Home / Lifestyle / Barbara Walters Dons Bunny Suit at Playboy Club
Barbara Walters Dons Bunny Suit at Playboy Club
6 Nov
Summary
- Walters worked a shift at NYC's Playboy Club in 1962.
- Bunnies trained for two weeks and earned $200-$300 weekly with tips.
- Playboy Clubs, originating in 1960, closed nationwide by 1988.
In a segment filmed on New Year's Eve 1962, journalist Barbara Walters experienced firsthand the demands of working at the New York City Playboy Club. She wore the distinctive bunny costume while learning from the Chief of the Bunnies about the recruitment and training process for aspiring candidates.
Young women aged 18-24 who were 'young, pretty (and) funny' could apply and undergo two weeks of 'bunny school.' This training involved films, lectures, and a detailed manual. Bunnies were prohibited from dating club patrons or personnel. With tips, they could average between $200 and $300 per week for a five-day schedule.
Walters described the costume as a 'too-tight satin bathing suit' that felt revealing. Although she felt 'ridiculous' and 'awkward' in the role, she managed not to spill anything on customers. The first Playboy Club opened in Chicago in 1960, with the New York location being the fifth. By 1988, all 30 U.S. branches had ceased operations.
