The life and career of Barbara Walters, the pioneering television personality who shattered glass ceilings for women in broadcasting, have been unveiled through a revealing new documentary. Known as the first woman to earn a million-dollar salary in TV, Walters was portrayed by those close to her as a driven yet deeply flawed individual. Her obsessions with fame, money, and power, as highlighted by her book editor Peter Ethers, cast a shadow over her legacy. The film "Tell Me Everything," available on Hulu, delves into her tumultuous personal relationships, including an unconventional connection with lawyer Roy Cohn, her strained bond with her adopted daughter Jackie, and her fierce rivalries within the industry. Despite her monumental achievements, Walters's relentless pursuit of success came at a significant cost to her personal life.

Barbara Walters emerged as a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of television journalism during the mid-20th century. Her journey began humbly as a "Today Girl" at NBC, where she faced restrictions that underscored the gender biases prevalent at the time. She could only ask questions after her male counterparts had done so thrice, highlighting the barriers she had to overcome. By the late 1960s, Walters had secured a groundbreaking deal with ABC to co-host their evening news program, marking a pivotal moment in her career. However, this success was accompanied by professional challenges, such as navigating a hostile work environment under Harry Reasoner. Her tenure at ABC extended into hosting "20/20," where she conducted interviews with high-profile figures like Christopher Reeve post-injury, cementing her status as a formidable interviewer.

Beyond her professional triumphs, Walters's personal life was equally complex. Her relationships were often transactional, driven by career ambitions rather than genuine affection. This included her association with Roy Cohn, which was more about mutual benefit than romantic love. Her adoption of Jackie with ex-husband Lee Guber further illustrated the tension between her professional aspirations and familial responsibilities. Jackie's teenage years were marked by rebellion, which Walters addressed with drastic measures, hiring a Green Beret to retrieve her runaway daughter. These actions reflect the broader theme of Walters's life - the constant struggle between ambition and personal fulfillment.

Walters's legacy is also defined by her contributions to daytime television with the creation of "The View" in 1997. At the age of 67, she continued to demonstrate her tenacity and innovation. Yet, her competitive nature sometimes led to conflicts, notably her infamous feud with Diane Sawyer. Colleagues recount how Walters's fearlessness in securing exclusive interviews set her apart, though it occasionally caused friction. Despite these challenges, her impact on the industry remains undeniable, influencing future generations of journalists and interviewers, including Oprah Winfrey, who credits Walters with shaping her own decisions regarding family and career.

In reflecting on Barbara Walters's life, it becomes clear that her immense professional achievements were paralleled by profound personal sacrifices. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale for aspiring broadcasters. While her relentless drive propelled her to the top of her field, it also left her feeling unfulfilled in many aspects of her personal life. As one colleague poignantly noted, the saying embroidered on a pillow in her home—"Once upon a time, when there was time"—symbolizes the choices Walters made and their lasting implications. Ultimately, her life exemplifies the delicate balance between pursuing greatness and finding contentment, leaving behind a rich tapestry of accomplishments and regrets that continue to resonate within the world of media today.