Current:Home > BackThe View Co-Creator Bill Geddie Dead at 68-LoTradeCoin
The View Co-Creator Bill Geddie Dead at 68
View Date:2024-12-23 20:22:59
ABC is mourning the loss of a TV titan.
Bill Geddie, the television and news producer best known for co-creating the daytime talk show The View, has died of coronary-related factors, his family confirmed on July 21. He was 68.
"He was a big deal in TV, but at home he was an even ‘bigger than life' husband and dad," said Geddie's family in a statement to Variety. "He had a genuine love for television and entertainment. He would try everything and did it well—screenwriting, recording podcasts, playing guitar, writing songs, and loved a wide range of music from country to jazz."
Over his decades in the industry, Geddie produced countless hours of television, primarily for ABC. In 1997, he made one of his biggest and most lasting contributions to the news organization when he launched The View alongside the late Barbara Walters. Geddie, who received four Emmy awards for the talk show, went on to act as executive producer for 17 years until his departure in 2014.
But his partnership with the broadcast journalist didn't end there as he also worked with Walters' BarWall Productions for 25 years, executive producing the company's Barbara Walters Specials and The 10 Most Fascinating People.
"His favorite band was The Beatles," his family continued in their statement. "And he never thought he would have the opportunity to meet one of his personal heroes Paul McCartney in person, but his dream came true. The question wasn't who did he meet, but rather who didn't he meet?"
In addition to his work with Barbara Walters, Geddie also produced Good Morning America, executive produced Tamron Hall, created over 60 hours of TV for Discovery Channel with his production company and wrote the screenplay for the 1996 film Unforgettable, starring Ray Liotta and Linda Fiorentino.
Geddie was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1955. He graduated from the University of Texas with majors in communications and film and got his start by polishing floors at ABC's KOCO station in Oklahoma, City. It was on a Valentine's Day assignment for the station that he met his future wife, Barbara. The two were married for 44 years and shared two daughters, Allison and Lauren.
"He enjoyed connecting with people, and we know we are not the only ones who will miss his encouraging way of positive guidance. He did so with enthusiasm mixed with sarcasm," his family added. "His special style of humor was filled with puns. He believed in honesty. He was a kind man of integrity and always wanted to do the right thing. He lived by example."
In the wake of Geddie's passing, many of his former colleagues have expressed their admiration for the man who made much of their work possible.
"My friend & mentor Bill Geddie has transitioned at 68," The View cohost Sunny Hostin tweeted. "Bill was the 1st person to believe that I could be a national talk show host. He told me after an audition for The View ‘you were sitting there watching the show instead of being on the show. Lean in like I know you can.'"
Fellow panelist Joy Behar, who was part of the talk show's original lineup, reflected fondly on her memories with her late colleague. "We are saddened by the sudden death of Bill Geddie," the comedian tweeted. "As a producer, he kept us together and was very loyal to his staff. Bill loved comedy and plenty of laughs not to mention a good cigar. I'm forever grateful to him and Barbara for the opportunity to be on the View. RIP ‘VIEWMASTER.'"
In their tribute for the late producer, the show's official account summed up Geddie's impact in an Instagram post: "The View wouldn't exist without Bill Geddie."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (9)
Related
- Angels sign Travis d'Arnaud: Former All-Star catcher gets multiyear contract in LA
- What states allow teachers to carry guns at school? Tennessee and Iowa weigh joining them
- Get Your Activewear Essentials for Less at Kohl’s, Including Sales on Nike, Adidas, Champions & More
- Tennessee schools would have to out transgender students to parents under bill heading to governor
- Amtrak service disrupted after fire near tracks in New York City
- Another race, another victory for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at Chinese GP
- NBA playoffs 2024: Six players under pressure to perform this postseason
- Jake DeBrusk powers Boston Bruins past Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1
- Army veteran reunites with his K9 companion, who served with him in Afghanistan
- Will there be a ‘superbloom’ this year in California? Here’s what to know
Ranking
- Ryan Reynolds Makes Dream Come True for 9-Year-Old Fan Battling Cancer
- 3 hospitalized after knife attack on boat in New York City, along East River in Brooklyn
- South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 90 years in prison for his baby son’s 2021 death
- Mark Zuckerberg Reacts to His Photoshopped Thirst Trap Photo
- He failed as a service dog. But that didn't stop him from joining the police force
- Jim Harbaugh keeps promise, gets Michigan tattoo in honor of national championship season
- Halloweentown Costars Kimberly J. Brown and Daniel Kountz Are Married
- Boston Dynamics' robot Atlas being billed as 'fully-electric humanoid': Watch it in action
Recommendation
-
Whoopi Goldberg Shares Very Relatable Reason She's Remained on The View
-
Lawsuits under New York’s new voting rights law reveal racial disenfranchisement even in blue states
-
Taylor Swift’s New PDA Video With Travis Kelce Puts Their Alchemy on Display
-
Theater Review: ‘Stereophonic’ is a brilliant ‘Behind the Music’ play on Broadway
-
How Saturday Night Live Reacted to Donald Trump’s Win Over Kamala Harris
-
NHL playoffs schedule today: Times, TV for Islanders vs. Hurricanes, Maple Leafs vs. Bruins
-
MLS schedule April 20-21: LAFC hosts New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami meets Nashville again
-
New York lawmakers pass $237 billion budget addressing housing construction and migrants