Bob Woodward’s Family: Meet His Children, Taliesin and Diana Woodward

Bob Woodward, the iconic investigative journalist and author, is best known for his pivotal role in exposing the Watergate scandal alongside Carl Bernstein—an achievement that forever changed the landscape of American journalism.

Born Robert Upshur Woodward on March 26, 1943, in Geneva, Illinois, he was raised in a Protestant Christian household, though he has not publicly identified with any specific religion as an adult. He is of Caucasian descent and grew up in a middle-class Midwestern family emphasizing education and public service.

His father, Alfred E. Woodward, was a prominent lawyer and judge, while his mother, Jane Upshur, played a key role in nurturing his early intellectual curiosity. Bob is one of three siblings, alongside his brother, Tom Woodward, and sister, Anne Woodward.

Woodward graduated from Wheaton Community High School in Illinois before attending Yale University, where he earned a B.A. in history and English literature in 1965. At Yale, he was a member of the prestigious Book and Snake Secret Society and participated in naval reserve officer training, eventually serving five years in the U.S. Navy.

His personal life reflects the same depth and complexity as his journalism. Woodward has been married three times. His first marriage, to Kathleen Middlekauff—his high school sweetheart—lasted from 1966 to 1969. He later married Frances Kuper (1974–1979). In 1989, he married Elsa Walsh, an accomplished journalist and author known for her work with The New Yorker and books like Divided Lives. The couple resides in Washington, D.C.

Together, Woodward and Walsh have two daughters: Taliesin Woodward, a Yale graduate, followed in her parents’ footsteps and works in journalism, focusing on reporting and editing. Diana Woodward lives a more private life and is dedicated to nonprofit work, particularly in education and community development.

Though widely celebrated for his fearless reporting and historic contributions to journalism, Bob Woodward is also a devoted father. His daughters have largely carved their own paths, shaped by the values of integrity, intellectual curiosity, and public service—hallmarks of their father’s legacy.

This article offers a closer look at the lives of Bob Woodward’s children, exploring how they’ve navigated their identities and careers under the influence of one of journalism’s most influential figures.

Taliesin Woodward

Taliesin Woodward, the elder of Bob Woodward‘s two daughters, has carved her own path while carrying the legacy of her father’s commitment to truth and storytelling.

Named after the Welsh poet Taliesin, her name reflects a nod to creativity and intellectual depth. Though Taliesin has largely maintained a private life, she has pursued a career in journalism, following in her father’s footsteps but with her own unique perspective.

Taliesin graduated from Yale University, where she honed her writing and critical thinking skills. She has worked as a journalist and editor, contributing to various publications focusing on in-depth reporting and cultural commentary.

Her work often explores the intersection of politics, society, and human stories, echoing her father’s investigative spirit but tailored to contemporary issues. Despite her proximity to the world of high-profile journalism, Taliesin has preferred to operate outside the intense public spotlight that her father has navigated for decades.

Those close to the Woodward family describe Taliesin as fiercely independent, with a sharp intellect and a passion for uncovering hidden truths. While she values her father’s guidance, she has clarified that her career is her own, driven by her convictions and curiosity about the world.

Diana Woodward

Diana Woodward, Bob Woodward‘s younger daughter, has taken a different trajectory from her father and sister, opting for a life largely away from the media’s gaze.

Less is publicly known about Diana, as she has chosen to maintain a low profile, prioritizing her privacy and personal pursuits. Named with a classic, timeless moniker, Diana is said to embody a grounded and thoughtful demeanor, traits that reflect the values instilled by her parents.

While Diana has not pursued journalism, she deeply appreciates literature, the arts, and social causes. Sources close to the family suggest that she has engaged in work related to nonprofit organizations, focusing on education and community development.

Though not splashed across headlines, her contributions are meaningful and aligned with a desire to make a positive impact in her own way.

Diana‘s relationship with her father is reportedly close, with Bob Woodward often citing his daughters as a source of inspiration and grounding amidst his high-stakes career. Diana‘s choice to lead a quieter life speaks to her strength of character, resisting the pull of her father’s fame to forge her identity.