“They were here before most of us walked through the door. And now they’re saying goodbye.”
An emotional moment brought The View to a standstill this morning as moderator Whoopi Goldberg struggled to hold back tears while announcing the departure of a behind-the-scenes figure who’s been with the show since its very first episode in 1997.
Goldberg, 68, made the announcement near the close of the episode, surprising both the studio audience and her fellow co-hosts with what she called “a tribute we owe, and one I can barely get through.”
“You may not know their name, but if you’ve ever watched this show — you’ve seen their work, their energy, and their soul woven into every episode,” Whoopi said, her voice cracking. “They are part of The View. And today, we have to say goodbye.”
She was referring to executive stage manager Tony Rodriguez (name fictionalized for narrative purposes), who has worked on The View since its pilot episode alongside Barbara Walters and the original panel.
“From herding cats behind the scenes to making sure every camera hit its mark, Tony’s been the glue,” Goldberg added, pausing to wipe away a tear. “And he’s also been our brother.”
As the studio played a touching video montage — featuring never-before-seen clips of Tony over the years, from early days on set to goofing off backstage with co-hosts like Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd — Goldberg and the panel rose for a standing ovation. Audience members followed, clapping and cheering through misty eyes.
Rodriguez then appeared onstage to loud applause, visibly moved.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. “Even the chaos. Especially the chaos. You are my family.”
He gave each host a hug — Whoopi’s lasting the longest — and joked, “I’ll finally get to watch this show from the couch like a normal person.”
Joy Behar, who’s also been with The View since its launch, got emotional as well:
“Tony’s the only one who’s been here longer than me — and probably heard me complain the most. But also the first to make me laugh when I didn’t want to.”
ABC confirmed that Rodriguez is retiring “to focus on his family and travel,” though insiders say his departure leaves “big shoes to fill” in a studio known for its fast pace and live unpredictability.
“There’s no replacing someone like that,” said co-host Sunny Hostin. “You just say thank you and wish them all the joy they’ve given us.”
Back from break, Goldberg closed the segment with a bittersweet sendoff:
“You’ll always have a chair here, Tony. Thank you for everything — for every whisper in our ear, every fix, every laugh, every saved disaster. This place won’t be the same without you.”
And just like that — the woman who’s weathered political showdowns, on-air feuds, and audience hecklers — let a single tear roll down her cheek.
End of an era.
