Rosie O'Donnell, a former co-host of "The View," has announced her intention to return to the program for its 30th anniversary special. O'Donnell, 64, confirmed her appearance on the podcast "The Tangle," stating she will be on the show "in whatever way they want me, just as a guest." She anticipates that many former hosts will be invited back for the milestone season.
O'Donnell previously served as a host on "The View" for two separate one-season tenures, from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2015. Her first stint on the show was marked by frequent on-air clashes, particularly with conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, during which O'Donnell famously expressed frustration with how their disagreements were portrayed in the media. The heated exchanges, including a particularly intense debate about the Iraq War, contributed to her early departure from the show.
Upon her return in 2014, O'Donnell's tenure was also accompanied by reports of tension with fellow host Whoopi Goldberg. In her recent podcast interview, O'Donnell acknowledged a "tense time" with Goldberg, whom she otherwise admired. She reflected on her expectations of collaborative teamwork, comparing it to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and speculated that Goldberg might have felt her space was being encroached upon.
O'Donnell is also scheduled to appear on American television later this month as a guest host for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," filling in while the show's star is on holiday. This return to the U.S. airwaves follows her relocation to Ireland to avoid a potential second Trump presidency.