The 50th Barbara Walters Special (1988)

On November 29, 1988, ABC presented a special two hour edition to commemorate Barbara Walters 50th primetime appearance by covering an array of clips beginning with its first special in 1976, along with retrospective commentary. A constellation of stars from Paul Newman, Johnny Carson, Barbra Streisand, Redd Foxx, Diana Ross, Cher, Farrah Fawcett, Laurence Olivier, Jimmy Stewart, Alan Alda, Bette Davis, Burt Reynolds, Sylvester Stallone, Eddie Murphy, Better Midler, Richard Pryor, Patrick Swayze, Jane Fonda, Joan Rivers, Goldie Hawn, Michael J. Fox, along with clips from Bing Crosby and John Wayne's final TV interviews.

[@Chrystal_Hendrix]

I’ve never been envious of celebrities, but after reading Barbara Walters book Audition I was envious of her. The woman traveled the globe many times over, interviewing the who’s who of the world. She was constantly on and ready at the drop of a hat to travel to a foreign land to interview Foreign leaders and even Dictators. She had her finger on the pulse of what and who the audience wanted to hear from. She had an amazing career and truly paved the way for the many female journalists we have today. There will never be another Barbara Walters…..I’ve missed her since she retired in 2014. If anyone here likes to read I suggest giving Barbara’s book Audition a try.

[@soupful]

Paul Newman remains true down to earth, working on fixing a toaster till it has to be replaced. How true like my parents.

[@karenleemallonee684]

Rest in Peace, beautiful Barbara!🌹 Thank you for all these wonderful memories!!!

[@Iiwii11]

I had actually forgotten just how great her interviews were. I’m so glad to see these and be reminded.

[@olympiahendrix4392]

Oprah tried.....pffff

[@sydyidanton5873]

Barbara Walters Z”L , what a Mentsh! A wonderful and full life enjoyed. I have the deepest respect and greatest admiration for this pioneering woman who blazed and significant trail for the women who have, are and will enjoy a career in journalism. What magnificent shoulders to stand upon and monumental values to uphold. Her life must have been an unbelievable adventure at times, particularly meeting the unique and interesting people she did, all of which would pale in comparison to her beloved daughter. A terrific woman indeed, G-d’s speed!

[@robinshepard4571]

Open this time I was a teenager young woman and every time there was a Barbara Walters special we would make sure we got home got in front of the TV with a cozy fire and something to drink with popcorn was so exciting time and all these wonderful Stars had so much personality and something to give with great morals and fun TV with spectacular ⭐🕶️

[@avalonalabama]

ahh I loved this and watched it on it s premier night I miss Miss Walters so much .

[@brettsprang7991]

Ms. Barbara Walters thank you for your grace, humanity and candor ♥

[@marythurber8382]

TO CALL BARBARA WALTERS NAMES IS DISRESPECTFUL TO HER MEMORY!I LOVED WATCHING HER ON THE VIEW ,SO INTELLIGENT ,LOVED THE VIEW , A ERA IS GONE ,A LEGEND HAS DIED,THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE BARBARA WALTERS!!

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

No its not. She didnt respect people much.

[@pauladouglas9891]

It was shocking to hear her use the N word and to do stupid things like ask the Carters if they slept in a double bed. Also why did all these people answer every stupid question? Didn't anyone ever say no to her?

[@rhondacottner7622]

Thanks for the memories Barbara walters rest peacefully now you can interview the ones who have gone befor us

[@MalvinderKaur-e7x]

I like her way of work interviews with candid approach

[@AJJ7610]

How is this amazing woman gone??? Where does time go? She was truly remarkable.

[@BLTKellys]

She won’t be missed.

[@brendagray9601]

​@@BLTKellysMaybe Not By You(1) Person, But By Millions Yes, She Will Be Missed

[@rrhonii]

So sad, she no way looked 93. RIP Beautiful Barbara 😘😘😘

[@soupful]

Michael J.Fox was very genuine, sincere.

[@sherc7792]

Fascinating! Barbara is the best. RIP.

[@louispellettiro8913]

Bing Crosby and his comments on weed were so ahead of the time! He was 100% right! And yes smoking weed is far less harmful then drinking alcohol. Its crazy his view on weed because he was so old school in all his other opinionsm

[@alexflowers97]

also silent and greatest generationers who were around in the 20s and 30s dont think weed is abig deal because it was legal and common in their time

[@Cwgrlup]

I’m surprised the woke don’t freak out and try to cancel the legendary Bing Crosby for taking a hairbrush to his kids to discipline him. This was the norm until the 80’s. The generations since boomers are so weak without decent parenting.

[@davidadams2395]

@@Cwgrlup You may be joking, but one must remember that the Crosby family comprised an alcoholic wife & mother, and 4 children beset by emotional problems: one who struggled with alcohol & substance abuse, and two who committed suicide. That does not equate to a happy home. If Gary was to be believed (claims his three brothers initially corroborated), it was far worse than a hairbrush. Besides, a parent who can turn away permanently from a child-for any reason-is not an admirable person.

[@cynthiaszustak2798]

He was a tyrant in his home I read.

[@jacquelinesimpson6672]

@@Cwgrlup my parents didn't beat us or our pets.

[@michaelOB1986]

is anyone else shocked by all the things these men say in these interviews that would NEVER fly today

[@nyc1929]

Rip Bill Geddie, this show was the first that he produce for Barbara Walters, and Then they were together for 27 years. RIP BILL, youre now with Bar.❤

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Rip Barbara! Legend and trail blazer! 😊

[@cathyandresiak1975]

There is price to pay for being a star. I am sure it doesn't come easy. Money and fame does not buy you happiness and acceptance of yourself. I felt bad for Bet Midler, she has always been one of my favorites. So happy she had a child and is happily married.

[@LM-tl5bd]

Ms. Walters, I loved your interview series, watched you all the time. Honestly, you were a bigger star than any you interviewed!

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

This is great.. what a wonderful compilation...

[@janedoe09]

Thank you so very much!!!

[@Cwgrlup]

How Barbara Walters didn’t hook up with Clint Eastwood after that sexual tension and flirting is beyond me.

[@lindav.johnson9523]

How do we know?

[@pamelaalley5691]

Same!!!

[@devilsfavorite999]

Hoho she traveled with a bag of astroglide.

[@Cerph]

5:48- Richard Pryor 7:06- Sean Connery 8:35- John & Bo Derek 10:05- Don Johnson 11:53- Fidel Castro 12:46- Shah of Iran 20:04- Eddie Murphy 23:48- Bette Midler 26:55- Robert Mitchem 28:22- Boy George 28:44- Paul Newman 31:34- Betty Davis 38:20- Lawrence Olivier 43:47- Bing Crosby 53:45- Elizabeth Taylor 56:51- Burt Reynolds 59:58- Clint Eastwood 1:2:09- Joan Rivers 1:3:08- Michael J. Fox 1:4:24- Goldie Hawn 1:5:17- Neil Diamond 1:7:14- Richard Pryor 1:17:49- John Wayne 1:20:04- Patrick Swayze 1:21:15- Goldie Hawn 1:21:38- Jane Fonda 1:28:54- Katherine Hepburn

[@pauladouglas9891]

Robert Mitchum,Bette Davis😂 20:31

[@jaimerodriguez6265]

Beautiful 😍

[@soupful]

Loved movie "On Golden Pond" with Fonda's, Kate Hepburn and Dabney Coleman. Was painful as many families experience.

[@soupful]

Katie Hepburn is very true and honest says true enough as a woman.

[@cathypoags9054]

Great, Great broadcast!

[@mixeduniverse111]

Great lady.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Love Hepburns humility humour. She tells it as it is too bad but true.

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

I like Cher alot.

[@mercedes523]

I absolutely love the Bing Crosby interview. He wasn’t “woke”. He stuck to his morals. Don’t see that today. Most are “Luke warm”. Yes, marijuana should be legalized.

[@minx2528]

He stuck to his morals? I don't find slipping women drugs so he could take advantage of them very admirable..

[@oliviamartini9700]

@@minx2528 That's BILL COSBY not BING CROSBY.

[@minx2528]

@@oliviamartini9700 🤣 Whoops!!

[@richardgadberry8398]

RIP Baba Wawa

[@gracenurse3365]

00:54:11 Elizabeth Taylor’s husband lecturing her on diet on national television is rather uncomfortable.

[@lynnbell8757]

Awesome

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Very well done Barbara.

[@alinecalves]

John Derek was a creep

[@soupful]

Poor John Wayne, sad to learn you Bab's were his last interview and died next day after. He was so cool.. Ditto same with Patrick Swayze.

[@dmrenterprizes4101]

Sean Connery: Good actor. Bad man.

[@esquibelle]

Don Johnson hustled old gay men for years before he got some acting gigs. I had a friend who used to get picked up in a gray Rolls to be chauffeured to George Cukor's house to turn tricks w Sonny Crockett & other beautiful young men. Truth.

[@Theworldisyouroyster156]

Is there a place to go that has all of her interviews chronicled? I’d love to see some of these in their entirety.

[@Celisar1]

I have never before heard such hard hitting, relevant, brave questions asked by a journalist. Although I had seen B. Walters before I had no idea how good she was. Edit: On the other hand she often asks questions far too personal and even insulting. She crosses the line.

[@katiemcdavid4124]

So what!!

[@nicholasjanosy2214]

If she didn’t cross the line, nobody would watch her interviews.

[@westley5735]

I agree she crosses the line but your first point is why she is able to. It is rarely irrelevant and therefore the guest is less disrespected.

[@JJ-hr7dd]

@@katiemcdavid4124 do you take drugs to help you climax?have you ever been strangled? Why do you stay in this relationship?

[@wt1284]

Don Johnson has been my lifelong crush.

[@TheDetroitblack]

The interviews with black people were very racist,We are made to look ignorant, and that makes those moments very sad, hurtful and we still haven't gotten any further than this.....R.I.P BARBARA WALTER'S 💔🙏🏿

[@bekkylove742]

my partner sings and sounds just like Bing. i loved Bing's presence and all he entertained fpr us.

[@dappylu]

47:12 He DID so take top billing in High Society.

[@DQ_Mine]

The shaw. His culture and religion, says it all. His wife answered better than he did.

[@brianoyler706]

The word is "shah". You must remember that you were looking at a western, independent career woman interviewing a Middle Eastern couple. The cultures and attitudes about the sexes are completely different. And that is still basically true in 2023.

[@leanneb9529]

Why are these always blurry???...hard to watch....I tried to watch the Farrah Fawcett one but hard on the eyes...

[@soupful]

To know you better Babs share, speak, tell, share too

[@soupful]

Bing Crosby was interesting even cool.

[@soupful]

Denise Crosby is grand to great grand-daughter actress to Bing Crosby. Denise starred in TV series "Star Trek: The Next Generation", "Pet Sematary" movie and the Elijah Wood armageddon movie something that co-stars teen Leelee as girlfriend.

[@annettemirva5086]

she really was remarkable

[@soupful]

Tom Selleck and Goldie Hawn needed more ...

[@rosykatzCATS]

I had (deceased) family in show business. They said he was incredibly cruel to his son's. (Bing Crosby)

[@brianoyler706]

No, I don't think Bing Crosby was overly cruel to his sons. He want them to mind, respect and be self-sufficient enough. He did NOT want them to grow up as spoiled brats like so many of the children of famous celebrities do. Christina Crawford is a prime example.

[@oliviamartini9700]

@@brianoyler706 he mocked them and nicknamed one "Lardass" - at least 2 suicided, and probably all of Dixie's boys had FAS. The twins definitely did.

[@Shelly-mz9yf]

Wow Barbara how bold she was another forward thinking woman way b4 anyone even thought about how women were that so very important 😀🙂🙂

[@shellecapos8574]

I loved babs interview with Pat Huston. She really asked the questions.

[@soupful]

Poor Richard Pryor ....

[@brianoyler706]

I disagree. He was "scum". I cannot believe that one was ever in the "limelight". Definitely a prime example of how life is not fair. How many millions of talented people never even got the chance to "shine" and we're probably far more deserving.

[@paparazzi85]

R.I.P.

[@Shelly-mz9yf]

You're gonna be missed Barbara. Hoping ths current media can catch up. Thet fell off the path 20 yrs ago.....just saying 😌

[@Shelly-mz9yf]

Whoa...bshah of Iran and those poignant questions....whew almost 4got about this interview. Thank you 😀 panoni 8 for breathing life into everything I grew up with. The wake up calls.. and now we're here. Pc for 30 yrs years...woke blindness 4 two years. Whats up America ?? Why was she afraid to answer

[@MalvinderKaur-e7x]

insights, intelligence, intellect, reforms, capabilities talent doesn't know gender it only knows growth and opportunities given to prove that's all.

[@sluggzmcgee6272]

I wonder if Barbara Walters had any idea the magnitude of a star she was interviewing when she talked to Richard Pryor.

[@melissagarza2376]

He was Ok comedian /actor , my opinion. B. Walters always classy in all her interviews 🤩❤️🙏🏼🕊️

[@brianoyler706]

The "magnitude" of Richard Pryor???? Pryor was "scum" of the earth. He was someone who just happened to be in the right place at the right time with the assistance from more "scum" in higher places. Definitely a prime example of how life is not fair to the many millions of talented people who never even got the chance to "shine" and we're probably far more deserving.

[@bethlewis8731]

Did he really just say she burns up a lot of food is he meaning that literally that she’s a terrible cook 👩‍🍳 I’m hoping that’s what he was saying I mean come on Elizabeth Taylor absolutely beautiful ❤😍❤️ I hope she knew what he meant ❤🙌❤️

[@anthonybutto1925]

I could open a business as a land scape brick layer to do a flight of stairs for them for $625 a day if their not celebrities. But If I was to charge any of these celebrities their home to have an outside flight of stairs done for their mansion, it's $25000 a day. Yes, that's correct! Twenty five thousand dollars a day. My father took me to work with him when I was most probably in pre school.

[@christineumanzio1170]

Shah of Iran was an s.o.b.and I feel sympathy for his poor wife!

[@brianoyler706]

You have to realize that Walters was a western, independent career woman who was interviewing a Middle Eastern couple. The cultures and attitudes of the sexes are totally different. And it basically remains so in 2023. Walters did NOT do her homework on that one.

[@soupful]

Paul Newman is only honest respectable man. Bette Davis is cool too

[@Ksvtjhyb7]

Bing really honest

[@soupful]

Poor Sly Stallone, Susan Anton and Bridgette Neilsen "Red Sonja" very tall wanted movie stardom not children or families.

[@soupful]

Neither female aspiring actress/model made it.

[@soupful]

Sure great looking, very tall but no talent. Get married, have kids or dont get married or have kidss but your not stars didnt make it!

[@pamelaalley5691]

Lawrence and Vivian❤

[@lynnbell8757]

Neil Diamond!

[@capecodder04]

Her comments about Bing Crosby being strict are a sign of the times. He's not strict; he's a true practicing Catholic. In a world that's gone haywire, even back when this interview happened. A true practicing Catholic is certainly not going to agree with the world view. God Bless him for speaking the truth. We don't conform to the world. From a Catholic perspective Barbara Walters just embarrassed herself and showed her true colors.

[@oliviamartini9700]

Oh, please. He was a total hypocrite and had several sexual liaisons.

[@kathreilly7050]

💜👏👌

[@seangentile5586]

It seems like Barbara looks good if not better than the stars

[@jerrydtuff]

..☃️ELAINEWASHINGTON☃️.. BROOK SHIELDS GAVE A FEW HONEST ANSWERS ABOUT HERSELF. SHE ALSO HAD RESPECT FOR HER MOM. HER MOM WAS A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. I ENJOY WATCHING BROOK AND HER HUSBAND ON THE HALLMARK CHANNEL. ELIZABETH TAYLOR WAS BEAUTIFUL A LITTLE OVER WEIGHT OR SLIM FIGURED. SHE WAS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL. SHE ALWAYS GAVE HONEST ANSWERS. I LIKED ELIZABETH TAYLOR AS ONE OF THE BEST INTERVIEWS. I DO MISS HER ON THE MOVIE SCREEN. PATRICK SWAYZE SO MISSED. HE AKWAYS GAVE HIS BEST IN WORKING HARD IN ALL HIS MOVIES, ESPECIALLY WHEN HE WAS SO WEAK AND SICK. I MISS HIM. SO MANY GOOD ACTORS GONE. . .... 🎬.🎥.📽 🎞 .... .

[@auntihooha]

Baba Wawa blew it when she asked the Shah of Iran about his statement that women don't produce anything of importance. She didn't do her homework. When he shot back with "name a woman scientist" and she could only name one, she clearly had not thought out her question--or rather the possible replies to her question. I used to cringe as a teenager when I watched her, and I still cringe at her rather gross and one-tracked way of thinking. She was bold, and I respect the hell out of her for beating the Man's system, but she could have used a little etiquette training somewhere along the way. Her bedroom questions were vulgar and lazy, in my opinion, because she always brought the subject there, when there were so many more interesting things about people she could have asked. It was like watching a home movie of your childhood friends or family members playing show and tell or something equally unnecessary and uncomfortable that you could have lived forever without seeing.

[@evans54]

She was a great pioneer and talent

[@melissagarza2376]

She knew exactly what she was doing/asking , for the ratings.. hence journalistic royalty ! Icon!

[@flenif2247]

49 and 59:20 - Farrah Fawcett

[@perrieargent9997]

These were interesting people . . . where have they all gone, because everyone is a dull as ditchwater these days, lacking originality and character and wit by comparison.

[@pam0626]

54:17: Senator Warner, you didn’t deserve Liz.

[@anlu3365]

Barbara was a “shiiift” stater with some couples…

[@kelcritcarroll]

The sexual question Barbara asks……🙄what would we think about a young male monkey for instance….oh, he is a bad monkey …he wants to breed too young? Cmon…..yes, we are evolved from some type of primate…

[@everythingisaprocess]

I thought 19:17 was interesting when Barbara asked Bo Derek about being compared to Farrah Fawcett. For anyone who has seen them both IN THEIR PRIME....leave a reply as to which one was more beautiful in your opinion.

[@joylopez2735]

In my opinion--they are bookends; equally alluring--like twins! And your opinion?

[@everythingisaprocess]

@@joylopez2735 To be honest, their looks changed a lot - so there were moments when I think Farrah looked better and there were moments when I think Bo Derek looked better. Farrah's looks changed quite a bit. At their BEST, they were both very beautiful. In this Barbara Walters interview, Bo is NOT at her "best" there is another interview with Bo Derek that can be found on youtube where she looks "perfect" literally - a 10 for real. Nice tan, her cheek bones look higher, face a little slimmer and her hair is extremely long and golden. Based on that one interview, I would say Bo...because in that one interview, all of her features looked perfect. Farrah always had an odd looking nose, lol.....but at Farrah's best, she was still gorgeous...AND...I much preferred Farrahs personality. Bo was stiff and at times seemed nervous and awkward. Farrah was charming, interesting, funny and more captivating. in general, I like Farrah Fawcett much more.

[@joylopez2735]

@@everythingisaprocess I think most of us have heard: Nature's first green is gold. Indeed, when a woman is young--new and captivating, the glow in her eyes, the sheen of her skin, the bounce in her step--and the knowledge that her life is still ahead of her---is quite beguiling. Bo and Farrah---lovely and wonderful women.... I'd rather not compare them....

[@gingerchipper]

That’s like comparing two beautiful paintings, one by van Gogh, the other by Da Vinci. Totally different styles, both amazingly beautiful.

[@Celisar1]

Farrah Fawcett by far. She had personality as well.

[@soupful]

Liz Taylor ate got Kirstie Alley FAT! Damn if did and gained but struggled there after

[@tugboat2]

The interview with the Shah of Iran was very provocative in a bad way…Walters KNEW the culture was not conducive to free speech on women’s rights. How she can bulldoze her way into the conversation is appalling! Did this contribute to the overthrow of his rule?… the result being a more oppressive government…

[@brianoyler706]

Barbara Walters did NOT do her homework on that one. She is a western, independent career woman interviewing a Middle Eastern couple. The cultures and attitudes of the sexes are totally different. And it is basically the same in 2023.

[@Cabledeluz1977]

Sean Connery might be on to something

[@pfcrezende]

Sean Connery is absolutely right. Never slapped a woman, probably never will, I just grew up like that. But he’s right. I tried everything with my love. Everything. In the end, I’ve always resorted to reason and peace, and she resorted to being a pandora box of trauma and emotion. We, like everyone else were not perfect, and we made mistakes, but nothing truly big deal (like cheating or something like that, it’s not in mine or hers character to do that) an we loved and were good to each other. We ended in a way I could not for the life of me imagine - she cursing me, hating me, calling me names. I shouda have given her a good slap.

[@LunaDelTuna]

If resorting to violence against someone you love is supposed to be what mends the relationship then I hate to burst your 1952 bubble, but you weren't meant to be with that person. Sounds like she was verbally abusive to you anyway so why physically abuse her in return?

[@lorimiller4301]

It might feel like a relief to you to slap someone you're angry with but it never fixed anything in a relationship. Love, tenderness and compassion makes things better in a relationship, not abuse. I'm sorry your wife treated you like that. There are other fish in the sea. I hope you find happiness whether alone or with a new love.

[@SamFles]

Barbara saying the N-word so close to Richards face like that... I'm ashamed for her.

[@rjames908]

Why? Different times, different awareness. He sais it so it's ok? and when she repeats the same thing he said.. it's wrong? It's wrong saying it regardless doesn't matter who says it.. but she definitely didn't say it to to insult him she was making a point during the interview

[@NellaB_]

@@rjames908 why wouldn't he say it's okay for her to say it? Black people didn't create that word ya know! I'm more intrigued by why White people would want to say it, especially when they learn how and why THIER ancestors created it. But to tell a Black person it's wrong is very hypocritical and extremely privileged to assume you rule everything.

[@rjames908]

@@NellaB_ so why is he using it?

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

Although there's right and wrong it's clearly a personal choice on how you choose to do it in your life. Personal use that word nor would I want anybody else to period. However some people obviously going to choose differently which is irrelevant to my conscience merely my perspective. Stay blessed 🙏💛

[@NellaB_]

@@rjames908 because his ancestors were the ones oppressed with it. The word was meant specifically to hurt Blacks and we all know it. This conversation is over.

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

her voice wasnt pleasant.....she wasnt anything special to look at....her interview questions were nothing special.....why has she been famous for 50 years? her fam must be in the little hat hollywood group i guess

[@DQ_Mine]

Sean Connery. Evil

[@moonstruck562]

Don Johnson... YUCKS!! 🤢

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Why Yuck?

[@XOXO-mb2vh]

Barbra is cringe...

[@cl1188]

Barbara looks beautiful always...Paul Newman was not a nice person.

[@fan1985ful]

Why?

[@gingerchipper]

Not nice? Every product that he produced benefited charity.

[@michelmurphy7152]

Honest, decent man - I know someone who was helped by him.

[@marybarry6408]

Sean got the Oscar, but lost much respect…

[@ValerieGriner]

Look at Dolly Parton at 50:28! Now...she is as skinny as a bean pole! I never knew she was chubby.

[@roxannemoser]

Bing was not loved by David Bowie

[@sharonh2991]

I didn’t realize how boring Bah Bah Wah Wah’s interviews were. Her guests were great but she asked such boring questions.

[@evans54]

right -thats why she had a 50 year career

[@sharonh2991]

@@evans54 I know, right? She’s been asking boring questions for over fifty years!

[@illstuffamattresswithyou5657]

This was fantastic! Thanks so much for the uploads!