Joy Behar has been a reference The view almost 30 years ago, but it is time for her to pack her bags?
The comedian and talk show host recently celebrated her 82nd birthday on air, and while she hung in there, some followers shared messages saying it was time for her to retire.
But is this really in her plans? And honestly, should it? As an OG panelist, shouldn’t she continue with the show for as long as she wants?
Here’s what we know:
Joy’s Big Birthday
Joy turned 82 on October 7, 2024, but a few days earlier, she had a special celebration with your co-hosts on The view. Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah-Griffin and Ana Navaro helped Joy begin her next trip around the sun.
As the women took the stage, a huge birthday message for Joy was projected behind the table. The comedian made a hilarious joke at the beginning of the episode.
“I would say my age, but I think you could check me out,” she said.
During the episode they had a few moments to celebrate Joy’s birthday, including a interview with his friend Nathan Lane. The iconic actor left a very sweet message for the talk show host on her birthday.
When Nathan took the stage, he turned to Joy and shared a birthday message. “By the way, you don’t look as old as you are admitting. You’ve been the same since 1998. You’re the Paul Rudd of daytime television,” he joked.
Of course, Nathan wouldn’t show up to his friend’s birthday empty-handed! “Since Joy is still a hot Italian woman, I ordered a hot Italian pizza for Joy,” he said.
Then a handsome pizza delivery man arrived on set. As he crossed the stage, he threw the box and took off his shirt. He then started showing off his sexy dance moves on the show.
Fans Tell Joy Behar to Retire
For another segment, Joy also held a tag sale for charity. She and her View the co-hosts sold some collectibles to benefit The Retreat, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence.
After the clip was posted on YouTube, some viewers suggested that Joy should quit. “Happy Birthday, Joy. You are getting OLD. (time) to retire (sic) darling”, wrote a fan. “Joy, it’s time to retire,” another person commented.
Despite the suggestions, Joy still has the energy to continue filming The view. She regularly tells jokes and comments on important topics for the daily program. Even at 82, she looks equally ready to show up for work.
Although there were some naysayers, the overwhelming amount of feedback was positive. “I can’t believe Joy is 82 years old. She looks incredible!” said one spectator.
“She’s one of the youngest 82-year-old actresses I’ve ever seen, not to mention how beautiful she is too. She has great genes,” wrote another fan.
What did Joy Behar say about retirement?
Over the years, Joy has spoken about retirement in The view. In February 2023, she explained that she doesn’t think she will ever truly retire while discussing Tom Brady’s departure from the NFL.
“There is no retirement for me, because I am a creative person. So I’ll do something else,” she said. “When I leave this show, I’ll do something else.”
In a more recent appearance on Behind the table podcastJoy discussed the possibility of retirement with producer Brian Teta. A fan wrote a message to praise her for continuing to work at age 80, and the comedian explained when she’ll know it’s time to retire.
“Well, you know you’re lucky with me because I’ll know when it’s time to go, you don’t have to tell me, and not because I won’t be shaky and old and helpless, but because it will be enough,” she said.
Even so, Joy explained that she is still happy to be in The view. “At this point, the show is still interesting to me,” she said.