Bill Geddie, the co-creator of the popular ABC talk show “The View” alongside Barbara Walters, passed away at the age of 68. Geddie was known for producing many of Walters’ audience-grabbing TV specials and serving as a partner in her production company for 25 years. He died at his home in Rancho Mirage due to a heart-related issue.
Geddie was not only a big deal in the TV industry but also a loving husband and father. His family described him as a larger-than-life figure who had a genuine love for television and entertainment. He had diverse talents, including screenwriting, podcasting, playing guitar, and writing songs. He had a wide range of music tastes, from country to jazz, and his favorite band was The Beatles. He even had the incredible opportunity to meet one of his personal heroes, Paul McCartney. Geddie’s family highlighted that there were very few people he hadn’t met due to his extensive connections.
Geddie’s collaboration with Barbara Walters started in 1988 on her television specials. He later took over as producer, writer, and director after Phyllis McGrady. From the show’s start in 1997 until 2014, Geddie served as the executive producer and showrunner of “The View.” In 2014, he was ousted as part of efforts to creatively evolve the show. Throughout his career, Geddie received numerous accolades and nominations, including 13 Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on “The View,” winning in 2003, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
Born on July 17, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, Geddie graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977. He began his career in the news business, starting as a floor polisher at the ABC affiliate KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. Eventually, he transitioned into running a camera for newscasts. Geddie then worked as a news cameraman and editor at WKYC-TV in Cleveland and as a producer for “PM Magazine” in San Francisco before moving to New York City to join “Good Morning America.”
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After Barbara Walters passed away in December, Geddie shared his experience of creating “The View” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The idea for the show emerged during a long lighting session when Walters mentioned her interesting conversations with her daughter. Geddie, seizing the opportunity, wrote up the concept and called it “Everybody’s a Critic.” Despite initial doubts from ABC News president Roone Arledge due to concerns about the time slot and potential risks to Walters’ career, Geddie and Walters forged ahead and brought the show to life.
Apart from his work on “The View,” Geddie also executive produced a special hosted by Megyn Kelly on Fox News Channel in 2016. The special featured interviews with prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Michael Douglas. Additionally, Geddie worked on Tamron Hall’s talk show for ABC in 2019-2020. He also had experience in the film industry, having written the screenplay for the sci-fi film “Unforgettable” in 1996.
Geddie is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Barbara, and his two daughters, Allison and Lauren. His family remembered him as someone who enjoyed connecting with people and providing positive guidance. Geddie had a unique sense of humor filled with puns and believed in honesty and integrity. He lived his life as an example to others.
In conclusion, Bill Geddie was a prominent figure in the TV industry, known for co-creating “The View” and producing numerous TV specials for Barbara Walters. His contributions to daytime television were recognized with Emmy nominations and awards. Geddie’s passion for entertainment extended beyond television, as he had diverse talents and a love for music. He will be remembered for his creativity, enthusiasm, and kindness.
