Last month, the self-proclaimed soap opera junkie got to head to Disney World in Orlando for ABC's 13th annual Super Soap Weekend, where the network's biggest soap stars mingled with fans. There, Shepherd had the dream job of interviewing daytime legends Susan Lucci ('All My Children') and Erika Slezak ('One Life to Live').
Shepherd, who voiced a mother lioness in the animated film 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,' took a few minutes out of her hectic schedule to chat with AOL TV about 'The View,' Barack Obama and other "hot topics." -- By Michael Maloney
1. What was it about President-elect Barack Obama that inspired you to vote?
When Barack made his speech about race and shared his vulnerabilities, I thought, "this is a man I'd love to have as my president." And I'm in love with his wife, Michelle. I think she'll be a great First Lady.
2. When 'Saturday Night Live' spoofed 'The View,' you were conspicuously absent from the sketch. Who would you like to see impersonate you next time?
I think Maya Rudolph would be amazing. She is so awesome! Couldn't they have gotten her to play me? They need more black people in their cast!
3. When you were on 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' you showed a more serious side during a faux intervention scene. Would you like to do more drama?
Yes. I would like to push that envelope and try to do some more. I have a movie coming out called 'Push' [about a pregnant illiterate teen]. I hope it goes to the Sundance Film Festival. It's a pretty heavy drama.
4. On 'The View,' the panelists get very spirited, especially during the 'hot topics' segment. What happens when the cameras stop rolling?
It does get very spirited. We're no different [from other people that debate issues]; we're just in front of the camera. The great thing is that we can get spirited. We have a lot of respect for each other. And when the camera is off, Lizzie [Elisabeth Hasselbeck] and I go back to talking about how to raise our 3-year-olds.
5. Do you think your comment about the world being flat could follow you forever?
[Laughs.] Yes, it could. But the great thing about doing what I do is that you have to have a tough skin and laugh things off and say, "It was a mistake." You keep moving.
Most Outrageous View' Moments
Any day you tune in to 'The View' -- a Daytime Emmy nominee for Best Talk Show and Best Talk Show Host -- is a day you might see spectacular drama. Things have calmed down since Rosie O'Donnell disengaged from battle and Star Jones was cut loose, but we remember the co-host shouting matches, the drunken guests, the footballs to the nose... and they're all on our list of the most outrageous 'View' moments ever.
-- By Kimberly Potts
ABC
20. She's Trapped in a Box
You know the joke about everyone hating mimes? Apparently Whoopi is the exception -- she was irate about a news report on the death of famous mime Marcel Marceau. Goldberg called Marceau a huge influence on her performances, and blasted two "disrespectful" ABC news anchors for their "poorly handled," irreverent story on his passing.
Thos Robinson, Communa-K / Getty Images
19. The Un-vitation
Star Jones wasn't the only one to feel the wrath of Walters. Comedienne Kathy Griffin, who'd been rumored as a potential new co-host, lost the slot when she poked fun at Babs in her stand-up routine, and was rudely rebuffed on air when she asked to come to one of Babs' parties, only to be told she'd never be invited to one of her soirees.
Getty Images (2)
18. Playing Nice With Others
Elisabeth got her own verbal smackdown from Babs during a 'View' hot topics discussion on the "morning after" pill. Hasselbeck got so excited that she kept talking over the other hosts, prompting Walters to launch into a lecture on tolerance of other people's 'View'points.
WireImage.com / Getty Images
17. The Joy of Reilly
Joy Behar can usually be counted on to try to defuse tensions sparked by her co-stars. But when Fox News talking head Bill O'Reilly guested on the show, all bets were off, and the two engaged in some verbal sparring. Said she: You're loud and old (we're paraphrasing). Said he: No, I'm just really virile. Sadly, not paraphrasing there.
Getty Images (2)
16. Papa Don't Preach
After his notorious "rude little pig" voicemail to daughter Ireland became public, '30 Rock' star Alec Baldwin went on 'The View' to apologize. But a rant on self-hating tabloid media and an assertion that other parents verbally abuse their children, too, made the almost 20-minute segment less about the apology than about Baldwin's justification for the incident. And he's usually so funny on TV.
Heidi Gutman, ABC / AP
15. Mama Said Knock You Out
Former co-host Star Jones took a pigskin to the nose when retired NFL-er Jason Sehorn made a pass at her -- and not in a good way. She's got some protective padding (we're talking the football gear, so stop giggling) but did no one think she may need a helmet? Clearly, the 'View' crew never watched 'The Brady Bunch.' See her "Marcia moment" for yourself.
Brian Ach, WireImage.com
14. When Life Hands You Limoncello
Danny DeVito, fresh off a night of partying with pal George Clooney (and downing seven limoncellos), appeared on the show in Nov. 2006, where he ranted about President Bush and made quips about his sex life with wife Rhea Pearlman. Before you could say "viral video," DeVito was introducing his own namesake version of the tart liqueur -- for those times you want to embarrass yourself in front of millions.
ABC
13. The China Syndrome
In the wake of Limoncellogate, O'Donnell adopted a bad Chinese accent, along with the words "ching chong, ching chong," while mocking how the story probably played out in China. Asian groups were understandably offended, leading to an apology, sorta, from O'Donnell, who said her comment "apparently was very offensive to a lot of Asian people."
AP
12. No Longer a Fanilow?
Hasselbeck's opinions have made her unpopular with several guests on the show; one potential guest -- Barry Manilow -- even refused to go on 'The View' because he so strongly disagreed with Elisabeth's politics. Still, at least she didn't have to endure an on-air snub from him, as she did from both Glenn Close and Alicia Silverstone.
Getty Images
Reader Comments (434)
zodiacbee at 8:54AM on Dec 12th 2008
Did someone finally introduce her to a 5th grade world globe?
Dan at 9:08AM on Dec 12th 2008
Why is it so many black people say things like this, "they need more black people....." and get away with it? If any other race were to say something in support of their race in the public forum, there would be hell to pay! I am 47 years old and have hoped that one day in my lifetime, we could have people in the public forum who were there for their skills alone. It seems that will never happen with comments like this lady said. If you want more black people in the career field you speak, tell your candidate(s) to become skilled enough to qualify without using their race as a reason. Otherwise, stifle yourself. We are tired of the whining!
D_R_Steele at 2:11PM on Dec 12th 2008
I guess we all make mistakes but that one, whoa, I think that everyone knows the world is round.
Brad at 9:06AM on Dec 12th 2008
Scandal! Jessica Simpson posing nude here:
http://celebcvid.com/video.php?v=Jessica_Simpson_nude
Ann-Marie Keen at 9:30AM on Dec 12th 2008
I just don't like her, there is something fake about her, something missing in her voice to sound real. I think I read a while back that she had to try out for the show 3 or 4 times before she was hired. Does anyone know about that(anyone who is writing a comment) I realy can't stand Elizabeth but she at least sounds real and from the heart. I am not jelious, I do not wish Sherry harm but I cant say from my heart she sounds fake. LOL , I am either up too early or no one is interested on replying to this article. PS I know my spelling stinks, please dont judge my comment by that . Happy Holidays Everyone !!
Phyllis at 9:23AM on Dec 12th 2008
I think Sherri Shephard, is dumb as dirt. She don't think before she talk. She just talk.
Rosa at 9:22AM on Dec 12th 2008
Amen Dan and I am black!!!!!!!!!!
Patty at 9:26AM on Dec 12th 2008
On that note, they need more latin people on that cast!
Kristin Kmiecik at 9:23AM on Dec 12th 2008
Hey Dan!!! Your comment about blacks is as stupid as Sherri's comment about the world being flat. Looks like you two have a lot in common.
Barry Burrell at 9:26AM on Dec 12th 2008
You poor sad soul. Why don't you understand that when blacks were slaves that they were oppressed simply because of the color of their skin without regard to their character or skill. As a matter of fact the negro slave was so skilled that they were exploited and paid nothing, beated, brutalized and hanged because of the color of their skin. If you are so insulted at this black womans comments, too bad. That means you have no knowledge, no sensitivy nor compassion of the struggle or injustices that this country has dealt with for over 200 years.