Kathie Lee Gifford Rejects 'The Golden Bachelorette': Here's Why

Kathie Lee Gifford, the co-star of 'The Baxters' with her daughter Cassidy Gifford, revealed her disinterest in participating in 'The Golden Bachelorette' to Fox News Digital.

Kathie Lee Gifford, a renowned television personality, has shared her decision to decline the offer to participate in 'The Golden Bachelorette.' In a recent interview, she shed light on her journey as an actress and how a casting agent's rude rejection shifted her path.

Early in her entertainment career, Gifford auditioned for "Charlie's Angels." She believed the opportunity arose when Kate Jackson left the show in 1979. Despite her illness, her agent urged her to audition. To her dismay, a "cruel" casting agent shattered her hopes.

"She goes, 'Let me tell you right now, you're not right for 'Charlie's Angels,'" Gifford recalled. The agent went on to explain that Gifford lacked the "pretty girl" aesthetic they sought, comparing her to the show's iconic beauty Jaclyn Smith.

Gifford, deeply affected by the agent's words, managed to find humor in the situation. "I said, 'Okay, well, thank you so much,'" she shared. "'When you're casting a cartoon,' and I threw up my leg. 'When you're casting a cartoon, let me know.' I left thanking God that I could laugh about it."

Gifford's rejection from "Charlie's Angels" did not deter her from pursuing her acting goals. She went on to appear in "Days of Our Lives" and "Hee Haw Honeys." In the early 1980s, she transitioned into television journalism as a correspondent for "Good Morning America."

Her career took an exponential leap in 1985 when she joined Regis Philbin to host the local New York City show "The Morning Show." In 1988, the show was transformed into "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee," propelling Gifford to household name status.

Reflecting on her experience, Gifford condemned the casting agent's unnecessary cruelty. "I started to see, first of all, what a b---- she was," she told People. "What an unnecessary b---- she was. 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."

Gifford's story serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite her rejection from "Charlie's Angels," she carved out a successful and fulfilling career in television, demonstrating that true beauty lies not only in physical appearance but also in one's character and spirit.