“The View”’s Joy Behar Has the Funniest Reaction After Making History as Longest-Running Female Talk Show Host (Exclusive)

Joy Behar Reflects on Nearly Three Decades at the Table as ‘The View’ Celebrates 30 Seasons

As ABC’s iconic talk show, *The View,* enters its 30th season, Joy Behar has made television history, becoming the longest-serving female host of a daytime talk show in the United States. Behar, who has been a co-host since the show’s inception in August 1997, recently shared her thoughts about this significant milestone in an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*.

At 83 years old, Behar expressed her astonishment at achieving such a remarkable feat. “I’ve been on longer than Regis and longer than the Jolly Green Giant!” she quipped, showcasing her trademark sense of humour. Although she acknowledged her historic status with a light-hearted approach, she candidly admitted, “I feel old, really old. I know I don’t look old, but I am.”

Reflecting on her extensive career, Behar remembered a salient conversation with the late Barbara Walters, the original creator of *The View.* “I said to Barbara one time, ‘Barbara, we’re going to get old on this show,’” Behar recalled. Walters’ response, “You’re going to get old anyway. So you might as well spend it on television,” has resonated with Behar over the years, illustrating a profound insight into the nature of ageing in the public eye.

Behar stands as the lone remaining original co-host of *The View.* The show began with Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos, and Behar, who initially joined as a part-time host. “I was a part-time co-host on the show at first,” she recounted. “When Barbara took her two days off, then I would be on.” Eventually, she transitioned to a full-time role, and after an initial exit in 2013, she returned in 2015.

Throughout her journey on the programme, Behar has developed a distinctive voice, adeptly blending her comedic background with discussions that span political commentary to personal anecdotes. Currently, she co-hosts alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin.

Despite her extensive experience, Behar humbly admitted that it took her nearly three decades to grasp the nuances of the show. “It took me 28 years to really understand how to do this show,” she stated. Her metaphorical comparison of the show to a volleyball game, as opposed to a golf game, encapsulated her approach. “You have to bounce the ball around,” she explained, illustrating the importance of interaction and spontaneity in their discussions.

Behar’s ability to adapt has been vital in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture and shifting co-host dynamics. Yet, she insists that remaining authentic and embracing laughter has been the cornerstone of her success. While she acknowledges the years have flown by, Behar is far from slowing down, continuing to explore creative avenues outside of *The View.*

Currently, Behar is busy with her latest theatrical project, *Bonkers in the Boroughs,* which features a series of comedic plays set across New York City. She expresses her passion for writing and performing, stating, “I love to hear people laugh.” Encouraged by this success, she hinted at her ambitions for future works, revealing that she has additional pieces in development.

In addition to her stage work, Behar shared her experience with *My First Ex-Husband,* a production that humorously reflects on women’s experiences with their first marriages. “We did it in London. It was a huge hit, which shows you that women everywhere in the world can’t stand their first ex-husband,” she joked, highlighting the universal appeal of the show’s theme.

Throughout her incredible career, Behar has taken to heart one crucial piece of advice from Walters: “Publicise, publicise, publicise.” She believes that this mantra has significantly contributed to her connection with audiences, ensuring that they remain aware of her ongoing projects.

As *The View* embarks on this new season, Behar’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of television. Her commitment to entertaining and informing viewers remains strong, even after three decades at the table. The show continues to air weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC, providing a platform for candid discussions and memorable moments that resonate with audiences across the globe.