The View’s Joy Behar Missing — Has She Left For Good?

Longtime fans of The View have grown used to Joy Behar’s fiery presence at the Hot Topics table, especially during Friday episodes. So when she was nowhere to be seen and Whoopi Goldberg made a rare Friday appearance instead, it didn’t take long for viewers to start asking questions. Where was Joy?

While some fans speculated about her future on the show, the real reason behind Joy’s recent absence isn’t quite as dramatic — but it is deeply personal and creative.

A Return to the Stage

At 82, Joy Behar remains a cornerstone of The View, having been part of the show since its early days alongside Barbara Walters. Despite her age, she’s not slowing down.

But recently, she took a short step back — not because of illness or retirement, but to return to a different kind of stage.

Earlier this year, Joy wrote and debuted a stage play titled My First Ex-Husband, which had its off-Broadway premiere in January 2025. Initially, she stepped into the spotlight to perform in it herself, then handed off the reins to other actresses.

But this month, she returned for a limited three-day run from April 11 to April 13 — which explains her absence from The View last week. Her last appearance on the talk show was on April 9.

While some fans were told she was “under the weather” — a statement made by Whoopi Goldberg, according to Decider — it’s now clear that Joy was likely devoting her energy to the stage, not a sick bed.

Speculation Sparks Every Time a Host Steps Away

Her temporary disappearance sparked the usual wave of concern. It’s not the first time viewers have sounded the alarm when one of the co-hosts takes a break.

Just a while back, Joy stepped in for Whoopi, and the rumor mill began turning again — this time questioning whether Whoopi was stepping away for good. It’s become a bit of a cycle: whenever one of the hosts steps out, speculation kicks in full force.

During Joy’s recent hiatus, the panel held strong with Whoopi, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin continuing the daily debates and discussions. But fans will be relieved to know that Joy is expected to return to The View next week.

More Stage Time Ahead for Joy and Whoopi

In the meantime, she hasn’t been entirely off-screen. Joy still appeared on The Weekend View, which streams on ABC News Live on Saturdays and Sundays, keeping her connection with audiences intact even while she was away from the weekday lineup.

There’s more excitement ahead, too. On April 30, Joy and Whoopi will take the stage together for a special matinee performance of My First Ex-Husband at 2 p.m. EST — a rare treat for fans who want to see both co-hosts in a very different setting.

The play itself is described as a comedic but poignant look at women “married to the mob, to jobs, to wealth, faith, and ultimately the wrong man.” It’s inspired by a mix of Joy’s personal experiences and interviews with other women. As the tagline says, “Their stories are your stories…only funnier.”

So for now, Joy Behar fans can rest easy. She hasn’t left The View — she’s just been shining on a different stage, telling new stories in her signature voice.

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