Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2024.

Whoopi Goldberg marked her 69th birthday on Tuesday’s episode of The View, but the mood turned more serious when the longtime co-host hinted that retirement may be on her mind—despite a reported net worth of $60 million.

During a segment of the popular daytime talk show, Goldberg chimed in on the topic of financial pressures and election fallout, making it clear that—even with decades of Hollywood success under her belt—she sees herself as a working-class American.

“If I had all the money in the world, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Goldberg said during a tense discussion with her fellow co-hosts, referencing the burdens everyday Americans face. “I’m still on the job because I have to—just like everyone else.”

Goldberg, who has been a fixture on The View since 2007 and reportedly earns $8 million annually from the show, emphasized that financial responsibilities still weigh heavily on her. “My daughter’s got mouths to feed. My great-granddaughter’s family needs support. I know how hard it is,” she stated.

While speaking about Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent social media push to engage voters, Goldberg praised the congresswoman but warned against letting isolated issues jeopardize the safety and well-being of the majority. “We talk to folks every day about what’s bothering them,” she said. “But the thing upsetting some people shouldn’t be the reason 85% of others are put in danger.”

Though her comments were framed as a show of empathy for the average American, many viewers weren’t buying it.

Social media lit up with reactions questioning Goldberg’s attempt to identify as financially strapped. “She owns multiple properties, rakes in millions every year, and we’re supposed to believe she’s living paycheck to paycheck?” one X user asked.

Another posted sarcastically, “Whoopi Goldberg struggles to get by on $8 million a year while owning homes in New Jersey, New York, and even Sardinia. Must be tough out there.”

A third critic wrote, “She says she’s ‘a working person.’ Must be hard watching inflation hit your $60 million net worth.”

Goldberg’s comments arrive on the heels of a broader trend in daytime television, where several long-standing hosts have recently stepped back from the spotlight. NBC’s Hoda Kotb, for instance, revealed in September that she’ll be leaving Today at the end of 2024 to focus on raising her young daughters.

As Joy Behar continues hosting The View into her 80s, it’s unclear whether Goldberg will follow suit—or finally call it quits. But judging by her remarks this week, retirement may not be entirely off the table.

The question is: will viewers sympathize with Goldberg’s claims of financial hardship—or see them as yet another Hollywood disconnect from the realities everyday Americans actually face?

Sources: TV Insider