Barbara Walters Brings the Google Founders to 20/20
When Barbara Walters announced that Larry Page and Sergey Brin would appear on her 20/20 special titled “10 Most Fascinating People of the Year,” the tech community buzzed. Walters, a veteran journalist known for her incisive interviews, had earned the affectionate nickname “Babs” among her colleagues, and her reputation for getting straight to the heart of the matter made this segment a must-watch.
The interview took place in a modest studio, far from the glossy tech‑conference backdrop the founders are used to. The camera rolled, the questions flowed, and the pair revealed a side of themselves that no one had seen on the newsfeed. For many viewers, it was a chance to understand what drives the minds behind the world’s most visited search engine.
From the very beginning, Page and Brin’s responses contradicted the conventional image of a billionaire. When asked about their personal lives, Larry admitted he still drives a Prius – a car that costs roughly $21,000. “I like the efficiency,” he said. “It’s not about status; it’s about staying connected to the product.” Sergey, on the other hand, shared that he spends most of his free time skating on inline skates and lives in a rented apartment in a neighborhood he chose for its proximity to his office rather than any luxury.
These anecdotes are not mere trivia; they illustrate a philosophy that has guided their career decisions. They are not driven by a desire to flaunt wealth. Instead, they view their work as a calling, a way to make a tangible difference. “We’re not in it to get rich,” Page told Walters. “We’re in it to give people information quickly and effectively. That’s what matters.”
Their approach to wealth is equally unconventional. When Google went public earlier this year, the founders opted for an IPO that welcomed everyday investors, not just institutional investors. By allowing the public to bid on shares, they broke the norm of having the stock available only to big banks and venture capitalists. This move reflected their commitment to fairness and democratization – a core value that has shaped Google’s culture.
Financially, the effect of the IPO has been staggering. Each of the two founders is now valued at roughly six billion dollars – a number that, while colossal, is still modest compared to the billions they have helped create. Even with such an impressive net worth, Page and Brin remain grounded. Their homes are modest, their cars are ordinary, and their everyday habits reflect a desire for simplicity over spectacle.
Beyond the personal revelations, the interview also shed light on their vision for the future. They emphasized the role of technology in shaping society, stressing the importance of data privacy and ethical AI. “We’re building a better tomorrow,” Brin said. “But we have to be careful about how we use data.” He added that Google’s next big leap will be in healthcare, a field where the company’s search expertise could help millions of people find reliable medical information faster.
The conversation also touched on the founders’ philanthropic pursuits. They talked about the Google.org grant program, which funds initiatives ranging from education to climate change. Page noted that they view philanthropy as an extension of their business: “If we can solve problems at scale, we should do it.” This belief has translated into real action – Google has invested billions in projects that improve internet accessibility worldwide.
Notably, the interview was conducted without the trappings of a high‑profile press event. The two founders appeared unfiltered, and their answers were candid. For instance, when asked if they feel guilty about their wealth, they both denied it. “We’re not the only ones who have the ability to make a difference,” Page said. “We’re just making sure we use it responsibly.”
Walters herself praised their humility, noting that their willingness to listen to ordinary people sets them apart from many other tech leaders. “You can hear the people,” she said. “That’s rare.” The exchange highlighted a recurring theme: the founders are more interested in the impact of their products than in the accolades they receive.
For the audience, the interview offered a fresh perspective on a tech phenomenon that seemed almost mythic. By demystifying the personal lives of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Barbara Walters reminded viewers that even the most successful people can live simple, grounded lives. Their approach to wealth, philanthropy, and innovation offers a compelling case study for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society.
