At the start of 2025, Laverne Cox announced she would not be returning as host of E!‘s red carpet coverage after three years in role, and now she is opening up more about that decision.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Cox pointed to her recent Prime Video comedy series Clean Slate that came out this year, as well as some other upcoming acting projects she has in the works.
“I’ve done so much press for Clean Slate that I wouldn’t have been able to do it if I was on the red carpet,” the star said, “and as I was getting ready for the Image Awards today, I was like, ‘This is the first time I’ve been getting ready for a major award show red carpet, not covered with like a hundred note cards, thinking of talking points and how to pronounce people’s names and the thing that I love about that movie.'”
“I was just getting ready to the Clean Slate theme song sung by Tony Award-winner Alex Newell and getting my life listening to Lady Gaga, and then Tay [Rivera] came in and he was into Diana Ross “Missing you.” I was just living my life,” Cox continued. “How amazing to get ready for a red carpet without anxiety and stress! So, respect for what you do. Life is lovely on the other side.”
In her Instagram announcement in January, she wrote alongside a highlight reel of her carpet interviews, “These moments are a reminder to me of what an incredible privilege it has been to talk to some of the world’s greatest artists about their work, navigating the pressures of success, etc. I’m so excited to keep growing, evolving and exploring great opportunities as an actress, artist, host and speaker. I hope you’ll all continue to go with me on my evolving journey.”
Cox, a four-time Emmy nominee for her performance on Orange is the New Black, replaced Giuliana Rancic as host of the Live From E! franchise.
Brande Victorian contributed to this report.
English (US) ·