There has been much speculation as to who will join The View after the exits of Jenny McCarthy and Sherri Shepherd, and that speculation has ended now that ABC has announced the addition of actor/choreographer Rosie Perez and political commentator Nicolle Wallace as new co-hosts.
They women will be joining existing co-host Whoopi Goldberg and returnee Rosie O’Donnell, who sat behind the desk for one highly rated, highly controversial season in 2006-’07.
Perez is a well-known actress who began her career as “Fly Girl”; choreographer on In Living Color and has appeared in such feature films as Do the Right Thing, White Men Can’t Jump and Fearless. She’ll soon be seen on Broadway alongside Larry David in his upcoming play Fish in the Dark, which opens in March.
Nicolle is a familiar face to viewers of cable news, a political analyst and strategist who was White House communications chief during the George W. Bush administration, and served as senior adviser to the McCain-Palin campaign in 2008.
“These are powerful and accomplished women from different walks of life who have had amazing personal and professional experiences. Each brings incredible perspective and information to the table,”; said new exec producer Bill Wolff in a statement. “This mix of smart, vibrant and energetic women is unlike anything else on daytime television.”;
“I am beyond thrilled, honoured and completely surprised that I’ve been asked to join The View,”; added Rosie. “Knowing that I’ll be in the company of Whoopi, Rosie and Nicolle, three very smart and engaging women that I have an immense amount of respect for, makes it even more unbelievable. The opportunity to connect with our nation’s audience on a daily basis… icing on the cake! Very happy.”;
“I am honoured to join the tradition of compelling conversations that has been the signature of The View for the better part of two decades,”; said Nicolle. “I have watched The View for many years and now to be seated alongside three women that I have admired is both humbling and incredibly exciting.”
The View returns on Monday, Sept. 15 with its new hosts, along with a new logo and new state-of-the art set (including an on-camera social media station).