What Happened To Whoopi Goldberg On 'The View'?

Turner Swift 15 May 2025

If you're a fan of The View, you know that Whoopi Goldberg is the heart and soul of the show. So, when she was suddenly missing in November 2022, it left a noticeable void. Let me break this down for you. Whoopi, the EGOT-winning powerhouse, wasn't at her usual spot moderating conversations for a few days, and naturally, the audience wanted answers. If you're curious about why she stepped away, keep reading because we're diving deep into the story. Let’s uncover the reason behind Whoopi's absence.

Why Was Whoopi Goldberg Absent from ‘The View’?

On Monday, November 14, Whoopi wasn't seated alongside the other hosts as the episode of The View kicked off. Not only was Whoopi missing, but her cohost Joy Behar was absent too. Instead, Sara Haines stepped in as moderator, flanked by cohosts Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin. Now, if you're like me, you were probably wondering what happened to these two dynamic personalities. The following day, Joy came back and spilled the tea.

When Joy returned to the set, she wasted no time addressing Whoopi’s absence. “Good morning, everyone, and welcome to The View,” Joy began. “Unfortunately, Whoopi is out with COVID,” she told the audience. Joy, ever the supportive friend, added, “So, rest up and get back here, miss, when you feel better.” It was a heartfelt moment, reminding us all of the camaraderie among the hosts.

Whoopi Goldberg Missing From ‘The View’: Absence Explained — Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

That day, Joy filled in for Whoopi, which isn’t the first time she’s had to take the reins. Whoopi's absence was announced shortly after she celebrated her 67th birthday on Sunday, November 13. Just a few days before, during an episode on November 10, she celebrated her birthday with her cohosts. And guess what? She had a surprise for the audience.

"I’m exhausted. I could sure use a break, like a vacation. So could you!" Whoopi said. "Since vacations are also my favorite thing, you’re all going on a trip to Cancún, Mexico!" That’s the kind of generosity we’ve come to expect from Whoopi—always giving back to her fans.

This wasn’t the first time Whoopi had to miss episodes due to health reasons. Back in January, she joined The View virtually after contracting COVID-19. Her absence then was brief, and she was back in no time. During her virtual appearance, Joy took over the moderator role and gave updates on her condition.

"It could have been much, much worse, I’m sure, and it wasn’t," Whoopi said at the time. "I’m really lucky." Her resilience and humor in the face of illness are truly inspiring.

Is Whoopi Goldberg Planning to Leave ‘The View’?

Whoopi has been a moderator on The View since 2007, and she doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. In September 2021, multiple outlets reported that Whoopi signed a contract to host the series until season 28 in 2024. That’s a big commitment and shows her dedication to the show and its fans.

In addition to her work on The View, Whoopi has been busy expanding her brand. She launched her own wine company, Whoopi Prosecco Superiore DOCG, proving that she’s not just a TV personality but also a savvy entrepreneur.

"Whoopi Prosecco is simple and meaningful to me," she explained in a statement. "Because I think you can have a great time, great conversations with your friends, and a great bottle of Prosecco. Whoopi Prosecco." It’s clear that Whoopi’s ventures extend beyond the screen, but her love for her audience remains unwavering.