Rosie Perez, Nicolle Wallace, ‘The View’ Ink Deals: And Rosie Makes Two


After an intense search, The View has finally found two replacement c0-hosts: Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace — and at least one of these picks is a shocker.

A new report out on ABCannounced Perez, 49, and Wallace, 42, are rounding out the panel to join mommy moderator Whoopi Goldberg and View alum Rosie O’Donnell, who inked a deal for a return of her own. O’Donnell replaces outgoing Barbara Walters, who retired recently, leaving Whoopi as the only remaining original cast member.

Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace were tapped to replace Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy, whose contracts were not renewed upon expiration. Two Rosies? Oh, my word!

Bill Wolff, executive producer of The View, released a statement confirming the two new co-hosts of the popular Daytime show.

“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. This mix of smart, vibrant and energetic women is unlike anything else on daytime television.”

Perez offered her thoughts on being selected to the View panel.

“I am beyond thrilled, honored and completely surprised that I’ve been asked to join The View. 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.”

Wallace, who was in the running with Extra‘s Lauren Sanchez, shared her thoughts about receiving a new seat on the coveted stage.

“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. 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.”

Rosie Perez is an accomplished actress, dancer and choreographer, who has recently been leaving her mark on Broadway. The Do the Right Thing and White Men Can’t Jump actress brings a wealth of onscreen experience to the show, but not without a degree of controversy.

Initially, when rumors surfaced Rosie would be sitting alongside Goldberg and the Other Rosie, critics said she was “too old” and has an “annoying” voice. However, those on Team Perez believe it’s the voice that has defined her career, and it will be the perfect secret sauce to fuel the View‘s ratings.

One source weighed in on her selection to the panel.

“Rosie has been in the mix, but no one thought was going to happen. And ABC execs didn’t want to have two Rosie’s on the panel. The testing on Rosie was that her voice was too annoying and she was too old. But they ended up going with her because they wanted someone famous and she appeals to the Latina demographic.”

Nicolle Wallace, arguably, is the odd choice as a replacement. Unlike her colleagues with acting, dance and comedy backgrounds, Wallace is best known as a bestselling author (Eighteen Acres, and It’s Classified) and political strategist. Known in the Washington, D.C. establishment as communications chief for George W. Bush’s White House and re-election campaign and senior counsel for the McCain-Palin campaign in 2008, Wallace will likely toss in a very interesting dynamic to the show.

With the View choosing Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace, will the show ever return to its heyday? The premiere for this fall debuts Monday, September 15.

[Image via Variety]

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