Jerry O’Connell Has Replaced Sharon Osbourne On ‘The Talk’
The Talk is welcoming a new host to replace Sharon Osbourne since her controversial exit back in March — none other than Kangaroo Jack‘s Jerry O’Connell.
The CBS daytime show introduced the 47-year-old actor as its new permanent co-host today, joining Amanda Kloots, Elaine Welteroth and Sheryl Underwood. As we previously reported, Carrie Ann Inaba took a leave of absence from the show in April to focus on her well-being.
“It’s real exciting,” O’Connell said in the episode. “First of all, I want to say, you ladies have been so welcoming to me. I mean, I came here as a guest months ago, and just from the moment I walked in, you’re just gracious, you’re kind, you’re fun, and it worked. And here we are. We’re going to have a lot of fun, we really are.”
O’Connell is best known for his roles as Quinn Mallory in the TV series Sliders, Andrew Clements in My Secret Identity and Derek in Scream 2. He currently voices Commander Jack Ransom in the animated TV series Star Trek: Lower Decks.
In a statement, The Talk‘s executive producers Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews said O’Connell being the show’s first full-time male host, will bring a “unique and entertaining perspective to the conversation. We loved his infectious enthusiasm, humor, openness and insights as a guest co-host and look forward to him now bringing those dynamic qualities to the show every day.”
https://twitter.com/TheTalkCBS/status/1415377578265747457?s=20
Twitter is excited to welcome O’Connell to the show:
👏🏾😊 Excellent choice! Welcome to The Talk family, Jerry! The first male co-host! You brought a lot of humor and energy to the show! I think he'll be a perfect fit for The Talk 👏🏾😊
— ☺🩷 Maleah ☺🩷 (@SwiftiePancakes) July 14, 2021
Love Love Jerry! opinionated, intelligent, comical, realism, talented! Will definitely be an asset to The Talk! We need some testosterone points of views!
— Linda Barker (@lb40winks) July 14, 2021
I said numerous times if @MrJerryOC joined @TheTalkCBS I would start watching it again. I’m so so excited that he is now permanent. I think he makes the show worth watching. Welcome Mr. O’Connell. You make a great addition to the show.
— Jennifer Cox (@Jennife26136642) July 14, 2021
Congratulations to Jerry O'Connell & The Talk! Best of luck Jerry❣🙌💯
— Josephine Licata (@josblue810) July 14, 2021
Congratulations Jerry. I love this. You are a great addition to the ladies. Keep making us smile.
— Gwendolyn DarDen (@peaches2009) July 14, 2021
Osbourne left the talk show in March after The Talk went on hiatus to investigate her controversial exchange with co-host Sheryl Underwood. During the exchange, Osbourne said she felt as though she was “about to be put in the electric chair because I have a friend who many people think is a racist and that makes me a racist,” referring to Piers Morgan, who called Meghan Markle a liar for her claims of racism within the royal family.
Morgan quit his co-hosting job with Good Morning Britain after his comments sparked viewer complaints and an investigation.
“The events of the March 10 broadcast were upsetting to everyone involved, including the audience watching at home. As part of our review, we concluded that Sharon’s behavior toward her co-hosts during the March 10 episode did not align with our values for a respectful workplace. We also did not find any evidence that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts. At the same time, we acknowledge the network and studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race. During this week’s hiatus, we are coordinating workshops, listening sessions and training about equity, inclusion and cultural awareness for the hosts, producers and crew. Going forward, we are identifying plans to enhance the producing staff and producing procedures to better serve the hosts, the production and, ultimately, our viewers,” CBS said in a statement at the time.
