Bob Woodward

Born in Illinois on March 26, 1943, Bob Woodward is a journalist and acclaimed non-fiction author who has worked for The Washington Post since 1971. Woodward was working as a reporter for paper when he was tipped to a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. With fellow journalist Carl Bernstein, Woodward eventually connected the break-in to the highest levels of the Nixon administration. The Washington Post was awarded the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its coverage—one of two Post Pulitzers won through Woodward's contributions—and Woodward and Berstein became synonymous with investigative journalism.

Only months into his new position, in 1972, Woodward encountered one of the biggest stories of his career: Tipped to a burglary at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., he and fellow Post reporter Carl Bernstein were called on to investigate. Woodward eventually connected the break-in to the highest levels of President Richard Nixon's administration. The Woodward-Bernstein team's coverage of the scandal amassed several Post stories, which were initially denounced but later confirmed by the White House's press secretary, Ron Ziegler. "I would apologize to the Post, and I would apologize to Mr. Woodward and Mr. Bernstein," Ziegler stated in May 1973, adding, "They have vigorously pursued this story and they deserve the credit and are receiving the credit."

Woodward and Bernstein soon became synonymous with investigative journalism, receiving wide acclaim for their journalistic work. In addition to breaking the story, their in-depth reporting and powerful writing sparked one of the greatest political upsets in American history: Nationwide news coverage; investigations by the House Judiciary Committee, Senate Watergate Committee and Watergate Special prosecutor; and, ultimately, President Nixon's resignation and the criminal conviction of many others.