Top 10 Times Daytime Talk Show Hosts Couldn't Hold Back Their Tears
#10: Drew Barrymore’s Birthday Surprise “The Drew Barrymore Show” (2020-)
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Drew Barrymore has been in the business since she was pretty much knee-high, so she’s had more than her fair share of landmark moments across her life and career. Indeed, she once took the audience on a tour of L.A., stopping at places of significance to her and her life journey. That is emotional in its own right, but we want to talk about a birthday episode. The moment saw David Letterman attempt to call in to wish her a happy birthday, but we all know how technology can be. It turned out the problem was really quite simple; he just needed to relocate to the studio. She was so moved by the gesture that she almost instantly burst into tears.
#9: Jennifer Hudson Has An Emotional Reunion “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (2022-)
In September 2022, JHud crossed paths with 82-year-old Marilyn Freeman, an audience member who asked her to sing a gospel favorite. Hudson graciously complied, bringing many in the audience to tears. Months later, Hudson and Freeman met again, and this time, it was the host who became emotional. Freeman shared why it had been so important to her to be seated in the front row and have Hudson sing for her. She expressed admiration for Hudson’s goodness, making the host well up. Still, there wasn’t much time for tears as Hudson still had one more surprise in store. The whole exchange is incredibly wholesome.
#8: Ellen DeGeneres Tears Up Over a Dog Adoption That Didn’t Go As Planned “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-22)
“Ellen” fans were used to the host coming out with the biggest smile as she greeted her audience. However, this day was different. Sobbing, she shared that she’d adopted a dog named Iggy, but his high energy was too much for her and wife Portia de Rossi’s other pets. So, she gave Iggy to her hairdresser’s family, since they had two kids. Unfortunately, it seems Ellen hadn’t read the adoption papers thoroughly enough. Despite her good intentions, this move violated the contract, resulting in Iggy being taken back by the rescue organization. Through tears, Ellen begged for Iggy to be returned to the family; however, the pup was reportedly placed in a new home.
#7: Jeannie Mai Gets Candid About Her Marital Status “The Real” (2013-22)
In this 2018 segment, “The Real,” hosts discussed the things in life people wished they had learned sooner. While they were seemingly hesitant to jump in at first, Jeannie Mai made the tearful confession she wouldn’t have chosen the same spouse knowing what she now does. At the time, she was dealing with the breakdown of her roughly decade-long marriage, with the divorce being finalized later that year. She voiced what many people in shoes have probably thought at one time or another and reflected on the signs and red flags she’d missed. It’s really heartwarming to see her co-hosts rally around her.
#6: Henry Winkler Offers Warm Words to Kelly Clarkson’s Daughter “The Kelly Clarkson Show” (2019-)
During a retrospective, Clarkson shared that she's no stranger to shedding a few tears on her show. However, one incident that strikes us, in particular, took place during an interview with Henry Winkler. During their conversation, Kelly shared that her daughter, River, has been getting picked on at school because of her dyslexia. Winkler, who is also dyslexic, jumped in immediately with advice and support. But the most touching part was when he looked straight at the camera and spoke directly to River. That's when Clarkson totally lost it. In all fairness, how else do you react when Fonzie offers your kid words of empowerment on national television?
#5: Oprah Reunites with the Teacher Who Believed in Her “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986-2011)
When you think back to your school days, do you remember that one teacher that stood out? The one who made you believe that the sky's the limit? Does remembering them and their encouragement make you feel a bit weepy? Well, that’s certainly what happened to Oprah here. She talked about the fourth-grade teacher who shaped her life, and as soon as she saw her, she couldn't stop those waterworks. Their reunion was so sweet, and the emotion radiating from Oprah is incredibly touching. It just goes to show the lasting impact teachers can leave on their students— even going all the way back to fourth grade.
#4: Whoopi Goldberg Grieves Her Good Friend Mike Nichols “The View” (1997-)
In 2014, “The View” hosts paid tribute to director Mike Nichols, who had just passed away. Whoopi Goldberg started to announce the tragic news but broke down before she could get the whole sentence out, leaving her co-hosts to step in. She was especially devastated because Nichols was a close friend, and the one who gave her the big break that would launch her impressive career. The news was still fresh; you could even hear the gasps of shock as Nicolle Wallace revealed the information. Even if you didn’t know who Nichols was, you could tell from Goldberg and the audience’s reactions that he was a very special individual.
#3: Wendy Williams Pays Tribute to Late Fan “The Wendy Williams Show” (2008-22)
Viewers of this 2017 episode may have noticed the empty seat in Williams’ audience. The host explained that it was meant to be filled by British 29-year-old Martyn Hett. She shared that he had saved up for two years for a big trip across the pond, and had tickets to two of her shows. Sadly, Hett was among the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. Williams could barely choke back her tears as she shared Hett’s story and paid tribute to him. She left the seat open for him in her audience in honor of his memory.
#2: Tamera Mowry-Housley Returns Following a Heartbreaking Family Loss “The Real” (2013-22)
We always expect some raw realness from “The Real.” Few times was it needed more than in the wake of the Thousand Oaks attack that took many lives, including Alaina Housley’s, Tamera Mowry-Housley’s niece. Mowry-Housley understandably had taken some time off to grieve with her family, but even upon her return to work, that heartache, of course, still cut deep. In a touching tribute to her late niece, Mowry, crying, delivered incredibly heartfelt words. She used her platform to share a poignant message about kindness and enacting change, and fondly remembered her niece, leaving a lasting impact with her stirring words.
#1: Nick Cannon Mourns a Personal Loss “Nick Cannon” (2021-22)
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Experiencing the loss of a child is an unimaginable ordeal but, sadly, one that Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott went through. In December 2021, Cannon announced to his audience that the pair had lost their baby, Zen. He explained that Zen had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and unfortunately, he took a turn for the worse over the Thanksgiving period. Understandably, Cannon could barely get his words out as he talked about the time he spent with his son and their final days together. Hearing him voice his grief shatters our hearts, leaving us unable to hold back tears. It's a deeply heart-wrenching moment that stays with you. Which daytime talk show moment made you cry as hard as the host? Let us know in the comments.
