'The View' Cast Replaces Rosie Perez As Co-Host; Who Is Michelle Collins?

After a disastrous revamp this season, “The View” is rounding out its cast once again in the wake of losing both Rosie O’Donnell and Rosie Perez. On Monday, Whoopie Goldberg officially announced the addition of comedian Michelle Collins as the 15th co-host to join the panel on the popular talk show.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the news isn’t exactly a shock to those who've been watching the show this season. During Perez’s final appearance on Wednesday, Collins was there as a guest host, a role she’s frequently played over recent weeks. While many expected the announcement to come during that broadcast, it took until Monday’s episode to make it official.

"These past few months have been the most fun and exciting of my career, and I couldn't be happier to join such an awesome, smart, accomplished and funny group of women. Ever since the age of 4 (and the height of 5' 6"), it's been my dream to host a talk show, and the fact that I now get to do just that every day with an amazing, hard-working team of producers, writers, cast and crew is beyond my wildest expectations,” Collins said in a statement. “Many thanks to the people at ABC for inviting me to be a part of this team, and specifically to the great Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg, whose support has meant the world to me.”

For those unfamiliar with the newest co-host of “The View,” her website notes that she’s been a staple in the comedy scene for some time, making appearances on shows like “Chelsea Lately,” “The Tyra Banks Show,” “Kathy!” and several of VH1’s popular countdown shows. In fact, she worked as the managing editor of VH1’s “Best Week Ever” website for six years, earning herself two coveted Webby Awards for her work. According to ABC News, her most recent credits include appearances on “Walk of Shame Shuttle,” “The Gossip Queens” and “Big Morning Buzz Live.”

Collins will join co-hosts Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Raven-Symone as a regular guest until the show goes on hiatus in August. After that, she’ll return as a full-time co-host when the show returns for Season 19 in September. She’ll act as the direct replacement for Perez. According to Entertainment Weekly, the 50-year-old Broadway star decided to leave the show in order to pursue her acting career full-time. You can watch her emotional farewell in the video below.