Rosie O’Donnell is returning to the popular daytime ABC talk show after a decade. This time, she will return as a guest rather than as a co-host on The View. The American actress is returning to the show where her long-running public feud with Donald Trump gained national attention in 2006 following her comments over the Miss USA controversy.
Speaking on The Tangle Podcast, O’Donnell revealed that The View’s producers are inviting former hosts back to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. “They’re bringing back all the hosts, I think, for the 30th season,” the 64-year-old said. “I will go on the 30th anniversary next season.”
Despite her previous challenges on the show, O’Donnell said she’s proud of what The View has become. “I’m pretty proud of that show, what it’s become and how it really speaks to the people and to politics,” the Commack-born said. “[It] was not the case when I first joined.”
Rosie O’Donnell previously served two stints as a moderator on The View
O’Donnell first joined The View as a co-host in 2006, but left after a single season in 2007. The American actress left due to a breakdown in contract negotiations and an intense on-air argument with Elisabeth Hasselbeck. However, she made a comeback in 2014 before leaving again in 2015 to focus on her mental health during her divorce.
Both stints were short-lived, and O’Donnell spoke about how difficult the show’s environment was, describing a workplace with little job security and often changes in staff. The Commack-born also criticized the show’s leadership at the time, saying it did not fit with her. “A show created by a woman, for women, about women, and the man was deciding what we should talk about. And that didn’t sit right with me, you know.”
O’Donnell also reflected on her relationships with some of her former co-hosts. While the American actress admitted she had a tense time working with Whoopi Goldberg during her second run, she said they have since worked through their differences. The 64-year-old actress also said she later reconciled with Barbara Walters, the show’s creator, and remained friendly with her in later years.
Although O’Donnell said she has no interest in returning as a full-time co-host, she’s happy to visit as a guest as part of the anniversary celebrations. Her return will reconnect her with The View nearly 20 years after she first joined the panel.
Originally reported by Manoj Chekkilla on ComingSoon.net.
