Rosie O’Donnell is not looking forward to seeing Lindsay Lohan play late Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming Lifetime original movie, “Liz & Dick.”
On Tuesday’s “Today” show, Rosie joined Star Jones and Donny Deutsch on the show’s professionals panel, where they chatted about a variety of topics, including Lindsay’s upcoming small screen role.
“I feel very sorry for her. I think she needs a lot of help,” Rosie said about the 25-year-old actress. “She needs time away.”
“But is it a good idea to cast her?” Matt Lauer asked.
“No,” the always outspoken Rosie continued. “Because she’s had a lot of trouble doing every single movie, including ‘SNL.’ She was out and not at rehearsal. I think she’s not in a place to work.”
“I used to think she was extremely talented, but I have not seen enough of her as an actress in recent years to really make an evaluation,” Star added.
Donny, on the other hand, is onboard with Lindsay’s involvement saying, “It’s a great idea. She’s our generation’s Elizabeth Taylor.”
“You’re out of your mind. Get out of here!” Rosie said. “The last thing she did good she was 16… I don’t think she’s right for the role and I don’t think she’s capable at this point of doing what’s needed.”
A rep for Lindsay told Access, “I think Rosie should be focused on her own career right now and not everyone else’s. It’s a shame she has to be so cruel towards another person in order to keep herself in the news.”
The war of words continued on Twitter, when Lindsay’s dad, Micahel Lohan, addressed Rosie’s comments.
“of ALL people, I can’t believe YOU would judge my daughter or her ability. Second chances aren’t up to you, they’re up to God,” he Tweeted.
Rosie Tweeted him back, writing, “she needs help – nobody around her seems to get that – it’s tragic what has become of her life – work isn’t gonna fix her”
Rosie also responded to a slew of other Twitter comments from readers who support Lindsay.
“I do not think her working on a movie will b good for her at this point – she is in a bad place,” she wrote to one Tweeter, and “how dare u ignore the seriousness of her illness,” to another.
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