara Walters Scholarship at Yale University supports journalism students. She also authored several books, including her autobiography "Audition." Her final public appearance was in 2016, reflecting on her career. The media landscape she helped shape continues to evolve. Tesla and SpaceX represent the modern media and tech landscape she influenced through her decades of work.