by Thinus Ferreira
E! (DStv 124) has contracted Laverne Cox to take over interviewing and commentating duties as its new host for E! Live from the Red Carpet to cover American award shows from January 2022.
The appointment of Laverne Cox comes after Giuliana Rancic stepped down from her longtime role and is moving into a content development role as part of a new contract with NBCUniversal.
Laverne Cox is known for her role as Sophia Burset in Netflix's Orange is the New Black series in which she became the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a primetime Emmy award in award and that made her the first trans woman of colour to have a leading role in a mainstream scropted TV series.
Laverne Cox just finished filming a new upcoming Netflix series entitled Inventing Anna and will also be the presenter of a series of celebrity interview specials for E! during 2022 that will spotlight trendsetters, tastemakers and those making an impact in the Hollywood community.
"Laverne Cox is a risktaker, groundbreaking pioneer and a fashion tour de force," says Jen Neal, executive vice president, entertainment live events, specials and E! News at NBCUniversal Television & Streaming,in a statement announcing the appointment.
"As we continue to evolve the way we cover Hollywood's biggest nights, Laverne's passion for, and extensive knowledge of, the fashion community resonates with our audience and we look forward to seeing her shine on the other side of the velvet rope."
Laverne Cox in the statement says "I'm so excited and deeply humbled to be hosting E!'s iconic red carpet coverage".
"For many years I would wake up early on awards show days, get my snacks in place and watch E!'s coverage all day long."
"I dreamed of walking red carpets. Now, not only have I had several fun and amazing personal red carpet moments, I also get to be a red carpet guide for E!'s discerning audience and chat with my colleagues and folks I deeply admire for these very special events in their lives. I can't wait to get started while hopefully serving up fashion fantasies for the ages, honey."
