Nellie Andreeva

“Deep cleansing breath,” CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler said at CBS’ presentation after a very carefully edited clip from Two and a Half Men that featured no trace of former star Charlie Sheen. “It has been a hectic few months for us,” she said. “Just last week, thanks to our new cast member’s tweet, we found out what the square root of 6.25 is,” she said, referring to Ashton Kutcher’s tweet shortly after news of his deal for Men leaked. “We could not be happier to have actor, producer and social-media mogul Ashton Kutcher joining TV’s No. 1 comedy for the past five years. Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time together, the new cast of Two and a Half Men.” Kutcher, joined by co-stars Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones, walked onstage, all grooving to the theme song of the show. Kutcher looked genuinely happy and came across as likable as he gave unscripted remarks. “It’s awesome, it’s unbelievable to be here,” he said, adding that never in his 13-year career had he received so many congratulatory calls and emails. “You’d almost think I won the lotto … which I kinda did,” he said to laughs. “I got the best job in show business and I’m ecstatic.” He cited a piece of advice he was given when he was starting off. “If you want to be successful in life, surround yourself with the best and work your ass off.” “I’m surrounded by the best, and I will work my ass off.”

Cryer addressed the height discrepancy in the new cast, with Kutcher towering over him and Jones. “I asked (CBS’ bosses) Leslie Moonves and Tassler, Did you have to get a tall guy?” and went on to suggest a new title for the show, One and 2 Half-Men.

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