Kathie Lee Gifford reveals her reasons for declining an offer to participate in 'The Golden Bachelorette' and recalls a painful experience during a "Charlie's Angels" audition that left her feeling belittled and insecure.
Kathie Lee Gifford, the beloved television personality who currently co-stars with her daughter Cassidy Gifford in 'The Baxters,' has recently shared her reasons for declining an offer to appear on the dating show 'The Golden Bachelorette.'
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gifford explained that she had no interest in participating in the show, saying, "I'm too old for that. I've been married for 25 years. I'm very happy in my marriage."
Gifford also spoke about a discouraging experience she had during her early acting career, when she auditioned for a role on the iconic television series "Charlie's Angels." The casting director's cruel and insensitive remarks about her appearance left a lasting impact on Gifford.
"She goes, 'Let me tell you right now, you're not right for 'Charlie's Angels,'" Gifford recalled. "We're looking for a pretty girl... You know, like Jaclyn Smith pretty, gorgeous, gorgeous."
Gifford was deeply hurt by the casting director's words, describing the experience as "like kicking me to the gut." However, she managed to find humor in the situation, responding to the casting director with a sarcastic remark: "Okay, well, thank you so much. When you're casting a cartoon, let me know."
Despite the rejection, Gifford went on to have a highly successful television career. She joined "Good Morning America" as a correspondent in the early 1980s, and in 1985, she became the co-host of "The Morning Show" with Regis Philbin. The show was later renamed "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee," and Gifford remained a household name for many years.
Reflecting on her experience, Gifford emphasized the importance of kindness and empathy in the entertainment industry. She urged people to be mindful of the words they use and to treat others with respect, regardless of their appearance.
"I started to see, first of all, what a b---- she was," Gifford said. "She didn't say 'Sorry, honey, have a nice life. You're not what we're looking for.' She had to be cruel. She had to be the exact opposite of what my dad taught me to be. The fact that I remember her name to this day is because she was so cruel."
Gifford's experience serves as a reminder of the challenges that women in the entertainment industry often face, and the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in casting practices. Her story is a testament to her resilience and her ability to overcome adversity with grace and humor.
