honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, July 29, 2001

Caroline Rhea to replace Rosie

By Anthony Breznican
Associated Press

BURBANK, Calif. — Bubbly comic Caroline Rhea said she will take over Rosie O'Donnell's talk show when she retires from the program next year.

Rhea, a "Hollywood Squares" regular and co-star of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," will continue appearing on the program as a guest host for several months before taking control of the show in mid-2002.

So how did she get the job?

"I think it was a case of intense desire and a good match," Rhea said Friday. "I grew up at cocktail parties chatting with everyone, so it's in my blood. My mother can talk to anyone, so I hope I can do the same."

It's not clear what the new name of the "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" show will be. Rhea joked that her mother suggested simply changing her own moniker to "Rosie O'Donnell."

O'Donnell plans to remain with the show behind the scenes as an executive consultant, but her role in daily production will be greatly reduced.

"Caroline is very funny," O'Donnell said in a written statement. "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."

O'Donnell said she decided to leave the show to spend more time with her three adopted children and to pursue other entertainment projects.

The brash comedian debuted the talk-show in June 1996 after serving as a video host on VH1 and later appearing in movies such as "A League of Their Own" and "The Flintstones."

O'Donnell recently launched her own self-titled magazine, and occasionally appears in Broadway musicals.