A newly released documentary shines a light on an unforgettable exchange captured in the 1982 Clint Eastwood Barbara Walters flirtatious interview, showing how Eastwood’s charisma momentarily left the legendary broadcaster lost for words. This rare moment, now resurfacing in Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything on Hulu, reveals a different side of Walters, known for her fearless interviewing style and unshakeable professionalism over 50 years in television.
Clint Eastwood’s Bold Move Catches Barbara Walters Off Guard
Barbara Walters carved her name in the history of television journalism by interviewing some of the world’s most influential and controversial figures, including the Kardashian sisters, the Menendez Brothers, Donald Trump, Richard Nixon, and Vladimir Putin. Despite her reputation for unwavering composure, the documentary trailer for Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything highlights one occasion in 1982 when Walters encountered an unexpected challenge: the irresistible charm of Clint Eastwood.
The setting for the interview was unique—a picnic table in a sunny field, evoking the atmosphere of a date rather than a traditional television set. In the clip, Walters asks Eastwood if he is comfortable displaying his emotions. In response, he shared candidly,
There are certain things that I just don’t enjoy sharing.
—Clint Eastwood, Actor
In return, Walters teased,
You would drive me nuts and I would drive you crazy because I would be saying, ‘But, you know.’
—Barbara Walters, Journalist
Eastwood quickly turned the conversation in a new direction, replying,
Well, we could try it and see if it worked out.
—Clint Eastwood, Actor
This flirtatious banter visibly flustered Walters, who let out a nervous laugh and paused before suggesting,
I think we’ll stop and reload.
—Barbara Walters, Journalist
The moment was so striking that it drew reaction from fellow journalists. When Good Morning America aired the documentary trailer, co-anchor George Stephanopoulos remarked,
That’s the only time I’ve ever seen Barbara Walters blush.
—George Stephanopoulos, TV Co-Anchor
Later, Walters revealed on The Tonight Show that Eastwood had extended an invitation for dinner after their interview. However, she declined due to her work obligations, reinforcing her dedication to her career even in the face of personal temptation.
A Career of Breaking Barriers and Uncomfortable Questions
Walters’ legacy is built on decades of fearless journalism. In 1976, she became the first female anchor on an evening news program, joining ABC News. Her career included co-hosting the influential newsmagazine 20/20 and creating The View in 1997. Walters’ work earned her 12 Emmy Awards, 11 of them for her work with ABC News.
Throughout her career, Walters was known for asking difficult questions that others might avoid, leaving guests and viewers alike taken aback. As journalist Cynthia McFadden reflects in the trailer, Walters had a unique ability to get under the skin of her interview subjects, rarely letting anyone leave an interview unscathed.
Prominent personalities featured in the new documentary include Taylor Swift and the Kardashian family, with clips showing Walters asking Swift about her personal relationships and openly challenging the Kardashians on their lack of talent. Oprah Winfrey appears in the documentary’s opening, summing up Walters’ approach:
She asked the question that nobody else had asked, and asked it in a way that always hit a nerve.
—Oprah Winfrey, Television Host
Bette Midler shared her view on Walters’ interviewing style:
She was fearless, and sometimes she got under people’s skin.
—Bette Midler, Actress
Producer Andy Cohen reflected on how Walters could create an inviting atmosphere before dropping hard-hitting questions:
You’re surrounded by beautiful flowers, the lighting is perfect and then suddenly she would just throw a hardball out of nowhere.
—Andy Cohen, Producer
Walters herself once addressed her unconventional path in television, stating,
I was never beautiful. If I had been a dog, I mean maybe they wouldn’t have put me on television, but I mean, nobody ever put me on because I was beautiful or glamorous.
—Barbara Walters, Journalist
Her relentless pursuit of truth was evident during interviews with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Richard Nixon, and Vladimir Putin. Disney CEO Bob Iger summarized her commitment, noting that journalism was indeed the love of her life.
Documenting an Unparalleled Legacy
The trailer for Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything not only revisits her most celebrated interviews but also captures her influence on the evolution of broadcast journalism. Walters’ career milestones—becoming the first female evening news anchor, shaping programs like 20/20 and The View, and winning numerous Emmy Awards—demonstrate her pivotal role in changing the television landscape for women in media.
Walters’ ability to challenge high-profile figures, from pop culture icons to global leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, reflected her fearless approach and unwavering integrity in the face of adversity. Each interview was a testament to her skill, persistence, and ability to connect with audiences.
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, now streaming on Hulu, offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose influence endures far beyond her on-screen presence. As the world remembers the Clint Eastwood Barbara Walters flirtatious interview and countless other defining moments, Walters’ impact on journalism and culture remains undeniable, serving as inspiration for future generations in media and beyond.
