Joy Behar Declined 'Ted Lasso' Role Due to Scorching Heatwave
Joy Behar declined a part in the hit show 'Ted Lasso' due to scorching temperatures during filming The heatwave made it unbearable for her, leading to her decision
Joy Behar, 81, was asked to play Ted Lasso's mother on the show, but she declined due to the requirement to spend her hiatus in London.
Behar explained that she declined the role, stating, "It was too hot, with a heat wave reaching 100-degree weather at the time. I couldn't imagine getting on a plane and traveling in the midst of that heat. I'm a writer, I prefer to focus on my own work and don't feel the need to be involved in everything."
When Teta, 47, mentioned that the series was "the hottest show on TV," Behar disagreed, saying, "It was not the hottest show on TV." She suggested that if the Apple TV+ series had filmed in the spring or fall, she may have considered it, but not during the intense heat wave.
The role of Ted Lasso’s mother, Dottie Lasso, was cast with Becky Ann Baker instead of Behar. Baker received an Emmy nomination for her performance in the episode “Mom City.” When Teta mentioned this to Behar, she simply responded, “Well, good for her. Bravo.” Teta also observed that there were "Joy Behar-esque aspects" to the character.
Behar explained, "That's why they wanted me," and expressed no regrets about turning down the role. Behar, best known for her role as a panelist on The View, has also ventured into acting, with appearances in films and TV shows such as Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), and Crisis in Six Scenes (2016).
Ted Lasso follows the story of football coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), who moves to England to coach a soccer team. The show, which received numerous accolades, debuted in August 2020 and concluded with its season 3 finale in May 2023.
Deal of the Day
40% Off! Keep Shoes Safe From Snow and Rain With This Water-Repellent Spray
View Deal
Fans had hoped for another season of the series, but Sudeikis, 48, appeared to dispel those rumors in May 2023.
"The story has come to an end," Sudeikis stated on the "Fly on the Wall" podcast. "It may sound like a diplomatic response, but it's the truth. We originally planned for just these three seasons, and then it took on a life of its own."
