Jerry O'Connell has been tapped to replace Sharon Osbourne as a permanent host on CBS Daytime's The Talk. The actor will be the first male host of the daytime series alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Elaine Weltroth, Amanda Kloots, and Sheryl Underwood to discuss the latest headlines, current events, and human-interest stories. O'Connell was featured as a fill-in panelist prior to his new role on the series and has learned how to navigate difficult topics while maintaining an open mind.
O'Connell was announced as the show's newest host on the series July 14 episode. The actor will appear on the show for the remainder of the week before taking a break until the end of the month to fulfill a previous film commitment. He’ll join full-time for Season 12.
It’s fun, and it works, and we’re going to have a lot of fun. It’s real exciting. 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.”
Sharon Osbourne left The Talk in March of this year after 11 seasons on the heels of a heated on-air confrontation with Underwood. Osbourne launched a staunch defense of her friend Piers Morgan, who left Good Morning Britain after his critical comments of Meghan Markle came under fire. Morgan said he didn’t believe Markle’s claims of bullying by the Royal Family or that she experienced suicidal thoughts. Osbourne responded to claims that defending her longtime friend did not mean she was in agreement with racist speech of any kind.
O'Connell is not new to the talk show world. Prior to being hired on The Talk, he guest-hosted on multiple occasions as well stepped in when needed for The Wendy Williams Show. O'Connell had his own late-night talk show on Bravo in 2018 called Bravo's Play by Play.
Source: The Talk