Joy Behar Reveals Barbara Walters Fired Her Twice, Later Regretted It

Joy Behar, a longtime co-host of The View since its inception in 1997, revealed that she was fired twice by the show's co-creator, Barbara Walters, but was later begged to return. Behar shared on Watch What Happens Live that one of her firings was linked to tensions between Democrats and Republicans on the show, and Walters regretted the decision, even asking Behar mid-broadcast to tell viewers she had changed her mind. Despite being let go in 2013, Behar returned full-time in 2015 and has remained a fixture on the show, emphasizing she was happy to leave initially due to creative differences and the departure of close colleagues. Behar also acknowledged that her exit was not entirely her choice, as someone at the network wanted her gone. Walters' regret and the network's efforts to bring Behar back underscore her importance to the series, where she has been recognized with a Daytime Emmy. The show continues its successful run, with Behar remaining a key voice on its panel.