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Barbara Walters’ most iconic interviews

TV legend Barbara Walter has been a fixture of American television for more than 60 years, and she has just announced her plans to hang up the mic next year.
Barbara Walters

TV legend Barbara Walter has been a fixture of American television for more than 50 years but today announced at 83 she is ready to retire.

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She’s been known for grilling celebrities, politicians and newsmakers since breaking barriers to become the nation’s first female anchorwoman in 1976 on ABC News.

No one is safe from her signature interviewing style, which comedian Jon Stewart dubbed “the withering Walters assault” — signing up for an interview with Walters almost guarantees tears.

Here are some of her most famous interviews through the years.

Barbara Walters

TV journalist Barbara Waters has announced her retirement after half a century in broadcast journalism.

Two people sitting at an ABC News desk, smiling and talking, with papers and a pen on the table.

Barbara’s 1976 debut on ABC News as the nation’s first female anchorwoman.

A woman and a man seated on a sofa in formal attire, engaging in conversation in an elegantly decorated room.

She interviewed Prince Philip for NBC’s *The Today Show*.

She interviewed Prince Philip for NBC’s The Today Show.

Two people in a formal interview setting, one in a black hat and suit, gesturing with hands in a warmly lit room.

The 1997 interview with Michael Jackson was revealing.

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Oprah Winfrey gestures animatedly during an interview with Barbara Walters, with a headline "Oprah Unplugged."

Even Oprah was brought to tears talking about her relationship with best friend Gayle King.

Two women smiling, one in a brown coat, the other in a uniform, holding a koala, standing in a green park setting.

Terri Irwin was brought to tears in her first emotional interview after her husband’s death.

Two women sitting and talking in a warmly lit living room with tea set on the table.

Martha Stewart’s first interview when she got out of prison went to Walters in 2003.

Man in a suit gestures while talking to a woman in a pink dress sitting on a floral couch indoors.

Barbara Walters has interviewed every US president since Nixon in 1980.

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Two people seated in a living room setting having a conversation, with a fireplace and bookshelves in the background.

The Monica Lewinsky interview in 1999 was legendary.

A woman in a robe interacts with a man in a keffiyeh, while others look on in a room with patterned decor.

She’s grilled leaders from Arafat (above).

Group of journalists interviewing a bearded man in military attire, speaking into multiple microphones.

to Castro.

Two women walking in a rose garden, one in a white dress and one in pink, with a scenic view in the background.

With Princess Caroline of Monaco in 1985.

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Two women sitting and talking in a cozy living room setting, with one on a sofa and the other on a chair.

She was criticised for asking Katharine Hepburn “If you were a tree, what kind would you be.”

Man in robe, woman holding baby, and another man in striped robe sitting in a room with patterned wallpaper.

An exclusive interview with Elton John, partner David Furnish and their son Zachary.

Two people sitting on a sofa, one wearing glasses and black attire, the other in pink and black, in a warmly decorated room.

With Elton John again after Princess Diana’s death.

Three people standing in a formal room with chandeliers and elegant decor.

George W. Bush’s 1997 interview was one of her classical political interviews.

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Two women conversing closely indoors, one with short blonde hair wearing earrings, the other with bob-cut hair and a white top.

Barbara interviewed *Vogue* editor Anna Wintour.

Barbara interviewed Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Two women in 1960s attire, one wearing a hat and pearls, standing in front of a bridge.

With actress Angela Lansbury in 1985.

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