‘The View’ Whoopi Goldberg Gets Vulnerable, Opens Up About Illness

Despite battling a cold that left her noticeably hoarse, Whoopi Goldberg was back at The View table on Thursday, May 15, proving once again that the show’s heartbeat doesn’t skip easily—even when under the weather.

Goldberg, who had missed Wednesday’s episode, returned to join Sara Haines, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin for the show’s signature “Hot Topics” segment.

While her presence was a comfort to viewers, it was clear she wasn’t at her usual energetic self. Her voice, scratchy and subdued, gave it away.

“It’s Kicking My Behind”: Whoopi Addresses Her Health On-Air

Following a discussion on the political drama surrounding testimonies by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kristi Noem, the show went to a commercial break. When they returned, Goldberg decided to address the obvious.

“So before I go any further, I have to explain what’s happening. Have a cold, and it’s kicking my behind. Yes, it is,” she told the camera, managing a smile despite her discomfort. “And it’s not making me cranky, but it’s making me quiet. So I’m not funny today.”

Immediately, her co-hosts chimed in with support. “Oh you’re funny,” Haines reassured. Behar gently encouraged her to “take it easy,” while Haines jokingly added, “Very quietly so.”

A Familiar Absence Sparks Concern

Goldberg had appeared on Monday and Tuesday earlier that week but had already shown signs of illness, including a cough. Her absence on Wednesday raised some concern among viewers, though Behar quickly clarified it wasn’t COVID.

“Whoopi’s got some kind of little bug. Not COVID, though. Not COVID,” Behar told the audience at the top of that show. “She was wearing a mask yesterday, she wasn’t feeling well, but she’s coming back tomorrow, supposedly, if she feels better.”

And come back, she did.

Though she admitted she wasn’t at her comedic best, Goldberg remained engaged, even introducing guests like Kelsey Grammer—who opened up about his murdered sister and his newly released memoir—and comedian Matteo Lane, who shared stories about his upcoming comedy special and cookbook.

Fans Show Support as Whoopi Pushes Through

As longtime viewers know, Goldberg rarely appears on The View’s Friday episodes, unless something especially significant calls her in.

Memorable exceptions include her April 11 substitution for Behar, the February 7 Super Bowl-themed broadcast, and the May 31, 2024, episode where she broke tradition and named Donald Trump while announcing his conviction in a New York felony trial.

Given her health, it’s unlikely Goldberg would break that Friday pattern this week. And fans seem to agree she should take all the time she needs. Social media was quickly flooded with messages of support:

“Get well soon Whoop! Wish she was here to weigh in on this pivotal trial I definitely wanted to hear her point of view.”

“Whoopi Goldberg looked a little sick yesterday so that’s why she’s probably not on the show today.”

“This is one of the best episodes. Feel better, Whoopi.”

“Love the affection shown between Sarah and Whoopi.”

“Sending prayers of healing to Whoopi.”

“Whoopi sounds like you should have stayed home and take care of yourself so you don’t end up with pneumonia again! Hope none of the staff get sick. It is OK to take care of yourself, honest.”

Fans clearly cherish Goldberg’s presence on the panel—but they also want her to prioritize her health. For now, the hope is that rest, warmth, and some much-needed downtime will restore her trademark spark.

The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening on ‘The View’ right now. Come back here often for all ‘The View’ spoilers, news, and updates.