The popular sitcom Two and a Half Men boasted a stellar star cast, including Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer. But it also featured several notable celebrities making guest appearances on the show, one of whom was actress and television personality Jenny McCarthy. She played the role of Courteney, one of Sheen’s love interests on the show.
While her role was much appreciated here, the same cannot be said about her stint on The View. Apparently, the actress was fired from the American talk show because she wasn’t Republican enough.
Jenny McCarthy Disclosed the Real Reason Why She Was Dismissed From The View
Jenny McCarthy joined the American talk show The View in 2013 and was the 11th host of the show. Her introduction was met with a storm of negative publicity, with Time even publishing an article titled “Why ABC Shouldn’t Have Hired Jenny McCarthy.” But for the actress, things only got worse from there, and just a year later, she was fired from the show.
Furthermore, she detailed exactly what happened that led to her firing during a 2018 appearance on Watch What Happens Live! (via Newsweek). McCarthy added that the producers at ABC approached her with a rather unusual request, asking her to adopt a more Republican demeanor for the sake of diverse viewpoints on the talk show. She further added:
When I was on there, it was really hilarious because they initially had me come on to be the pop culture girl because they wanted to change [the show format]. And then Barbara didn’t know who anybody was pop culture wise, and then they came in my dressing room and said, ‘Can you just act Republican so we can have another point of view? (Further) And I said, ‘How do I act Republican?’ Then they figured out how to get a Republican.
The actress was part of the show for a brief period alongside co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, and Rosie O’Donnell. Interestingly, they also left the show within a year of McCarthy. Jenny McCarthy added that her lack of political alignment played a major role in her dismissal from the show. She also touched upon the subject in 2014 while speaking to Howard Stern.
The actress mentioned that she could have still been on the show if she “was a Republican.” After McCarthy’s exit, The View brought in several conservative hosts but eventually settled on Meghan McCain. Interestingly, she’s the daughter of the late Republican Senator John McCain.
All Was Not Well Between Charlie Sheen and McCarthy After His Departure From Two and a Half Men
Charlie Sheen was a fan favorite after the premiere of Two and a Half Men. But as the show progressed, his battles with addiction led to the eighth season going on hiatus. Furthermore, he launched a full-fledged anti-Chuck Lorre rant, bashing the showrunner at every chance he got. This ultimately led to his firing, and Ashton Kutcher was brought in to take his place.
While his relationship with Lorre might not have been the most cordial at the time, he did share a great camaraderie with all the ladies he worked with on the show. For instance, Holland Taylor, who played his mom, publicly defended him, stating that he was nothing but “cordial and polite” with everyone. But Jenny McCarthy had a different stance.
Several years back, Sheen made a huge announcement regarding his HIV-positive status. Many supported him, but McCarthy added that he should have taken more accountability because they shared several kissing scenes on the show.
Sheen responded by questioning her math skills and stated that he got a positive diagnosis after his stint on the show.
You can watch all the seasons of Two and a Half Men on Peacock.
