Who is Jacqueline Dena Guber? All About Barbara Walters’ Daughter

Jacqueline Dena Guber is the adoptive daughter of Barbara Walters, the late renowned American journalist. She is 55 years old as of 2024 and is a businesswoman. Barbara Walters’ daughter has largely maintained a private life away from the spotlight cast by her mother’s illustrious career.

Jacqueline Dena has been known to keep a low profile, with limited public appearances and minimal media presence. In this article, we will uncover all there is to know about the celebrity daughter who, despite being the daughter of a prominent figure in the media industry, has chosen a more private life, with little information available about her personal endeavors and accomplishments.

Jacqueline Dena Guber was Born in 1968

Jacqueline Dena Guber was born on June 14, 1968, in the United States. As of 2024, she is 55 years old. Her birth sign is Gemini, and she is an American citizen by birth.

Jackie, as she is fondly called by close friends and family members, belongs to the white Caucasian ethnic group. However, very little information is available about her birth family members, such as her birth parents or any siblings she might have through them.

What most of the world knows about Jacqueline Dena Guber’s parentage is that she was adopted in the same year of her birth by entertainment and media personalities Lee Guber and Barbara Walters.

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s Adoptive Mother, Barbara Walters, was a Broadcast Journalist and TV Personality

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s adoptive mother, Barbara Walters, was a renowned broadcast journalist and TV personality. She was born Barbara Jill Walters on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. She was the daughter of Lou Walters, a Broadway producer and nightclub owner, and Dena Seletsky, who was a homemaker.

Growing up, Walters was exposed to the world of show business due to her father’s involvement in the entertainment industry. She attended Lawrence School and later Birch Wathen School in New York City. Walters then pursued her higher education at Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied English.

Barbara Walters made a significant impact on the field of broadcast journalism and became a pioneer for women in the industry. Her career saw her working at various esteemed television networks and hosting iconic TV programs. Some highlights of her career include:

Today Show

Walters started her career as a writer and researcher at NBC’s “Today Show” in 1961. She eventually became a co-host of the show, making history as the first female co-host of a network news program.

ABC News

Walters joined ABC News in 1976, where she co-anchored the “ABC Evening News” and contributed to various news programs.

She is best known for creating and co-hosting the popular daytime talk show “The View,” which premiered in 1997 and became a significant platform for discussing women’s issues and current events.

20/20

Walters co-hosted the news magazine program “20/20” on ABC, where her interviews with public figures and celebrities garnered widespread attention and acclaim.

Barbara Walters Specials

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Throughout her career, Walters conducted numerous high-profile interviews and celebrity specials, including her notable annual “Barbara Walters Specials,” where she interviewed influential figures such as world leaders and celebrities.

Walters’ interviewing style, characterized by her ability to ask probing and sometimes controversial questions, earned her the reputation of being one of the most skilled interviewers in the industry.

Barbara Walters passed away on December 30, 2022, at the age of 93. Her death was attributed to complications from dementia. She died at her home in New York City, where she had spent the majority of her illustrious career in the media industry.

Her passing marked the end of an era in broadcast journalism, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing accomplishments and groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s Adoptive Father was an American Theatre Impresario and Broadway Producer

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s adoptive dad, Lee Guber, was a renowned theatre impresario and Broadway producer who was born on November 20, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Guber attended Central High School and later completed his formal education at Temple University, where he bagged both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology.

Lee Guber’s career in the entertainment industry was illustrious and impactful, leaving an indelible mark on Broadway and beyond. He made significant contributions to the theatre world as a producer and impresario, earning him widespread acclaim.

Some of the major works and productions associated with Guber include:

Sugar Babies

This wildly successful musical revue, produced by Guber, premiered on Broadway in 1979. Starring Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller, “Sugar Babies” became a long-running hit, delighting audiences with its captivating performances and dazzling choreography.

The Tap Dance Kid

Guber made his mark as a producer with this Tony-nominated Broadway musical, which debuted in 1983. The show showcased Guber’s commitment to promoting exceptional talent and bringing captivating stories to the stage.

The Minskoff Theatre

Guber was instrumental in the development of the Minskoff Theatre, a renowned Broadway venue located in the heart of New York City’s theater district. His efforts in establishing and managing this iconic theater contributed to the vitality of Broadway as a premier destination for world-class performances.

Guber’s visionary approach to producing and promoting Broadway productions solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the entertainment industry. His passion for the arts and dedication to creating unforgettable theatrical experiences endeared him to audiences and professionals alike.

Tragically, Lee Guber passed away at the age of 67 on March 27, 1988, in his home in Manhattan, New York. His untimely death was attributed to complications related to brain cancer, marking the end of an era for Broadway and the entertainment world at large.

The loss of Guber was deeply felt throughout the industry, as his innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to the arts had left an enduring impact. Guber’s legacy lives on through the enduring impact of the productions and venues he nurtured during his prolific career.

His contributions to Broadway and the performing arts continue to inspire future generations of theater professionals, ensuring that his influence remains an integral part of the theatrical landscape.

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s Adoptive Parents Adopted Her After About Five Years of Their Marriage

Barbara Walters made headlines not only for her illustrious career but also for her decision to adopt Jacqueline Dena Guber. Barbara and her then-husband, Lee Guber, had been married for about five years when they decided to adopt Jacqueline.

The couple, who exchanged marital vows on December 8, 1963, initially faced the heartbreak of three miscarriages before turning to adoption. Few would argue against the fact that their decision to adopt Jacqueline in 1968, the same year she was born, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Barbara Walters and Lee Guber’s marriage was a significant aspect of Jacqueline’s adoption. The couple’s decision to adopt Jacqueline reflected their desire to build a family despite facing challenges in having biological children. Their commitment to providing a loving and nurturing home for Jacqueline showcased their dedication to parenthood.

Despite their initial hopes of building a family together, Barbara Walters and Lee Guber eventually went their separate ways. The couple’s divorce in 1976, after thirteen years of marriage, marked a significant turning point in their lives.

Jacqueline, who was only eight years old at the time of the divorce, had to navigate the complexities of her parents’ separation at a tender age.

Jacqueline Dena Guber Had a Tough Start to Life

Jacqueline Dena Guber had a tough start to life despite spending her early life in the affluent and influential circles of New York City.

Due to her parents’ divorce when she was still relatively young and her parents’ fame, she struggled with being in the spotlight and occasionally acted out. At one point, she ran away from home, but her mom found and retrieved her through the help of a Green Beret.

She was subsequently sent to a wilderness intervention program in Idaho to clean up her acts. After completing her wilderness intervention program and relocating to Maine, Jacqueline Dena Guber launched New Horizons for Young Women, a wilderness therapy program aimed at supporting at-risk teenage girls, with the assistance of her then-husband.

Unfortunately, the program ceased operations in 2008 due to financial difficulties, as stated on her website. Despite its closure, the program successfully aided more than 300 women during its seven years of service.

Jacqueline Dena Guber is an Entrepreneur

Jacqueline Dena Guber has carved her path in the world of business and entrepreneurship, demonstrating a departure from her mother’s career in journalism. While she hasn’t followed directly in Barbara Walters’ footsteps, Jacqueline has pursued her entrepreneurial ambitions with commendable success.

Not much is known about her business endeavors despite sources that claim she ventured into the beauty and wellness industry, where she has reportedly shown a keen business acumen and a flair for identifying market opportunities, paving the way for her success.

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s Net Worth is $1 Million

Jacqueline Dena Guber’s net worth as of 2024 is over $1 million which she amassed through her business endeavors. Her success can be attributed to her shrewd business decisions, innovative approach, and ability to tap into the ever-growing beauty and wellness market.

While Jacqueline Dena Guber may not have followed her mother’s path into journalism, she has undeniably made a mark for herself in the entrepreneurial realm. Her success and achievements speak volumes about her capabilities and determination to create her own legacy.

Jacqueline’s success as an entrepreneur showcases her astute business acumen and the ability to identify and capitalize on market trends. This has allowed her to make a name for herself outside the shadow of her famous mother.

Is Jacqueline Dena Guber Married?

Jackie Guber has been married and divorced twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to wilderness guide Mark Danforth. More than a few sources claim they met somewhere on the East Coast, but not much is known about their relationship other than the fact that they tied the knot in 2000.

They spent nearly a decade as a married couple, but they never had any children together. The reason for their divorce remains undisclosed, and Jackie rarely talks about any of her marriages.

We have yet to ascertain exactly when it happened, but Jackie reportedly found live again, this time with a businessman and entrepreneur named Scott Pontius. Again, very little is known about their relationship, but they reportedly stayed married for around a decade before calling it quits. They did not have any children together.

Jacqueline Dena Guber Has Always Been a Magnet For Controversy

Jacqueline Dena Guber has always been a magnet for controversy. As a young girl, she was always on the run away from home. She also fell to the lure of hard drugs like meth and cocaine.

As an adult, Jackie was arrested in 2013 for driving under the influence. She also verbally assaulted the police officers who pulled her over. Additionally, despite her refusal to take a field sobriety test, a breathalyzer test indicated that she was 0.218 above the legal limit in Florida. She was subsequently released after posting a bail bond of $1,000.

Over the years, Jackie has spoken about how difficult she found it growing up, especially in school, where she struggled to form a bond with some of her schoolmates who were noticeably shorter than she was.

She also attributes some of her misdemeanors to the ineffective relationship she had with her mother in the years following her parents’ divorce.

FAQs

How Old is Jacqueline Dena Guber?

Jacqueline Dena Guber is 55 years old as of 2024. She was born on June 14, 1968.

What Does Jacqueline Dena Guber Do For a Living?

Jacqueline Dena Guber is a successful businesswoman with a net worth currently estimated to be over $1 million.