Behind the Scenes with Barbara Walters: Debbie Matenopoulos' Revelations
The Turbulent Tenure of Debbie Matenopoulos: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from Her Time on The View
Debbie Matenopoulos, the 50-year-old former co-host of ABC's hit daytime show The View, has finally spilled the tea on what it was like working under the watchful eye of legendary journalist Barbara Walters. In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Debbie dished about her tumultuous tenure on the show and the lessons she learned from the trailblazing icon.
As one of the original panelists on The View, which debuted in 1997, Debbie was just 22 years old when she joined the show's cast. She credits a chance encounter with Walters as the reason for her audition and subsequent hiring. "Imagine sitting next to probably the most influential and well-renowned female journalist in history, and her being your teacher and also being your boss," Debbie said, her eyes wide with admiration.
Walters, who was not only Debbie's mentor but also her boss, was known for being tough as nails, but Debbie revealed that there were times when Walters would pinch her under the table to keep her in line. "She'd be having serious conversations and I'd say something silly, like 'Oh my gosh, you'll never guess what I did this weekend,'" Debbie recalled with a chuckle. "And she'd be like, 'Shut up!' But it was all done in good fun."
However, Debbie's carefree days on The View were short-lived. She was sensationally fired from the show in 1999, just two years after joining the cast. At the time, Debbie was still finding her footing as a young adult in New York City and admitted to going out partying during the week and showing up to work "a little worse for wear." "I wouldn't change it for the world," Debbie reflected, "although maybe I'd change that part – not going to clubs and then coming to work!"
Despite her dramatic exit from The View, Debbie maintained a close friendship with Walters until her passing in December 2022. In fact, Debbie credits Walters with teaching her everything she knows about journalism, which she learned on the fly while working alongside Walters every day. "I went to NYU journalism school, and it was nothing compared to sitting next to her every day," Debbie said.
Walters' impact on the industry extends far beyond her impressive six-decade career as a trailblazing journalist. She paved the way for women in television news, becoming one of the first women to anchor the nightly news. But Walters' journey wasn't without its challenges. She battled private family troubles, including caring for her sister who had Down's Syndrome and supporting her father through his struggles with addiction.
Debbie revealed that few people know about Walters' humble beginnings and the struggles she faced in her personal life. "She was never the prettiest," Debbie said, "and she had a speech impediment that people made fun of. But she refused to let it define her. Instead, she showed everyone what she was capable of – and that's what she taught me."
As someone who has spent their career in front of the camera, Debbie believes Walters represents so much more than just a pioneering journalist. "She represents every woman in journalism and every woman on television," Debbie said. "She shows us that we can overcome anything, no matter how tough it gets."
Debbie has been keeping busy since her time on The View, writing a new cookbook called Greek-ish, which combines traditional Greek cuisine with modern twists. But she credits Walters as the ultimate inspiration for her own career and personal growth. "I'll always be grateful to Barbara for showing me what it means to be strong, fierce, and determined," Debbie said.
In the wake of Walters' passing, Debbie's tribute serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on an industry and beyond. As she navigates her own career in the spotlight, Debbie remains committed to following in Walters' footsteps – with a dash of fun and a pinch of sass, of course!
