Joy Behar at a play opening last month in New York. Photo credit: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
That’s a big question at ABC. Behar will depart “The View” at this season’s end, the network announced Thursday night.
The comedian, 70, told “GMA” on Friday morning: “I put in 16 years and felt the time was right.”
She and Barbara Walters have been with the show since it started 16 years ago. ”The View” airs at 11 a.m. weekdays on WFTV-Channel 9.
Who will follow Behar? Ali Wentworth, wife of ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, seems a logical choice. Comedian Wentworth, 48, has been a fill-in host, and she fits in with the crew. Host/executive producer Barbara Walters seems to like her, which may be most important. And Walters, 83, needs a strong replacement so she can prepare for her own exit from “The View,” whenever that might be.
The other hosts are Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. Behar, a strong-willed liberal, has often clashed with the conservative Hasselbeck.
Behar told “GMA”: “You can’t stay forever on a show. I’m graciously exiting stage left. I want to explore other opportunities.”
Behar’s next move? ”GMA” noted that she wants to concentrate on her standup act and writing plays. She has been talking to CNN boss Jeff Zucker, so you’ll probably see her in another TV forum.
She has come a long way: “GMA” noted that Behar had been a receptionist at that ABC morning show years ago.