8 Throwback Pics Of Barbara Walters From Her Early Days In News

Before Barbara Walters emerged as one of the most pioneering women in journalism, her ascension into television broadcasting began with a series of behind-the-scenes roles in publicity, writing, and production.

Walters, who made history as the first woman to co-host NBC's "The Today Show" and later co-anchor ABC's evening news, quickly earned a reputation for her highly effective interviewing skills. Her thoughtful yet probing approach led to headline-making conversations with some of the world's most influential and elusive figures, including Michael Jackson, Fidel Castro, Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, and every sitting U.S. president from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. Walters' legacy continued with an impressive tenure on "20/20" and "60 Minutes," conducting intriguing one-on-one interviews with prominent figures and later creating and co-hosting "The View." Throughout her remarkable career, she earned multiple Emmy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Television Hall of Fame.

While Walters became a familiar face in television news during the 2000s at the height of her career, audiences around the globe grew accustomed to seeing the legendary broadcaster in her most poised and recognizable form. Few will remember her earlier days as a budding television personality, making small talk and reading commercials as NBC's "Today Girl" in 1964, or as the young correspondent on ABC's earliest airing of "20/20" in 1979. We revisit those moments in time, celebrating Barbara Walters from her early days in television news through a collection of rarely seen photos.

After joining NBC's "The Today Show" as a writer and researcher in 1961, Barbara Walters transitioned on-screen as the "Today Girl," covering light stories, commercials, and the weather. "I wasn't a model, I wasn't beautiful, I didn't pronounce my Rs that well," Walters told Television Academy Foundation. "I was none of the things that the 'Today Girl' had been before."

Yet, the budding news anchor looked confident styled in a rolled-collar shift dress in this snapshot advertising a dishwasher, while maintaining the same conservative aesthetics as her male counterparts. As it turned out, Walters' camera presence resonated with viewers far more than her predecessors', earning her a seat at the news desk years later.

During her early days at NBC, Barbara Walters was already displaying a flair for fashion. As part of her assignments in the '60s, Walters covered stories on women's lifestyle and interests. One of her memorable fashion-related assignments even took her to Paris to cover a fashion show, though she famously joked that the experience was a bore.

Even so, the news anchor seemingly favored high-fashion styles throughout these formative years in television. Photographed here, behind-the-scenes of the NBC studios, Walters is seen wearing a chic capped-sleeve shift dress adorned with several layers of pearls, while her hair is styled in a voluminous, perfectly coiffed pixie cut, creating an elegant and refined look for the young anchor. The timeless outfit is a perfect example of how to wear pearls without stuffy and would look as good today as it did back then.

When Barbara Walters made history as the first woman to co-host "The Today Show" in April 1974, her on-screen image evolved into a more professional, tailored look. Here, the anchor commanded attention, wearing a relaxed-fit blazer over a buttoned-up shirt as her blown-out curls flow freely.

This look would go on to help shape style expectations for future women in broadcasting, though making a fashion statement was far from Walters' intention, as she was more focused on being a serious anchor. "Yes, I like to do the lighter things, but I was also interested in politics, and I also read the papers," she told Television Academy Foundation. "I liked to do those kinds of things. So, I did."

It didn't take long for Barbara Walters to outgrow her celebrated daytime role on "The Today Show." In April 1976, she moved on to co-anchor the ABC evening news, marking another historic breakthrough in television journalism as the first woman to hold such a position. By then, Walters had become a seasoned anchor, taking on direct interviews and hard-news coverage, while shifting her wardrobe to balance professionalism and femininity.

As photographed here, she paired a tailored buttoned-up shirt with a sweater draped over her shoulders. Minimal yet noticeable jewelry adds a polished touch, while her voluminous '70s style layered bob completes the look.

By 1976, Barbara Walters had become one of television's most sought-after journalists, prompting ABC to offer her a record-breaking million-dollar annual salary and a five-year contract. Once she became the highest-paid journalist in the industry, Walters took a moment to announce the news on-air (photo above).

Discussing the epic accomplishment, the news anchor sported chic vintage eyewear with a casual yet smart-looking knit ensemble. Notably, she wore a V-neck striped top and cardigan sweater with a floral brooch, an accessory trend that has since seen a comeback decades later in 2026. Despite the historic contract, however, Walters left the evening newsroom just over a year later due to tensions with co-host Harry Reasoner, later noting the experience as "Definitely the worst year of my life," per the Jewish Women's Archive.

In the 1970s, Barbara Walters was making a name for herself as a style icon, whether she intended to or not. The news anchor established a sophisticated signature image defined by coiffed bobs and tailored ensembles often accented with pearl necklaces. Even though she'd wear power suits covering the news, Walters' affinity for the luxury brand Chanel also led to her rock the designs on-air and during high-profile interviews.

As seen here, Walters is photographed in her New York office in 1973 wearing a classic Chanel skirt suit, styled with statement chains and coordinating shoes. Years later, she also made headlines wearing a pink Chanel suit during her widely publicized January 1989 interview with Muammar Qaddafi.

During her journalism career, Barbara Walters interviewed a wide range of U.S. presidents, from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. Conversations with Joe Biden and Donald Trump took place before their presidency. "I did almost every president," she told "Today." "I did quite a few interviews with President Richard Nixon. I did the first interview when Jimmy Carter was announcing."

Captured in this 1980 interview with Richard Nixon (above), Walters, who was 50 at the time, had evolved into what had become her signature on-air look, wearing a formal skirt suit paired with sling-back heels – while her hair was styled in soft feathered layers that fell just above her shoulders.

Barbara Walters' legacy is defined in part by her portfolio of exclusive sit-downs with the world's most powerful, controversial, and famous figures. Some notable examples include Monica Lewinsky, Michael Jackson, the Kardashian sisters, and the Menendez brothers, as well as political leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Fidel Castro.

In this throwback photo taken in 1981 with "Three's Company" star John Ritter and his wife Nancy Morgan, Walters is seen posing outdoors during an interview with the celebrity couple. The anchor embraced a more relaxed look with her flowing windblown hair, while wearing a white knit top with a buttoned Henley-style neckline. Though it was a noticeable wardrobe change from her polished in-studio appearance, Walters retained her usually conservative aesthetic.