Sara Gilbert is leaving “The Talk” at the end of this season, she said on Tuesday. The star of “The Conners” co-created the CBS daytime talk show, which launched in 2010.
“This is hard to do and something… that I have been struggling with for a while and going back and forth, but I have decided that it’s time for me to leave the show,” Gilbert said at the start of today’s episode.
Between “The Talk” and “The Conners” — which she also executives produces — as well as some new opportunities, Gilbert explained that her “life was slightly out of balance.”
“I’m just feeling like I don’t know how I’m gonna do it all,” she continued her thought process. “I was looking at the next six months and just thinking, ‘There’s not time.’”
“Even just small things in my life. My youngest is four years old and I still haven’t made his baby book,” Gilbert said.
There was plenty of tears at the table on Tuesday — most were Sharon Osbourne’s.
“It’s difficult because this is a place that I love and a place that I am extremely happy,” Gilbert said. “I love the hosts, I love the crew, I love our staff. I am so grateful to the audience for letting me into your homes every day. It’s been such an honor.”
“I will come back, I will guest co-host — you’re not going to get rid of me, I’ll be around,” Gilbert concluded her announcement.
Each of Gilbert’s co-hosts then got a turn to praise, thank, and wish their colleague the best. Gilbert received a standing ovation from the audience and a “Sara! Sara! Sara!” chant during the tributes.
Watch Gilbert’s tearful goodbye announcement via the video above.
Towards the end of the hour, a spokeswoman for “The Talk” sent the following statement out to reporters.
“Sara’s passionate vision for a forum in which women on camera and off could celebrate mutual support, emotional growth, and everyday achievements was a driving force behind bringing ‘The Talk’ to air in 2010 as CBS’ first daytime talk show. Her authenticity, compassion, quick wit and drive to succeed led to 9 successful seasons of THE TALK, garnering numerous daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Show and Outstanding Host,” said Angelica McDaniel, executive vice president, Daytime Programs. “We are thankful that Sara inspired us from the beginning and wish her all the happiness and success on her new journey. She will always be family and, as you know, family can always come by for a ‘Talk.’”