Joy Behar.Photo: Lou Rocco/Getty
Joy Beharis celebrating her 80th birthday onThe View!
On Wednesday’s episode of the talk show, Behar joined her co-hosts for a belated birthday bash. Since Behar was on a cruise in Spain and missed her actual birthday on the series, the co-hosts waited to celebrate upon her return.
“We thought that part of the reason that you split because you didn’t want anybody to celebrate your birthday,“Whoopi Goldbergsaid.
When Behar confirmed, Goldberg continued her sentiments. “Yeah, well we don’t care. We did not forget anything. You see, we have a celebration throughout the show, some famous friends and well wishers are sending their best to you.”
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Multiple public figures sent Behar well wishes for her 80th. The video montage began withPresident Joe BidenandFirst Lady Jill Biden.
“Nobody is better named than you. You brought Joy to so many of your friends and admirers, with your trademark humor that smile that lights up the room. And as a former teacher, I know that there’s so many students out there whose lives that you’ve changed,” Jill said.
“You speak your mind, you speak from the heart, you stand up from what you believe, and you do it with warmth, humor, and authenticity. And you and your friends atThe Viewstarted that national conversation 25 years ago that’s still going on,” Joe added. “You’ve enlightened us as well as entertained us. Both Jill and I are grateful for the time we’ve spent with you over the years and we’re delighted, we’re delighted, to call you a friend.”
Up next wasJimmy Kimmel. “Happy Birthday to you, Joy!” he said. “You’ve outlasted, and in some cases killed, so many of your former coworkers and thank god you are smart, you are funny, and you are 80? Oh my — and you still have to work? That’s terrible. Anyway, either you look great or I have cataracts. I don’t know but I know the world is a better place with you in it. Happy birthday.”
Another joke came from comedianSarah Silverman. “Man, you’re still like, super hot,” she said in the happy birthday message. “I don’t mean to objectify you, I know that’s not what it’s about. Especially in this day and age, but you are. Actually, one of my best friend’s has you as his hall pass. Did I tell you that?”
Others included in the montage wereBette Midler,Liam Neeson,Jay Leno,Christopher Meloniand theLaw & Ordercast.
Behar later responded to the clip, telling the audience, “You know, this is what 80 looks like, okay!Gloria Steinemfamously said ‘This is what 40 looks like,’ so I’m following Gloria. Last week, Judy Tenuta died — she was a wonderful, hilarious comedian. 72 years old, she had ovarian [cancer]. Bless her heart. So it’s a privilege to be here.”
In addition, Behar received a birthday gift fromDexteractorJohn Lithgow: a poem.
“Joy BeharThat morning show queenHas constantly lit up the sceneHer spirits at 80 are joyful, not weightyYou’d think that she was only 13.”
Lithgow also haded Behar a sketch of herself. “The reason it’s not accurate is I had 12 minutes to paint it. I did it last night between the rehearsal and a performance of a Rudy Giuliani sketch on the Colbert show,” he said.
“We will have plenty of celebrating when she gets back here next week,” Goldberg, 66, said. “But you know we had to say it because you know she hates it when we do.”
New co-hostAna Navarrochimed in to add: “So let’s say it in two languages: feliz cumpleaños.”
RELATED VIDEO: Joy Behar Gives PEOPLE a Tour of Her Home, Including Her ‘Woman Cave’
Ahead of her 80th birthday, Behar — who is one of the founding members ofThe View— reassured PEOPLE that she wouldn’t be leavingThe Viewanytime soon.
“I just signed a contract so I’ll be here for a while,” she said. “I have no plans to retire.”
“It’s really, you know, something that is an important show in many ways,” Behar continued. “Sometimes I don’t believe that, as I’ve been here since the beginning, but we’re the most-watched show in daytime. Most-watched!”
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The Viewairs weekdays on ABC (check local listings).
source: people.com
