All of those rumors about Rosie Perez wanting to leave ABC's The View have apparently been rooted in truth because we now know that she will not be renewing her contract with the show. Perez originally signed on for one year and has apparently decided that it's time to leave the morning chat fest rather than stick around. Her departure isn't exactly a shock, especially when you take into consideration the fact that she spent much of this season looking uncomfortable and struggling to weigh in on hot button topics.
Executive producer Bill Wolff emailed the show's staff saying, "Our friend Rosie Perez has decided to leave the show at the conclusion of this season to pursue full time her love for acting. Stepping into the role of talk show host at the same time she has been starring on Broadway has been incredibly impressive. And beyond being an enormously talented performer, Rosie is a dedicated advocate who has brought passion and insight to the panel every day. Rosie will always be a part of The View family, and we will welcome her back as a guest anytime to catch up."
Unfortunately, Perez was on board during many of the vicious on-camera arguments between Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O'Donnell. While O'Donnell may have quit the show earlier this year, the negative energy seems to have stayed in the air and it has been reflected in low ratings. ABC honchos know that they need to think fast in order to save this show from cancellation and they are hoping that the recent confirmation that Raven Symone is now a permanent co-host will help to reel in an audience.
As for Perez, well she has always been an actress. Being part of a roundtable panel was probably a calculated risk for her, one that apparently made her realize where she really belongs. Are you surprised that she is leaving The View or did you see her departure coming? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
