How Barbara Walters Empowered Sherri Shepherd And Became A Trailblazer For Women In Journalism

It’s been over four years since Barbara Walters stepped away from her storied career, but her legacy continues to resonate with those who worked alongside her. One of her former co-hosts, Sherri Shepherd, recently opened up about the profound impact Barbara had on her life and career during a panel discussion at WE tv's event titled "Real Love: Relationship Reality TV’s Past, Present & Future" in Los Angeles. "She helped me find my voice," Sherri exclusively told Closer Weekly. Reflecting on her time on The View, Sherri shared how Barbara pushed her to speak up more. "She told me, 'If you don’t learn how to speak up, I’m going to eat you up,'" Sherri revealed.

Barbara Walters, now 89, wasn’t just tough; she was also incredibly supportive. When Sherri, then a newcomer to television, faced criticism for saying she wasn’t sure if the earth was round or flat, Barbara came to her defense. "Barbara said to me, 'If I didn’t think you could do this job, I wouldn’t have hired you, dear,'" Sherri recounted. "And that changed everything for me." It was this combination of tough love and encouragement that helped Sherri grow into the confident personality we know today.

Barbara Walters: A Trailblazer for Women in Journalism

Barbara Walters didn’t just break glass ceilings; she shattered them. As Sherri put it, "Barbara was a woman who had to fight for her place with a bunch of men who didn’t want her there." Her determination and resilience paved the way for countless women in the field of journalism. "I felt like I could conquer the world after I sat with her," Sherri said. Her influence extended far beyond her own career, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams despite the odds.

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Barbara Walters: The Iconic News Anchor

To this day, Barbara Walters is celebrated as one of the most famous news anchors in the history of ABC. An insider shared with Closer Weekly, "She went where no woman went before in journalism and TV." Her groundbreaking work earned her a reputation as a trailblazer for women in the workplace. "She’s most proud of the fact she was a trailblazer for women in the workplace," the insider revealed. Her legacy is not just about breaking barriers but about creating opportunities for others.

Barbara Walters’ Retirement: A Legacy of Success

Despite her illustrious career, Barbara Walters has no plans to return to the newsroom. A close friend explained to Closer, "She’s lived a long, outrageously successful, and