“The View” picks two new co-hosts: Oscar nominee Rosie Perez and conservative commentator Nicolle Wallace

The View returns with new episodes on Sept. 15 and joining Whoopi Goldberg and Rosie O’Donnell on the show as co-hosts are Nicolle Wallace, as expected, and … Rosie Perez! That second one is a total shock but a wonderful shock.

It was not known that Perez was even in the running – a well-kept secret.

I think she will be terrific and here’s why: She’s smart, funny, and can tell a great story. I remember 5-6 years ago I was interviewing her about a movie (cannot remember which one right now) and had seen her a few nights before on one of the late night shows. The way she held court and told anecdotes, I told her I felt like I was in her living room at a party.

So I’m excited about Rosie – both Rosies!

Don’t know much about Nicolle Wallace except that she is a conservative commentator with more impressive credentials than the insufferable Elisabeth Hasslebeck whose claim to fame was finishing fourth on Survivor.

Wallace served as communications chief during the presidency of George W. Bush and in his 2004 re-election campaign. In 2008, Wallace also served as a senior advisor for the McCain–Palin campaign.