Whoopi Goldberg is not on The View this week. Fans might be wondering why, but it is not because of illness or injury. The actress and longtime co-host is taking a short break to try something new.
Goldberg recently explained on the Behind the Table podcast with producer Brian Teta that she is traveling overseas. She is joining the cast of an Italian soap opera. She quickly clarified that she is not the star. “I’m in the Italian soap opera,” she said. “I only know soap operas here. I love a soap opera. I don’t know how they work there, but it will be new and exciting.”
The actress said her team arranged the schedule so she could take part in the show without missing too much of The View. Goldberg has been a part of The View since 2007. “It is time for me to do some things in addition to this,” she said. “This is the longest-running job I have ever had. I have never had a job like this before.”
Goldberg also shared that she had avoided flying for 20 years because of anxiety. Recently, she has started traveling again and has been to Italy multiple times. In 2023, she visited the Vatican and gifted Pope Francis Sister Act merchandise. She also talked to him about plans for the third film.
Fans can expect Goldberg to return to The View after finishing her project. Producer Brian Teta said, “We will miss you, but you will be back.” Goldberg even joked that she might film a few behind-the-scenes clips on her phone while working abroad.
The View airs on weekdays on ABC. The other hosts will continue the show during Goldberg’s short absence.
