The stars of The View have paid tribute to creator Barbara Walters in a touching segment.
The TV icon passed away last week at the age of 93surrounded by her family.
On the ABC panel show’s first episode since the sad news, Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar were on hand to share their best memories of the veteran American journalist.
The Ghost actress started today’s episode by explaining that tributes continued to pour in from all over the world.
“The reason we’re all here, without her I don’t know where most of us would be,” she insisted.
“The thing about her is that she really defied sexism and ageism,” Behar agreed. “She went right into the lion’s jaws.
“She was not just a friend to us, she was one of a kind and very important to the industry.”
Debbie Matenopoulos broke into tears as she spoke about the impact Walters had on her career.
“Barbara and I had a very much “mother-daughter” relationship. Very much,” she said.
“She was strict with me, but I appreciated it because I learned everything from her. She single-handedly changed my life.
“I was a 22-year-old journalism student at NYU when she chose me to sit next to her on this show, she took a huge risk on me. I had barely been on television and she taught me everything.
“It was incredible, it was like taking a journalism masterclass with the most respected, renowned female journalist in history. It was unbelievable.’
“I owe everything to her,” she added in a cracking voice. “I wouldn’t have this career if she hadn’t chosen me.”
Sunny Hostin revealed that her former co-star encouraged her with valuable advice that she carries with her to this day.
“When I started cohosting, I changed my questions on my cards,” she recalls. “I don’t know if you ladies remember me changing and rewriting them—not realizing that it might not be appropriate.
“She came up to me and said, ‘What are you doing?’ I said, “This isn’t my voice, I’m rewriting my questions, is that okay?” She said, “I’m rewriting mine,” and she started helping me.
“The generosity of that moment. I was so scared and I was so nervous, and she confirmed my opinion. And after that day, she asked me at the Hot Topics meeting, “Well, what do you think, Sunny?” And I thought, “Barbara Walters is asking me what I’m thinking.”‘
Walters has built an incredible, decades-long career on our screens, interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry.
She was the first American female network news anchor on ABC in 1976, paving the way for female journalists for years to come.
Walters’ representative confirmed the news of her death in a statement.
Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived a great life,” it read.
She lived her life without regrets. She was a pioneer not only for female journalists, but for all women.’
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