Scarlett Johansson has discussed who she believes should serve as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent Today cohost.
In a cover story for InStyle magazine, Actress Scarlett Johansson, age 40, reportedly expressed her opinion that the NBC news program needs someone with a “spicy” personality. She also commented that Today‘s cohost, Hoda Kotb, who is 43, “needs to be with someone funny.”
Reflecting on her experience cohosting Today with Hager for a week starting on January 20, Johansson mentioned that previous cohost Hoda Kotb was like a mentor to her, according to reports.
“I think with Hoda, it was so great because she was, like, you know, a little older, but with kids,” Johansson said. “She was a little step ahead.”
Regarding her time on Today, Johansson shared positive memories, stating that cohosting the show was like a “fantasy job” for her. She enjoys all aspects of the job, especially talking to people. Johansson likened it to hosting Saturday Night Live, citing the fun, spontaneity, and slight sense of danger that comes with the live format. Although she appreciates the experience, Johansson mentioned that she would not want her own TV show, despite having hosted SNL six times, with her most recent appearance being on the December 14, 2019, episode.
When Johansson was revealed as a temporary Today host in January, she surprised many of her loved ones. “Everyone in my life can’t quite believe it,” Johansson said on the January 21 episode of Today. “The people that knew me very well were like, ‘You are living your dream. I am so happy for you.’ The people that did not know me as well were like, ‘What’s going on? Are you OK?’”
During the episode, Johansson detailed her childhood dream of working as a breakfast television host, noting that as a kid, she would look at herself “in the mirror with a shampoo bottle.”
She continued, “I’m like, ‘Good morning, everyone, and I hope you had a wonderful weekend. What’s happening in your neck of the woods?’ All of that stuff.”
As for Kotb, 60, the former host appeared on her final episode of Today on January 10 — 17 years after she started with the program. Her final episode began on a tearful note as she cried after watching a video package of Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Carson Daly singing her praises. In return, she shared her own kind words about her colleagues.
Kotb joined NBC in April 1998, serving as a correspondent for the network and Dateline before becoming the host of the fourth hour of the Today show in September 2007. Kathie Lee Gifford stepped in as her cohost from April 2008 to April 2019, before Hager took over the role.
