Hold onto your hats, folks! Joy Behar, the legendary co-host of The View, might be hanging up her mic after her contract expires in the summer of 2022. That's right—according to Ramin Setoodeh's upcoming book, Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View,’ Joy hinted at the possibility of retirement. For over two decades, this powerhouse has kept audiences entertained, and now, she's contemplating stepping away from the spotlight.
What Did Joy Behar Say About Her Future Plans?
In the book, Joy, who is now 77, opened up about her contract situation with The View. She mentioned, "I have a three-year contract, but that doesn't mean I can't leave if I want to. At this point, they can’t really do anything to me. I don’t see myself staying much longer. That’s it! But, hey, I could be wrong. If I’m as fabulous in 2022 as I am now, I might reconsider. However, time marches on, and I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore." Joy's candid reflection paints a picture of someone ready to explore new horizons.
Now, before you start panicking, a spokesperson for The View clarified to Us Weekly that Joy’s comments don't necessarily mean she's leaving. They stated, "This isn't true. Joy was asked what happens when her contract ends, and as she herself made clear in the interview, if she's 'as fabulous in 2022 as I am now,' she will still be at the table." So, it seems like we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds for Joy.
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Joy's Legacy on 'The View'
Let's take a moment to appreciate what Joy has brought to The View. Since joining the show in 1997, she's been a mainstay, making her the longest-serving co-host in the show's history. Joy was part of the original lineup when the program was launched over two decades ago by the iconic Barbara Walters. Her sharp wit and comedic timing have kept viewers glued to their screens for years.
In 2013, Joy faced a setback when she was let go from The View due to ABC executives wanting to pivot the show away from political themes. However, Joy proved her worth when she returned triumphantly in 2015, revitalizing the show after years of declining ratings. Her presence brought the energy and edge that audiences craved.
Joy's Recent Absence Amid the Pandemic
While fans don’t need to say goodbye just yet, Joy did take a leave of absence during the global coronavirus pandemic. In mid-March, Joy mentioned it was essential for her to self-isolate because she’s in a higher-risk group due to her age. She said during a pre-taped episode on March 13, "I’ve been thinking about staying home from the show. We don’t have an audience anymore. The staff and producers here have been doing an incredible job keeping everything clean, but I’ve been thinking, maybe at my age — I know I look good, I look fantastic — I don’t look my age, I don’t. And so, you really can’t tell how old I am by looking at me, but I am up there. The number makes me dizzy!"
