Ann Curry Fired Because She Lacked Passion for 'Today' NBC Exec Says

NBC News president Steve Capus told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview that main co-host Ann Curry was fired because she didn't work out as a morning TV host.

Capus said Curry lacked real passion for entertainment related issues such as cooking segments and celebrities interviews which make up a big part of the hit show.

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“I think it was not where her real passion was,” he said. “In her heart of hearts, I think she would admit that. I think her real passion is built around reporting on international stories. It’s tough to convey a sincere interest in something if you don’t possess it."

“We gave her a year to prove herself, and ultimately we came to the conclusion that she had played at the highest level she could," Capus told THR Friday.

"When you’re in the major leagues of our profession, you’ve got to continue to be at peak performance in order to stay there."

Capus affirmed in the interview that Curry's new role fits more with her strengths.

Curry was named the “Today” Anchor at Large and National and International Correspondent for NBC News.

Capus comments came a day after Curry told viewers she was leaving the show with tears in her eyes.

 "To those of you who saw me as a groundbreaker, I am sorry that could not carry the ball across the finish line – but, man, did I try," she said crying.

Since she confirmed her exit as a main co-host, many fans turned to Social Networks to protest and some said they would boycott and not watch the show.

 On Friday, NBC replaced her with Savannah Guthrie, the 9 a.m. co-host of "Today."

"[Guthrie] has a one-of-a-kind combination of sharp wit and approachability, and our viewers value her journalistic skills and legal background just as much as her humor and charm. She can effortlessly go from interviewing the Secretary of State to jumping Olympic-sized hurdles on the Plaza," the show's executive producer Jim Bell said in a statement Friday.