Sherri Shepherd fondly remembers her dear friend and mentor, Bill Geddie, the co-creator of “The View.” After news of Geddie’s passing over the weekend, Shepherd paid a heartfelt tribute to him during her appearance on the ABC talk show on Monday. She reflected on how Geddie had a profound impact on her life when he invited her to join the show in 2007. At that time, she was a single mother, recently divorced, a stand-up comedian, and quite unfamiliar with politics. Despite this, Geddie believed that her relatable personality would resonate with viewers.
Geddie’s influence on Shepherd extended beyond the show itself. He pushed her to discover her own voice and encouraged her to grow as a television personality. Shepherd humorously recalled one incident from her first week on the show when she mistakenly stated that she didn’t know whether the earth was round or flat. Instead of being reprimanded, Geddie saw the potential in the situation for ratings and reminded her that the show was about candid discussions and diverse viewpoints.
The announcement of Geddie’s death on Instagram deeply affected “The View” family. The show acknowledged his role as a pioneer in television, co-creating “The View” alongside Barbara Walters and serving as its executive producer for 17 years. They expressed that the show would not have been possible without him. The tribute also included a statement from Geddie’s family, describing him as not only a significant figure in TV but also a loving husband and father at home.
In her own Instagram post, Shepherd expressed her devastation over Geddie’s passing. She emphasized the profound impact he had on her life, believing in her and bringing out her best potential in the industry. Throughout the first season of her show, “Sherri,” she sought his advice and encouragement, and he remained a mentor, a great leader, and a wonderful friend. Shepherd’s tribute to Geddie was filled with love and gratitude for the extraordinary influence he had on her life and career.