Whoopi's View on "The View"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Aug 2007 12:29 PM

Now that she is officially the newest member of the ABC chatfest "The View" it seems everyone is clamoring to hear what Whoopi Goldberg has to say about her new role on daytime TV. The answer: not much.

Goldberg tells viewers if they are looking to get an earful on-air or off regarding her views on controversial topics they may be disappointed. The award-winning actress says she is has a more relaxed approach to hosting than her predecessors and doesn't need to say much to get her point across.

"I disagree with a lot of stuff a lot of people say, but there is a dialogue to have with people that I was taught by my mom - how to be respectful and listen, I stir the pot just by my presence," Goldberg said in a recent interview.

Which is not to say that the 51-year-old doesn't have strong opinions, it's just that she doesn't enjoy drawing attention to herself like previous "View" co-host Rosie O'Donnell, did during her time on the show.

Asked if she planned to pick a few fights like O'Donnell did, Goldberg said: "No, I would have to be Rosie to do that. I am Whoopi, I have no reason to do that, that is not my style."

Which is exactly why I didn't think that she would make the final cut for the panel. Then again, after O'Donnell's much publicized tenure on the show, perhaps producers wanted a shot of mellowness on the show. Goldberg does come across as a genuinely happy person and she did mention that because she has been blessed with such a wonderful life she has "no reason to be angry at anybody."

So she's mellow and loves everyone, is that the real reason Goldberg was chosen to fill the vacant "View" seat? Goldberg's response to reporters: "I don't have a clue. I don't know why? I'm black, I don't know. I've done the show a lot of times and I probably looked like I could use the gig."

As for the rumor that comedian Sherri Shepherd (several newspapers named her as the second replacement host) is no longer in the running to replace former co-host Star Jones Reynolds, ABC execs would only say that talks with the comedian are still "ongoing." (As in: we can't agree on a salary.)

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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