A tale of two Rosie’s. ABC’s longtime panel talk show, The View, has announced its newest permanent co-hosts. Academy Award nominated actress Rosie Perez and conservative political commentator Nicolle Wallace will join Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg for the show’s the 18th season.
It’s going to be very interesting having two co-hosts named Rosie. However, Rosie Perez will be the first Latina to have a permanent chair at the table. “I am beyond thrilled, honored and completely surprised that I’ve been asked to join ‘The View’,” said Perez said in the press release.
“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,” she continued.
Nicolle Wallace is a conservative commentator and served as President George W. Bush’s communications chief during his presidency and 2004 re-election campaign. She was again thrust into the spotlight when she was the senior advisor for the McCain-Palin campaign in 2008. Several media reports stated she disagreed with and criticized Sarah Palin during the campaign.
“I am honored to join the tradition of compelling conversations that has been the signature of ‘The View’ for the better part of two decades,” Wallace commented in the press release. “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 addition of Perez, Wallace, and O’Donnell is part of an overhaul to revitalize the show. The new “View” consists of a new logo, studio, set, co-hosts, and even a new executive producer. Former Rachel Maddow producer, Bill Wolf is the new exec in efforts to take the chat-fest into a more political and controversial direction.
Last season saw the exits of creators/executive producers Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie. Longtime co-host Sherri Shepherd was let go as well as new co-host Jenny McCarthy. These changes come just one year after co-hosts Joy Behar and Elisabeth Hasselbeck were both asked to leave the program.
The new season of the revamped “View” premiers on Sept. 15. How do you feel about the new co-hosts? Will you be watching? Tell us what you think and leave a comment.
Nicole Wallace and Rosie Perez – Photo Credit: ABC and FameFlynet