Marissa Jaret Winokur Leaves 'The Talk'

By Christine Fenno Posted Jan 15th 2011 09:41AM

Last fall, Marissa Jaret Winokur made the rounds promoting CBS' new morning chatfest, 'The Talk,' along with the panel's other stars: Julie Chen, Sharon Osborurne, Leah Remini, Holly Robinson Peete and Sara Gilbert.

The series was repeatedly described in the press as a knock-off of ABC's 'The View,' and the creators surely hoped Winokur's 'Mom in the Street' interviews would help set it apart.

Now, months after the show's October premiere, the actress is walking away.

"I will not be returning to 'The Talk' this year," Winokur tells People.com, confirming that she prefers to focus on her new clothing line and developing her own cable series.

An executive producer on 'The Talk' says that Winokur's departure is "a mutual decision, based on time, not talent."

The 37-year-old New York native was brought on board to contribute twice-a-week 'Mom in the Street' segments, taking the show out of the studio setting. "But as the show evolved," Winokur says, "there really wasn't room for my segments."

Busy raising a 2-year-old son, the Broadway veteran (who won a 2003 Tony award for 'Hairspray') acknowledges that she's also dealing with a sudden death in the family over the holidays. "I'm still grieving over the loss of my father....I loved my father so much. He was my inspiration....He was the one who told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I was growing up."

Brad Bessey, exec producer on 'The Talk,' said in a statement: "We think the world of Marissa as a creative talent, on-air personality and super mom....The show is trending toward more time with panel conversations and interviews, creating fewer opportunities for the mom-on-the-street segments. We are grateful beyond words to Marissa for her hard work, unrivaled energy and enthusiasm; and the integral role she played in the successful launch of The Talk. We wish her the very best."

Here's a clip of Winokur, before her departure from the series, interviewing men about being Stay-at-Home Dads:

Tags: julie chen, Marissa Jaret Winokur, sharon osbourne, the talk, the view

Comments

(57)

Saturday 15 January

By icdou007

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Leah is a mouthy person. She should tone it back

By Maryanne

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dont really care about her leaving the show but ii like this show and i really love Joy Behar (to the person that said she should leave the view) she tells it like it is and i think she is great

By Joanne

fats fat and thats that. (invisible)

By courtney

oh people shut up 16 is plus sized no matter how you look at it. Leah is Italian and most Italians are loud mouthed so get over it. Julie's husband Les Moonvez doesn't own the network he's the chairman there's a diference and he's gotten in trouble for doing controversial things in the past. does the 2003 TV Mini series The Reagans ring a bell that was so controversial that showtime bought it when it was taken from ABC's lineup

Sunday 16 January

By judy warren

thats ok the show is not that good any way so no big deal that she left the show,you can!t be like the view what were they thinking any way when they designed the show

By Sonot Wright

I heard she's over at Oprah's house eating Mac N' Cheese.

By NYC

Joy tells it like she thinks it ought to be & if you don't agree, she can't handle it. A control freak, very domineering. Leah is very much like Joy. She seems very self centered & arrogant. I can't believe she is a mom, not the mom type.

Monday 17 January

By jimbo675

Both The View and "The Talk" are a waste of air time. A bunch of wannabees or has beens stirring the pot of misinformation, gossip, half-truths and plain-out and out lies. At one time TV was entertaining - now it is hours upon hours of rubbish and blithering idiots spouting off about topics which are of no interest to anyone. The basic networks are a disgrace! Return to decent programming and entertainment.

By laughin@stupid

well she wont be missed lol dont even know who she is and dont care

By fatcatjrg

Obviously, I'd never watch the show. Sadly, I can't get away from the promos. Sharon needed a gig. Dunno about the others. The Julie chick is married to the President of CBS, which is why she's on about every show.
I hear she's up for a remake of "Captain Kangaroo".

By Sue

I happen to like this show. I do like all the hosts and I am sorry to hear that Marissa is leaving. I find this show so much better then the View. I won't watch the view. I find the whole overtone of the View to be very political. That is why I like The Talk so much. There is really no political fighting between the hosts. I will continue to watch this show as long as it is on.

By Nanny

Sue -- I agree with you. I happened upon The Talk after vowing never to watch The View ever again. I find The Talk refreshing and am not aggitated by the things that are said. I hope the show is given a chance and not cancelled.

Monday 24 January

By Dianne Gardner

My thoughts exactly!

By piavit

I think they should all be leaving and the show canceled.

By DrBracket

This show is getting cremed in the ratings and with good reason. Hello tv executives we are sick and tired of your cheap to make talk and reality shows . No wonder One Life To Live is almost doubling yet another cost nothing to produce crapfest

Tuesday 18 January

By motown1962

The Talk has been going down The View road since it started. Leah is soooooooo very annoying with her Joy Behar type loud mouth. Shut her up! Julie sits on her throne just like Barbara WaaWa and has little to contribute of substance (can't fire her, huh?). Sharon needs to tone it down also and rein it in! Holly has very little to add to the mix, and Sara Gilbert is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Time for The Talk to regroup.

Monday 07 March

By Patti

I absolutely love the Talk! I think the idiots on the View could learn how to have an interesting daytime talk show that makes you smile, rather than making you groan, by watching. Marissa was not a good fit, and sad to say, doubt that she'll be missed. She does seem like a lovely person and I wish her well in whatever she chooses to do with her life.

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