It's been close to a decade since Sherri Shepherd was a co-host of The View, but she didn't hesitate to honor someone who had a hand in her getting a role on the daytime TV talk show.
On July 21, news broke that longtime television producer and The View co-creator Bill Geddie died from coronary-related issues at the age of 68. As the show's current hosts publicly mourned the unexpected loss on TV, Sherri (who was a panelist from 2007 to 2014) paid tribute to him with a heartbreaking Instagram. She acknowledged Bill's influence on her career and their friendship away from the spotlight.
"I am completely devastated at the passing of #BillGeddie the co-creator of @theviewabc," she wrote the same day as his death announcement. "Bill took a chance and cast me — a standup comic with no talk show experience — as a co-host on The View. His instinct told him that people would relate to a black female, single mom ... who had not one inch of political knowledge but was just a real person."
Sherri continued: "Bill completely changed my life because he believed in me. To be seen by someone in this industry who also has the ability to make you even better than you thought you could be — that was Bill Geddie ... He was a mentor, a great leader and a wonderful friend. I love you Bill."
When folks read her emotional note online, many rallied around her and tried to uplift her in the comments.
"Wow, really sorry to hear about this. The View has been a staple in my life for decades," one person wrote on Instagram. "Big hugs and prayers to you. His impact on you and so many others is immeasurable," another added. "That's awesome to have [been] blessed in that way. R.I.P. to your friend and mentor," a different follower consoled.
Along with Sherri's personal message honoring Bill's legacy, she later returned to The View to highlight a funny moment cementing their unique relationship.
"He absolutely changed my life," she said on a July 24 segment. "The first week I sat here, he fought for me to be here ... I think my first week, didn't I say I didn't know if the earth was round or flat, I think? I said, 'Bill, oh my God, I do know, I gotta go back on and say it,' and he said, 'No, this is ratings, baby! This is ratings!'"
