Joy Behar has been noticeably absent from “The View” this week, leaving fans wondering about the whereabouts of the beloved comedian and co-host.
The 81-year-old television personality didn’t appear on Monday, July 14, or Tuesday, July 15, prompting co-host Whoopi Goldberg to address her absence during Tuesday’s live broadcast. While Goldberg didn’t provide specific details about why Behar was missing, she offered reassurance that the longtime co-host would return soon.
“So Joy is out today, possibly be back tomorrow. But who can say? Who can say?” Goldberg told the audience during the July 15 episode. The response prompted executive producer Brian Teta to shout from off-screen that Behar would indeed return the following day.
“Brian can say!” Goldberg replied with a laugh. “But if she’s not, she’ll be back the day after. Because she’ll be back.”
Behar’s last appearance on the ABC daytime talk show was Friday, July 11, when she filled in as moderator while Goldberg was absent. During that episode, she engaged in political discussion about immigration policies and shared some of the “grim jobs” she held before her television career took off.
“I once worked at a mental hospital, which prepared me for this show,” Behar joked during the Friday episode, sparking laughter from the studio audience. She revealed her past employment at Kings Park Psychiatric Center in New York, where she worked as a teacher.
The comedian also shared details about another challenging position she held early in her career. “I also worked at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in the pathology lab where I had to take organs off the dumbwaiter, and then the doctors would describe what it was and I’d have to type all that up,” she explained.
The Real Reason Behind Her Absence
While “The View” didn’t officially announce the reason for Behar’s absence, the timing coincides perfectly with her off-Broadway comedy show commitments. Behar is currently starring in “My First Ex-Husband,” which began its summer run on July 14 and continues through July 19.
The comedy show features Behar performing alongside rotating celebrity guest stars, including Susan Lucci, Veanne Cox, and Jackie Hoffman. This isn’t the first time her theater commitments have impacted her “View” scheduleâshe previously missed episodes in February during the show’s grand opening.
“My First Ex-Husband is a bold and heartfelt adaptation of true stories by the legendary Joy Behar, comedienne and co-host of The View. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, it explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex, and relationships,” reads the show’s description.
The production description continues: “Whether you’re happily coupled, cautiously committed, or considering changing the locks, relationships are complicatedâand universally relatable. These stories are your stories, only funnier.”
Behar’s absence follows her typical weekly schedule pattern, as she normally works Tuesday through Friday while taking Mondays off. Goldberg usually moderates Monday through Thursday, with Behar occasionally stepping in when needed.
Technology Troubles and Trademark Humor
When Behar returns to the show, fans can expect more of her signature commentary and ongoing battles with modern technology that have become a trademark of her television presence. The 82-year-old comedian has consistently struggled with digital devices at The View table, from interrupting cell phones to voice assistants offering unsolicited assistance.
Recently, during discussions about artificial intelligence, Behar has expressed concerns about privacy and digital surveillance. “Well, they listen to what you’re saying, too,” she warned her co-hosts during a July 9 episode, referring to smart devices and their data collection capabilities.
Her relationship with technology became particularly evident when she showed her phone to fellow panelists, explaining her theory about targeted advertising. “It’s part of my body. But, if I say something like, ‘I really want to get some kind of hairdo,’ suddenly hairdo things pop up here. So, someone’s listening!” she declared, according to Entertainment Weekly.
According to executive producer Teta’s on-air announcement, viewers can expect to see Behar back at the Hot Topics table on Wednesday, July 16. “The View” airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on ABC.
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