On October 7, 2026, the cohosts of The View celebrated Joy Behar's 84th birthday, even though she was absent due to a dislocated shoulder injury.
Why it matters: Joy Behar is a beloved figure on The View, and her absence has been felt deeply by both her cohosts and fans alike. Her recovery is a priority for the show as they look forward to her return.
Behar's injury was first reported on October 1, 2026, when she unexpectedly missed a live panel of The View.
Her representative confirmed that her shoulder was not broken and she is expected to return to the show by mid-next week.
Behar is the only founding member of The View still regularly appearing since its inception in 1997.
Next year, Behar will celebrate 30 years on the show, excluding a break from 2013 to 2015.
Driving the news: During the October 7 episode, cohosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin took a moment to wish Behar a happy birthday, emphasizing her importance to the program.
Goldberg opened the segment by stating, "So the first thing we want to do, right off the bat, is we want to wish Joy Behar a happy birthday."
She revealed a message from Behar: "Though I share a birthday with Vladimir Putin, I do not have the Russian plague."
Goldberg expressed her hope for Behar's speedy recovery, saying, "Get well fast so we can celebrate you back here on The View."
State of play: Behar's absence has left a noticeable void in the show's dynamic, with her cohosts stepping up in her place.
Goldberg was also absent from the show, filming a Netflix movie, which meant Behar's usual role as moderator was filled by Haines and Hostin during their respective absences.
Hostin filled in for Goldberg on the day Behar was absent, noting, "So Whoopi is still out filming a movie, and unfortunately, our dear friend Joy dislocated her shoulder."
Navarro lightheartedly commented on the shared birthday between Behar and Putin, adding humor to the situation.
The big picture: Behar's contributions to The View have made her an integral part of the show's legacy, and her absence has highlighted her role within the ensemble.
As the only remaining founding member, Behar's insights and humor have shaped the show's identity over the years.
In April 2026, Behar addressed the dynamics of cohosting on a podcast, stating, "Some days, I love everybody. And some days I don't," illustrating the challenges of their interactions.
Her approach to managing relationships at the table reflects her long-standing commitment to the show's spirit of open discussion.
What they're saying: The sentiments expressed by her cohosts reveal the affection and respect they have for Behar.
Griffin noted her own shared birthday with Xi Jinping, joking about the unusual company they keep in the world of politics.
Goldberg's heartfelt message underscored how much Behar is missed, especially during group events like the live podcast.
Haines, who moderated in Behar's absence, also conveyed how important Behar's presence is to the show's chemistry.
By the numbers: Behar's tenure on The View is marked by numerous milestones.
She will reach 30 years on the show in 2027, a remarkable achievement in daytime television.
Behar has been part of the show since its launch in 1997, making her a key figure in television history.
Her previous absence in 2025 due to a foot injury was another reminder of her resilience and dedication to the program.
What's next: Fans eagerly await Behar's return as she continues her recovery.
Her representative indicated that Behar is on the mend and should be back by mid-next week, bringing excitement among viewers.
As the show moves forward, the cohosts are expected to maintain the lively discussions and debates that characterize The View.
With her 85th birthday on the horizon, Behar's upcoming milestone will likely be a celebratory event for both her and the show's audience.