Whoopi Goldberg makes Robin Thede cry during guest appearance on The View

Whoopi Goldberg was left speechless when an emotional Robin Thede paid tribute to the actress during Wednesday's episode of The View.

The Hollywood great was part of the panel who interviewed comedian Thede, who came on the ABC talk show to discuss her show - A Black Lady's Sketch Show.

However, Thede, 42, turned her attention to the EGOT winner - Whoopi is one of only 18 entertainers to claim an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award during their career - to lavish praise on the 67-year-old actress.

Thede spoke about how Goldberg inspired her as a youngster and reminisced about her one-woman Broadway show 'Whoopi Goldberg', saying she would sit in front of the TV and copy the star's character.

Robin Thede got emotional when paying tribute to Whoopi Goldberg on The View (ABC)

Thede said: "You were the first woman that showed me black women can play characters." To which, a shocked Whoopi replied: "Oh. Oh, oh, oh, OK."

As she tried to blink away her tears, Thede added: "I talk about this all the time. I hope you don't think I'm a stalker because I talk about you constantly and think I'm weird.

But, when I saw that Broadway show on television, and you put that shirt on your head. I mean it just-."

She continued: "This character. She talked about identity and how 'I wanna be white because that's what I'm supposed to be' but then she came back to love herself. It was funny and it was real."

The comedian said she waited her whole life to thank Whoopi (ABC)

Her voice started to crack as she added: "I just had never seen that, so thank you. I've been waiting my whole life to tell you thank you," before the comedian got emotional.

Fans flocked to social media to comment on the heartwarming moment on the show.

One person wrote: "Sooo lovely seeing the beautiful moment [between] Robin and Whoopi who has paved the way for so many. Love seeing her get her flowers from a fellow gamechanger like Robin Thede!!"

Whoopi was left speechless during the exchange (ABC)

A second fan commented: "I’m all teary at this moment between Robin Thede and Whoopi. So important."

A third added: "Robin Thede telling Whoopi how she inspired her is making me cry," while another replied: "Robin Thede thanking Whoopi Goldberg for being one of the first Black actresses to show range. This touched my spirit."

A fifth person said: "Awwww… #AuntyWhoopi is blushing from #RobinThede .. omg.. I used to put a shirt on my head because of #AuntyWhoopi .. loving this right now.."

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