The tributes have begun to roll in after the death of journalist Barbara Walters was announced.
The American broadcaster and TV interviewer - who was well known for her stints on Today, The View, 20/20, and the ABC Evening News - died yesterday at age 93.
Now, her legacy has been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from celebrities and friends of the star alike.
Taking to Twitter, Australian actor Hugh Jackman, 54, has shared his memories of being interviewed by the iconic television personality and wrote: “Deb & I are so sad that Barbara Walters passed away. She was a trailblazer, wickedly funny, generous, open hearted and a good friend.”
He continued: “She also gave some of the most memorable dinner parties we’ve ever been to. Get ready heaven, Barbara’s coming to spice things up. @Deborra_lee.”
Singer and actor Jennifer Hudson, 41, also shared her recollections of interviews with the star and wrote: “A true trailblazer and icon! She lived a full life and leaves behind such a powerful legacy. Rest in peace, Barbara Walters.”
Meanwhile, fellow talk show host Oprah Winfrey, 68, shared a touching tribute on Instagram to the woman she dubbed a ‘role model’ when it came to her own career in broadcast journalism.
Oprah wrote: “Without Barbara Walters there wouldn’t have been me—nor any other woman you see on evening, morning, and daily news. She was indeed a Trailblazer. I did my very first television audition with her in mind the whole time.
“Grateful that she was such a powerful and gracious role model. Grateful to have known her. Grateful to have followed in her Light,” she concluded.
Sherri Shepherd, a 55-year-old American actor and broadcaster also thanked Barbara for the ‘seven-year chance of a lifetime’ when they co-starred together on ABC’s The View.
Sherri penned: “Thank you Barbara Walters for giving a shy girl who didn’t like to debate a seven-year chance of a lifetime.
“Thank You for allowing me to find my voice and encouraging me to fly. My heart hurts, but I’ll always love you Lady! #BarbaraWalters.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger added that Barbara 'was a true legend, a pioneer not just for women in journalism but for journalism itself'.
Barbara was born on 25 September 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked as a publicist and magazine journalist before paving her career on screen as a broadcast journalist.
She broke into the American public eye in November 1963 when she reported the assassination of President John F Kennedy - reporting the story alongside co-host Hugh Downs.
She initially worked on NBC’s Today show - where she became their first female co-host.
Barbara then moved network to work with ABC where she hosted a job on their Evening News show - and became the first woman to anchor a network news show.
While at ABC she worked on the 20/20 show - where she landed huge interviews with stars including Katharine Hepburn, Fidel Castro, Monica Lewinsky, Michael Jackson, Patrick Swayze and many, many more.
