Aisha Tyler, co-host on CBS’s “The Talk,” announced on Thursday that she will be leaving the daytime talk show after the current season.
Tyler, who joined the show in 2011, recently realized her dream of directing films, and said there was no time for both.
“I just realized I had to let something go,” she said, fighting back tears. “And it’s been the hardest decision of my life because you guys are my family and I love being with you every day, you know that… Our friendships are so precious to me, and the thing I’m going to miss most is all of the time we get to spend together when we’re not on camera.”
“At the end of this season I’m going to be leaving the show,” she finished.
In addition to her spot on “The Talk,” Tyler is also a series regular on Criminal Minds, is a voice actor in the animated series Archer, and hosts the CW series Who’s Line Is It Anyway?
Tyler made her directorial debut with the film Axis, which follows a drug dealer who is trying to turn his life around. The film won the Filmmaker’s Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Speaking of her experience directing a film, Tyler said, “I’ve always dreamt of this and I didn’t know how it would go, but it was one of the best experiences of my life.”
She also highlighted the success of female-directed films, such as Wonder Woman, stating that “this is a really important time for female directors.”
Tyler promised to return to the show to guest host and promote future television and film projects.
The host’s announcement was an emotional one, with the entire panel of hosts crying and offering support during Tyler’s speech.
“I know that your heart will always be here. Your head, your ambition, your desire is somewhere else, but your heart’s here,” said fellow co-host Sharon Osbourne.
