David Hasselhoff is leaving America’s Got Talent. After four seasons on NBC’s popular summer talent show, the troubled former actor/singer is walking away from the judges’ panel he shares with pundits Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan.
“I am proud that I was part of making America’s Got Talent the No. 1 rated show for the past four summers. It’s been a rewarding experience and now I’m thrilled to be able to follow my dream to do my own TV show, which will be announced very shortly,” Hasselhoff, 57, said in statement issued late Wednesday. “I want to thank my friend, (executive producer) Simon Cowell, and everyone at NBC and Fremantle for the opportunity for four great years.”
While The Hoff has not revealed exactly what he’ll do next, but a trip to rehab might be in order. The star of the ‘80 TV smash Knightrider was hospitalized twice for alcohol-related illnesses in the past year.
“David’s been an integral part of the success of America’s Got Talent and we are sad to see him go. We wish him all the best with his new show,” NBC said of Hasselhoff’s departure.
A replacement has not yet been named.