Joy Behar to Leave 'The View' After 16 Years
"There are other things on my plate I want to do," Joy Behar tells Deadline of her decision to depart ABC's The View after 16 and a half years.
"It seemed like the right time," Behar says. "You reach a point when you say to yourself, 'Do I want to keep doing this?'"
The morning show staple says she's ready to pursue some of her favorite pastimes as well as move on to host a new interview series solo.
"I've been writing a play, I've been neglecting my standup," explains the 70-year-old comedian, adding that she's also interested in doing "an intelligent talk show."
Related: 'Well-Known' Actor Gave Me Chicken Pox, Says Barbara Walters
In reaction to the Behar's departure, producers released the following statement to ET:
"Joy Behar has been instrumental in the success of The View from
the very beginning. We wish her all the best in this next chapter, and
are thrilled that we have her for the remainder of the season."
Behar has been with The View since its inception in 1997. At present, she and fellow co-host Barbara Walters are the only original cast members remaining.