The comedian, who has been co-hosting the daytime talk show for 21 seasons, was speculated to be getting ready to leave the show after her interview for Ramin Setoodeh's non-fiction book was brought up.
- Apr 9, 2020
AceShowbiz - Joy Behar won't be leaving "The View" anytime soon. Suggested to be planning a 2022 retirement after her interview for Ramin Setoodeh's upcoming book, "Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of 'The View' ", made headlines, the longtime co-host of the ABC daytime talk show was quick to set the record straight.
Through her spokesperson, the 77-year-old denied the swirling speculations. "This is not true," her representative said in a released statement. "Joy was asked what happens at the end of her contract and as she herself made clear in the interview, if she's 'fabulous in [2022] as I am now,' she will be in her seat at the table."
Behar's retirement rumor was set off by an April 8 story published by Variety. In it, the publication shared an excerpt from Setoodeh's non-fiction book in which the "Hall Pass" actress revealed, "I have a three-year contract. But that doesn't mean I can't leave if I want to, because they can't really do anything to me at this point."
"I don't see myself staying for more [time]. That's it! I could be wrong. If I'm as fabulous in [2022] as I am now, I'll think about. But the chances of that happening…," the media personality continued on explaining. "You know, time marches on. I'm not a kid."
The current main focus of "The View" producers, however, was not on whether Behar really planned on retiring or not, but rather on how to adjust to the coronavirus crisis. "That is such a long time away and everyone really likes Joy so they hope she [either] reconsiders or they can talk her out of leaving if that really is her goal," a so-called inside source told HollywoodLife.
The insider further noted that the producers have yet to talk about finding Behar replacement. "Those talks haven't even started or have even been thought of because again they all love Joy and wouldn't want to have that out there that they are looking for her replacement," the source explained. "Everything usually works itself out when it comes to 'The View' and when they have to deal with it all they will but as of right now everyone is happy and content to keep Joy around."
