Rhea Around a-Rosie
Sure, her own Caroline chatfest was deep-sixed earlier this year before it even debuted due to financial reasons, but now the comic is getting a second chance at talk-show stardom: She has been tapped to replace Rosie O'Donnell as host of The Rosie O'Donnell Show.
The announcement was made Friday by Dick Robertson, president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television distribution, and Jim Paratore, president of Telepictures, which produces the nationally syndicated daytime program.
Rosie will help ease Rhea into her new gig through a series of guest stints before permanently handing over the reins. Rhea, who won't officially take over until the 2002-03 season, will appear throughout the final season of The Rosie O'Donnell Show as guest host, as cohost and in recurring segments, Telepictures says. Producers hope the increased dose of Rhea will help make a more seamless transition between hosts.
The Queen of Nice has repeatedly said she plans to vacate her throne at the end of next year so she can focus more on her family.
Producers say O'Donnell will help Rhea fine-tune the format to match the successor's talents. "No one knows the daytime audience better than Rosie, and having her on board as we make this transition is a win-win for everyone," says Robertson. "When you see Caroline in this format, it is obvious she's the right person to carry on the franchise in daytime."
Many of the talk show's staffers are staying on, and O'Donnell has also agreed to remain behind the scenes as an executive consultant on the program, which will likely receive a new moniker, as well.
Rhea, who plays Melissa Joan Hart's kooky Aunt Hilda on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and is also a regular on Hollywood Squares, says hosting a talk show has always felt second nature to her.
"I'm thrilled to be working with Rosie and Telepictures," Rhea says. "As a kid, I always wanted to be Carol Burnett or Johnny Carson. I love to chat and entertain."
And O'Donnell says she couldn't be more pleased about her successor.
"I'm unbelievably grateful for the years of doing the show," says O'Donnell in a statement. "Now it's time to pass the baton, as I think all good artists should. Caroline is very funny?-she's self-deprecating, she's intelligent, she's smart, she's sensitive and she cares about people in a way that's very relatable and accessible.
"Viewers feel comfortable with Caroline because they know her from sitcoms and they know her from Hollywood Squares. They know her as Whoopi's friend and my friend. I think this familiarity is really important in reaching the daytime audience."
We're guessing Rhea agrees: It's good to have friends.
The Big Picture
Mohawk Nation Rihanna's relentless publicity tour for her album Rated R begins with a retro-fierce hairstyle
More PhotosMost Commented
- Bitch-Back! Breaking News—Johnny's a Hottie (919)
- Rob and Kristen "Relaxed" Together in NYC (674)
- Rob Flies Back to L.A. With Kristen (604)
- Bitch-Back! Was Sweet Taylor Ever a Li'l A-Hole? (487)
- Truth, Lies & Ted: Twilight Special (478)
- Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment—or His? (451)
- Is New Moon Even Good? (433)
- Review: New Moon Is Either Just Fine or Way Mopey, Depending On Who You Are (377)
- Bitch-Back! Is There Drama on the Gossip Girl Set? (345)
- Eclipse Darker? Breaking Dawn on Hold? Suits Speak! (276)
Top 10 Stories
- The Real Reason Oprah Quit Oprah: Sarah Palin!
- Beyoncé Is Yours on Thanksgiving
- Justin Bieber: Blame Twitter for His Broken Foot
- Adam Lambert on Early Show: I'm Not a Babysitter
- Dancing Finale: Did Donny Really Beat Marie?
- Uh-Oh, John Mayer's Ego May Explode
- Carrie Ann Inaba Trades Judges' Chair for Hospital Bed
- Dancing With the Stars: A New Winner Raises the Disco Ball
- J.Lo's Ex: There's "Maybe One Spanking," but I'm Not Selling a Sex Tape
- Nicole Richie Back in Her Own Bed
Fashion Police
You Write 'Em Up!Calling all couture cops: Should Sandra be cited for her loose interpretation of red carpet wear?
More Photos
Latest Movie Reviews
Get Your E! News Now
0 Comments
Now loading...