‘THE VIEW’ ANNOUNCES WHOOPI GOLDBERG HIATUS — HERE’S WHY SHE’S STEPPING AWAY. (PHOTO).

 

‘The View’ Announces Whoopi Goldberg Hiatus — Here’s Why She’s Stepping Away

Whoopi Goldberg is temporarily stepping away from *The View* — but fans of the longtime moderator don’t need to worry about her leaving the show for good.

Goldberg, 70, will be absent from most episodes of the ABC daytime talk show over the next two weeks while she films an upcoming movie for Netflix.

The actress and comedian revealed the news during an appearance on *The View’s* companion podcast, *Behind the Table*, alongside executive producer Brian Teta.

Teta explained that Goldberg will be away for the next two weeks but will continue appearing on the show on Mondays because filming for the movie is taking place nearby.

### **Whoopi Is Heading Back to the Movies**

Goldberg’s temporary absence comes as she begins production on *Women Like Us*, an upcoming Netflix comedy produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

The movie also stars Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa Williams and Jenifer Lewis.

Goldberg described the project as a story about a group of women navigating change, aging, friendship and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly understand you.

“It’s about change and getting older and having fun with your friends and people who get you,” Goldberg explained while discussing the project. “It’s about finding your people.”

The Oscar-winning actress said she is excited to get back in front of the camera for the project.

### **Familiar Faces Returning to ‘The View’**

Goldberg’s absence is also giving *The View* an opportunity to bring back several familiar faces as the program celebrates its milestone 30th season.

Former cohosts Lisa Ling, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd and Debbie Matenopoulos are scheduled to return to the Hot Topics table over the next two weeks.

Jones and Matenopoulos were part of the original lineup when Barbara Walters launched *The View* in 1997. Ling joined the program in 1999, while Shepherd spent seven seasons as a regular cohost.

Joy Behar is expected to take over moderator duties while Goldberg is away, joining the show’s current panelists Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.

### **Whoopi Isn’t Leaving ‘The View’**

Despite the word “hiatus” sparking questions about Goldberg’s future on the program, the break is temporary.

Goldberg remains part of the official Season 30 lineup alongside Behar, Haines, Hostin, Farah Griffin and Navarro. ABC launched the milestone season on September 8 with all six women returning to the table.

Goldberg has also taken temporary breaks from the show in the past to pursue acting projects, something *The View* has allowed her to balance with her daytime television responsibilities.

The entertainer has served as moderator of *The View* since 2007, making her one of the longest-running personalities in the show’s history.

For now, viewers can expect a slightly different Hot Topics table while Goldberg trades daytime television for a movie set — with several *View* veterans returning to help keep her seat warm until she’s back full time.