Jerry O’Connell has filled in before for Wendy Williams on her syndicated daytime TV talk show. Now Jerry O is giving it a try himself.
Funny or Die and Debmar-Mercury will produce the three-week test-run of Jerry O, which will air on FOX stations this summer starting Aug. 12, 2019.
“He’s funny, smart and his energy is contagious,” said Funny or Die CEO Mike Farah. “We’re proud to collaborate with him and Debmar-Mercury, and think this is the perfect show for Funny Or Die’s first foray into daytime television!”
“We are big believers in trying new concepts and excited to once again to be collaborating with our friends at FOX,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Ira Bernstein and Mort Marcus. “We have come to know Jerry as a true talent whose infectious charisma and authenticity have made him a favorite of many daytime talk show fans, and we are so glad to provide him with this opportunity to shine.”
O’Connell began his career as a child actor in a big way with Stand By Me. He also starred on FOX in the 1990s in Sliders, and you also remember him from Jerry Maguire, Joe’s Apartment, Crossing Jordan, Scream 2, and marrying Rebecca Romijn. He also was in contention for becoming Kelly Ripa’s co-host before Ryan Seacrest landed the gig.
“I love daytime. I love watching it and have fallen in love with guest-hosting it. Whether asking people to ‘Cash Me Outside’ or asking them ‘How You Doin?’, daytime is a big part of my life. I am thrilled to work with my friends at both Debmar-Mercury and Funny Or Die,” O’Connell said. “I have been collaborating with both companies for years and am so excited to bring a little bit of the traditional – and something brand new – to the audience. This is going to be a fun, fun time and everyone is invited. Let’s party.”
Here’s a highlight reel from O’Connell subbing for Wendy in 2018. Roll it.