Journalist and author Susan Page, biographer of legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters, believes Meryl Streep should portray the late icon in a movie. Page suggests a "The Crown"-like approach, with different actresses playing Walters at different stages of her life.
Legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 93, left an indomitable legacy in journalism. Now, journalist and author Susan Page, who penned the biography "The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters," has revealed her choice for an actress to portray Walters in a potential movie adaptation.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Page acknowledged the difficulty in finding an actress who could encapsulate Walters' multifaceted personality throughout her extensive career. She initially hesitated, saying, "I don't know."
Meryl Streep: Biographer's Pick for Barbara Walters in Movie
However, Page then exclaimed, "Meryl Streep would be great." She elaborated, "You know, in a way, it depends - are you talking about the young Barbara Walters or the older Barbara Walters because she had like a 50-year career. And so you might not have the same actress play her through her whole life."
Page suggested a "The Crown"-esque approach, where multiple actresses could portray Walters at different stages. "The Crown," a Netflix drama series depicting the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, utilized three actresses to play the late monarch throughout her life.
Meryl Streep: Biographer's Pick for Barbara Walters in Movie
When asked who could play the younger Walters, Page paused. "I don't know the answer to that," she admitted. "But I think it would be a fascinating role for any actress."
Page spoke about the inspiration behind writing her biography of Walters. "For women journalists, no one has been a more iconic figure than Barbara Walters," she stated. "That's true for women in TV broadcast journalism, it's true for women in print journalism, like myself, as well. And there was no real biography of Barbara Walters ever written, and I thought she deserved one."
Meryl Streep: Biographer's Pick for Barbara Walters in Movie
Walters' remarkable career was marked by several groundbreaking achievements. She became the first female co-host of NBC's "The Today Show" and subsequently became the highest-paid news anchor ever when she joined ABC News.
"If you grew up watching Barbara Walters, it wouldn't occur to you that a woman couldn't do big interviews, couldn't interview presidents and prime ministers and despots and murderers, and it also wouldn't occur to you that a woman couldn't make as much money or more than her male colleagues," Page said.
Meryl Streep: Biographer's Pick for Barbara Walters in Movie
Page's biography of Walters provides an in-depth examination of the trailblazing journalist's life and legacy. It explores Walters' professional accomplishments, personal struggles, and impact on the media landscape.
Meryl Streep, a renowned actress with three Academy Awards and countless nominations, is widely considered one of the greatest performers of her generation. Her ability to transform into various characters, combined with her exceptional range and emotional depth, make her a compelling choice to portray the enigmatic and influential Barbara Walters.
A hypothetical biopic about Barbara Walters would undoubtedly garner significant attention and would serve as a testament to her indelible mark on journalism and popular culture. With Meryl Streep as the potential lead, the film could capture the essence of Walters' extraordinary life and inspire future generations.
