Rosie Confirms to BroadwayWorld, She's Going to 'The View'

With rumors swirling around the entertainment world the past couple of days, and an official announcement expected tomorrow, Rosie O'Donnell confirmed tonight to BroadwayWorld.com's Michael Roberts that she is headed for ABC's "The View." Extra, Access Hollywood and the Associated Press have all reported tonight that the news is expected to be officially announced during the live broadcast of "The View" on Friday. O'Donnell will replace Meredith Vierra on the long-running daily chatfest, which was created by Barbara Walters when Vierra heads off to NBC's "Today Show."

"The Rosie O'Donnell Show" became a regular presence in many homes from 1996 to 2002, and its star--known for her easygoing warmth and energy--became a welcome guest. In addition to interviews with film and TV celebrities, O'Donnell featured many Broadway stars--including Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Nathan Lane, Patti LuPone and Linda Eder--on her show. Dozens of Broadway shows--from Rent to The Producers--also performed on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."

O'Donnell most recently appeared as Golde in the recent Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof; she had previously appeared on Broadway in Seussical (as The Cat in the Hat) and in Grease (as Rizzo). O'Donnell, who began her career as a stand-up comedian, also produced the Boy George musical Taboo, and film and TV credits include Tarzan, Harriet the Spy, Now and Then, Exit to Eden, A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, "Will & Grace," and "Queer as Folk." O'Donnell, who is a also known as a vocal advocate of gay and lesbian rights, is married to Kelli Carpenter O'Donnell, with whom she has four children.

"The View," recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy® Award for "Outstanding Talk Show," is ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, featuring a team of five dynamic women of different ages, experiences and backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. The program has received critical acclaim since premiering August 11, 1997. It's broadcast live Monday through Friday from NYC (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon).

"The View" is produced by and features ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters -- who appears on average three days a week -- moderator Meredith Vieira ("Turning Point"), prosecutor-turned-commentator Star Jones Reynolds, comedian Joy Behar and television personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The show consists of hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment. The program celebrated its 2000th show on February 2, 2006, and is currently in its ninth season.

"The View" is the recipient of 18 Daytime Emmy® Awards, numerous Daytime Emmy Award nominations, including nine consecutive nominations for Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host, the Gracie Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television, two Prism Commendations presented by the Entertainment Industries Council & National Institute on Drug Abuse, the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Talk Show, the Los Angeles Daily News Reader's Choice Award for Best Morning Talk Show, the Good Housekeeping Great Works Award, and was also voted Favorite Talk Show by Viewers Voice, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports television programming.

Visit O'Donnell's website and blog at www.rosie.com.