Bill Geddie, the co-creator and executive producer if “The View,’ died at the age of 68.

Geddie, who co-created ‘The View’ with the late Barbara Walters, was recalled by his ‘View’ “family” as “a pioneer in television” who was “greatly beloved” by his ‘View’ “family.”

 

Allison Geddie, Geddie's daughter, confirmed the news to PEOPLE on Friday, saying, “My father was the greatest man I knew.” He was a cheerful person who was always cracking a joke. Everyone wanted to hear his opinion and trusted what he had to say when he had one. Everything he touched became gold. He was thoughtful, encouraging, and trustworthy. We are heartbroken by his passing, but we are grateful that we had him in our lives for as long as we did.”

Geddie died Thursday at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, of a “coronary” condition, according to Allison.
Geddie, a four-time Emmy winner, was most known for co-creating The View with Barbara Walters in 1997, which featured panelists Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Joy Behar, and Debbie Matenopoulos.

He stayed on the talk show until 2014, receiving 13 Daytime Emmy nominations during his time there. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 39th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2012.
Geddie and Walters also collaborated for 25 years on BarWall Productions. According to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, he co-produced, scripted, and directed Barbara Walters Specials .

 

Bill Geddie

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When Barbara Walters died in December 2022, Geddie paid tribute to her renowned career and mastery of the broadcast medium, telling PEOPLE at the time, “Barbara’s total impact on broadcasting is hard to quantify, but this much is clear — she kicked sexism and ageism squarely in the ass.

” Geddie also worked as a producer for ABC News’ Good Morning America, executive produced Tamron Hall from 2018 to 2020, oversaw Megyn Kelly’s 2016 celebrity interview special, and wrote the 1996 sci-fi drama Unforgettable. He received six Primetime Emmy nominations during his career.

Allison and her family mentioned Geddie’s tremendous career accomplishments in a longer statement honoring the producer’s life.

“He was a big deal on TV, but he was an even ‘bigger than life’ husband and father at home,” his family stated. “He genuinely enjoyed television and entertainment.” He tried everything and did it well – screenplay, podcasting, guitar, songwriting, and he enjoyed a wide range of music from country to jazz. His favorite band was The Beatles, and he never expected to see one of his personal heroes, Paul McCartney, in person, but his wish came true. The question wasn’t who he met, but who he didn’t meet.”

“He enjoyed connecting with people, and we know we are not the only ones who will miss his encouraging way of providing positive guidance,” the family said in a statement. “He did so with enthusiasm and sarcasm.” His unique sense of humour was packed with puns.

He believed in truth. He was a kind man who always tried to do the right thing. He set a good example. Small things made him joyful as well. He relished a round of golf, his peppermint ice cream, and a Bombay gin on the rocks with jalapeno and garlic stuffed olives. We are devastated to have lost him, but we are grateful to have had him in our lives.”

“I am absolutely devastated,” Sherri Shepherd said in a statement to PEOPLE. Bill Geddie gave me an opportunity, believed in me, and battled for me. He had a great sense of comedy, and his guidance helped me get through the first season of ‘The Sherri Show.’ He was both a mentor and a friend to me.”