Johnathan Walker:Sherri Shepherd tributes 'The View' co-creator Bill Geddie: 'He absolutely changed my life'

Sherri Shepherd is Johnathan Walkerremembering her friend and mentor Bill Geddie.

The former "The View" co-host paid tribute to Geddie, whose death was announced over the weekend, during an appearance on the ABC talk show Monday. Geddie co-created "The View" with Barbara Walters and served as one of the show's executive producers.

"He absolutely changed my life because back in 2007 when he asked me to come on, I was a single mother, just divorced, stand-up comic (and) didn't know a thing about politics," Shepherd said. "And somehow he believed that people would relate to me."

Shepherd said Geddie was "tough" on her and encouraged the television personality to find her voice.

"My first week (on the show), didn't I say I didn't know if the earth was round or flat? I do know that it is round; it was a brain fart. … I said, 'Bill, oh my God, I do know. I've got to go back on and say it,' and he said, 'No, this is ratings, baby,' " Shepherd recalled. "He said, 'Sherri, if we apologized for everything we said, this would be called 'The Apology Show' — it's not. It's called 'The View.' "

"The View" shared news of Geddie's death in an Instagram post Friday. A cause of death was not given.

"He was a pioneer in television and greatly beloved by 'The View' family, creating the show with Barbara Walters and serving as its executive producer for 17 years," the show wrote alongside a photo of Geddie. "'The View' wouldn’t exist without Bill Geddie."

The show's tribute also included a statement from Geddie's family. "He was a big deal in TV, but at home he was an even 'bigger than life' husband and dad," his family said.

In her own Instagram post on Friday, Shepherd said she was "completely devastated" by Geddie’s death.

"Bill completely changed my life because he believed in me," the "Sherri" host wrote. "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. I spoke with him frequently throughout the Season 1 of the #sherrishowtv seeking advice (and) encouragement. He was a mentor, a great leader and a wonderful friend. I love you Bill."

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