Unveiling Untold Secrets: Sherri Shepherd Unleashes Explosive Revelation about Barbara Walters and Richard Pryor

Sherri Shepherd, 56, and Joy Behar, 81, opened up about Barbara Walters' alleged romantic involvement with comedian Richard Pryor. The two reminisced about their experiences working with Walters, who passed away at the age of 93 in December 2022, on the Wednesday, October 11, edition of Shepherd's daytime talk show, Sherri.

"I entered and informed you about [Late comedian] Paul Mooney claiming he saw Barbara with Richard Pryor. He said he walked in on them. I specifically requested you not to disclose this to anybody," Shepherd reminisced. Despite Shepherd's intention to keep this information confidential, her colleague promptly approached Walters to inquire about the rumor."

Barbara walked in the next day, and I casually said, "So, you and Richard Pryor, huh?" Shepherd recounted. Without missing a beat, she turned around and asked, "Who told you that?" I was taken aback, thinking, "I just started this job."

Both Shepherd and Behar remained silent about whether Walters admitted or refuted the story about her and Pryor, who passed away at the age of 65 in December 2005. Nonetheless, Behar did assert that Pryor was Walters' type.

Richard Pryor being interviewed by Barbara Walters, 1980. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Barbara had a fondness for a brother. She was involved with an African American senator, Edward Brooke, disclosed Behar. In her autobiography "Audition" from 2008, Walters recounted her affair with the late Brooke, who passed away at 95 in 2015, during the 1970s.

Shepherd expressed similar feelings, mentioning that her crush was Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State.

Shepherd confessed that she was intimidated by the television icon, Barbara Walters, while discussing Walters' romantic preferences. Shepherd revealed to Behar that she used to find amusement in Shepherd's fear of Walters. When Behar inquired about what Shepherd found intimidating about Walters, Shepherd simply stated, "I can't pinpoint it. She just had this commanding presence."

Behar praised her late colleague during a December 2022 interview with Good Morning America, describing Walters as a role model in both the entertainment and news industry. She emphasized Walters' unwavering work ethic, stating that she was consistently prepared and dedicated to honing her craft.

Behar amusingly attributed Walters' success in scoring numerous high-profile interviews to her impressive ability to control her bladder. The comedian quipped that Walters never took bathroom breaks, allowing her to seize interview opportunities before anyone else could.

During an episode of The View earlier this month, Geri Halliwell from the Spice Girls mentioned Barbara Walters' famous smile, prompting Behar to playfully tease Walters' legacy. Behar jokingly commented that to achieve Walters' smile, one's mouth needs to be "slightly open," adding, "Well, those are from her porn days." Although the remark initially caused a shocked reaction from the audience, Behar quickly clarified, "I'm kidding. They understand it's all in jest."

In this article

Barbara Walters

Joy Behar

Sherri Shepherd

The View