Whoopi Goldberg leaves The View to star in Obama film with Vivica Fox

**Whoopi Goldberg to Sit Out Two Weeks of “The View” for New Film Project**

Whoopi Goldberg will step away from ABC’s “The View” for the next two weeks to focus on a new movie produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. She revealed the break on the “Behind the Table” podcast on Wednesday, noting that her absence will begin soon after the episode.

The talk‑show icon has been a regular since 2005, marking nearly two decades of daily commentary.

Producer Brian Teta explained the schedule: Goldberg will return to air on Mondays, while former co‑hosts Lisa Ling, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd and Debbie Matenopoulos will fill the remaining days.

Meanwhile Joy Behar will host the Hot Topics roundtable with Season 30 teammates, and Oprah Winfrey will film the series “Women Like Us” during her time off.

The movie, starring Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Lewis, is described by Goldberg as a tale about aging, friendship and discovering one’s people. She praised the cast as “really wonderful” and said she was excited to be part of it.

## Background & Context

Goldberg’s two‑week pause follows a career pattern of brief leaves for outside projects. She has previously stepped away from “The View” to act in the Italian soap opera “Un Posto Al Sole,” the “Anansi Boys” series, and other ventures.

In a recent podcast, she explained that she remains open to work on the show whenever her schedule allows: “If I need to go, I go.” She also highlighted her substantial salary—reported as a mid‑seven‑figure figure—and noted that it is the highest among her co‑hosts.

“If I had that kind of money — and I love my job — I don’t know that I’d still be doing ‘The View’,” she said, adding that she must still support herself.

In an interview last month, Goldberg revealed that she often takes on new challenges despite skepticism. “A girl’s gotta eat, and I never married well, so, I still have to support myself!” she quipped. She emphasized that her drive comes from a sense of responsibility rather than external pressure.

Goldberg also announced a personal project involving yoga on a paddleboard. “I’m determined to do it because there are those who didn’t think I would,” she told listeners. She said she does most of her endeavors because “people are not waiting for me to fail, but they’re waiting for me to bail.”

## What Happened

During the “Behind the Table” episode, Goldberg confirmed her two‑week absence. Producer Brian Teta said, “We’re going to lose you for a couple of days,” and added, “You’re going to be gone over the next two weeks.” He clarified that Goldberg will return on Mondays and that other hosts will cover the remaining days.

In her stead, Lisa Ling, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd and Debbie Matenopoulos will step in. Joy Behar will moderate the Hot Topics segment with Season 30 colleagues Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin. Oprah Winfrey will be filming “Women Like Us” during her time off.

Goldberg described the film as a story about change, aging, and having fun with friends who truly understand you. She praised the cast as “really wonderful” and expressed excitement about participating in a project produced by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

## What Happens Next

Reps for Goldberg and “The View” have not yet responded to requests for comment on the break. No official return date has been announced, leaving viewers to await further updates. Fans will likely watch for new episodes with guest hosts and keep an eye on the release schedule of the Obamas‑produced film.

Goldberg’s new project—learning yoga on a paddleboard—promises to begin shortly after her return to “The View.” She shared that she is determined to take on the challenge, saying people expect her to fail only if she does not rise to it.

As the two‑week hiatus ends, audiences can expect Goldberg back on Monday with fresh energy and stories from her latest adventure.