In a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Gutfeld!”, Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, known simply as Kennedy, opened up about her experience auditioning for the iconic daytime talk show The View back in 2003. Kennedy’s recount of the audition process has garnered attention not just for the insights into the audition process for one of America’s most-watched daytime talk shows, but also for her sharp critique of one of The View’s longtime co-hosts, Joy Behar.
Kennedy revealed that she made it far in the audition process, even sharing that she had insightful and political discussions with two of the show’s most prominent figures at the time—Barbara Walters and Meredith Vieira. In the conversations they had about conservative politics, Kennedy held her ground and presented herself as a thoughtful and capable candidate for a co-hosting position. Despite the fact that her discussions with Walters and Vieira went well, Kennedy’s opinion of co-host Joy Behar during the audition process was far less than favorable.
Kennedy did not hold back in her criticism of Behar. She called her a “talking hemorrhoid in an auburn wig,” adding that Behar was “ungracious and awful.” These sharp words were accompanied by Kennedy’s claim that Behar’s humor was not genuine but scripted. According to Kennedy, Behar relied heavily on a comedy writer who provided her lines during commercial breaks, making it seem as though Behar’s jokes were not the product of spontaneous wit, but were part of a calculated script. Kennedy noted that Behar’s inability to react naturally to the moment was frustrating, contrasting sharply with the more unscripted, conversational nature of the show.
Kennedy’s remarks stand in stark contrast to Behar’s public persona as a seasoned comedian and television host known for her sharp humor and often controversial opinions on political and social issues. Behar’s style on The View has made her one of the longest-standing members of the panel, and she is widely regarded as one of the show’s strongest personalities. However, Kennedy’s criticism suggests a disconnect between Behar’s on-air personality and her approach behind the scenes.
The audition story also sheds light on the turbulent history of The View’s co-hosting panel. Since its inception in 1997, the show has experienced numerous co-host changes, and the process of auditioning or selecting new talent has not always been smooth. For instance, after Lisa Ling left the show in 2002, Elisabeth Hasselbeck joined the panel in late 2003 following a week-long on-air trial. The casting process for The View has always been critical to the show’s success, as the personalities of the co-hosts have been a key factor in shaping its dynamic and audience appeal. Kennedy’s experience adds another chapter to the long history of The View’s evolving cast of co-hosts.
However, Kennedy’s comments must be viewed through the lens of her own personal experience. As with any firsthand account, her perspective on the audition process and Behar’s performance represents one side of the story. It’s important to remember that every individual’s experience in such high-profile settings can differ widely from the public narrative or the experiences of others involved. Kennedy’s description of Behar’s reliance on scripted comedy and her portrayal of Behar’s behavior may not fully encapsulate the complexity of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of The View, nor does it provide a comprehensive view of the entire audition process.
Kennedy’s critique opens up a broader conversation about the intersection of authenticity and entertainment in media production. The entertainment world, particularly in television, is often filled with conflicting expectations, with viewers demanding both unscripted authenticity and polished, scripted content. The personalities of the hosts on The View have always been a mix of both—natural and unscripted in some moments, while scripted in others. Kennedy’s perspective calls attention to the fact that in the competitive landscape of media, some stars may rely on behind-the-scenes assistance to craft their on-screen personas.
Kennedy’s remarks also serve as a reminder of the human element that shapes these high-profile jobs. Behind the polished public images and on-camera performances, the real dynamics between hosts, the pressures of live television, and the complexities of working within a multi-person panel are often hidden from the public eye. The public’s fascination with the personalities on The View often masks the intricate, and at times tense, dynamics behind the scenes. This is especially true for hosts like Behar, who have built their careers around strong opinions and unfiltered dialogue, but who also face the challenges of maintaining authenticity while balancing scripted moments in a live broadcast.
While Kennedy’s account of her audition for The View is certainly filled with sharp opinions and personal experiences, it adds a unique insight into what happens behind the curtain of one of America’s most popular and influential daytime shows. Kennedy’s criticisms of Behar’s comedic performance may not change the public’s view of The View, but they add a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the nature of media, authenticity, and what truly drives the success of television personalities. The ongoing evolution of The View’s panel will continue to be a key focal point in understanding how television talk shows shape the cultural conversation and the ways in which the personalities behind them continue to captivate and challenge their audiences.
