DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love your column. It is the first thing I read in the morning.

I’d like to find out what happened to Sara Gilbert’s sister, who was on “The Talk,” and also what happened to the other original lady who sat next to Julie Chen. I enjoyed both of them.

I know the lady next to Julie had a real needy child at home. I sure hope he is OK.

Also, Sara’s sister was so funny. I hope she is OK. Thanks for your help. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Without the names of the missing people, a bit of detective work and help from Sun Spots’ colleagues, Pete and Drew, who know their entertainment, was required.

They helped turn up the following online:

“The Talk” was created by actress Sara Gilbert, who also serves as the executive producer, and premiered Oct. 18, 2010, on CBS Daytime. The show is similar to “The View” although not as politicized.

According to Wikipedia:

“Along with Gilbert, the show originally featured Julie Chen as the moderator, Leah Remini, Holly Robinson Peete and Sharon Osbourne discussing the day’s latest headlines while usually tying in the show’s theme of motherhood or at least parenthood, such as by giving their opinions ‘through the eyes of mothers.’ It also contains celebrity interviews and segments for mothers and/or parents in general. 

“Marissa Jaret Winokur was originally featured as the ‘mother on the street,’ dealing with issues like taking her toddler on an airplane, talking with kids about sex, talking to parents about the terrible twos, etc.; however, she departed from the series mid-season over lack of airtime. Both she and producers of the show came to the decision amicably.”

As for the needy child, Holly Robinson Peete’s son RJ is autistic.

Sara Gilbert’s sister did appear on “The Talk” as a guest. Online sources said Sara was embarrassed by Melissa’s frank comments on the show, so perhaps that’s why you haven’t see her back. Melissa has had a successful career, beginning as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” so she should be just fine.

Leah Remini is the other departed host. Sun Spots could not find any indication that she is related to any of the hosts or has a disabled child.

Also on Wikipedia was the following information about the changes on the show:

In August 2011, Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete’s contracts were not renewed. They were replaced by co-host Sheryl Underwood and guest hosts actress Molly Shannon and reality TV star Kris Jenner. Later Aisha Tyler was added as a co-host.

No official reason was given for their departures, and the Hollywood Reporter said there was a backlash from viewers like yourself who didn’t like the change. Speculation about what happened appeared on the Internet, and some viewers said they would quit watching. The Reporter said viewership has remained about the same, however.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1957. I have all the yearbooks except 1956. If anyone has a 1956 they would sell to me, or knows where I could get one, please contact me. Thanks. — Ted, tedstinger422@gmail.com, 353-2081

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