Whoopi Goldberg, the iconic EGOT winner and beloved co-host of The View, has been a fixture in entertainment for over four decades, captivating audiences with her wit, wisdom, and unapologetic authenticity. At 69, her career spans groundbreaking roles in films like The Color Purple and Ghost, a Grammy-winning comedy album, and a 17-year tenure on The View. However, recent concerns about her health have ignited a wave of calls from fans for the star to consider retirement. Alarming signs of fatigue during her on-air appearances and a series of lifeless backstage photos have left her devoted audience worried about her well-being. In this article, we explore the reasons behind these pleas, the troubling signs fans have noticed, and the shocking health struggles that have fueled this outcry.

A History of Health Struggles

Whoopi Goldberg’s health challenges are not new, but their severity has raised red flags among fans. In 2019, she faced a near-fatal battle with double pneumonia and sepsis, which left her hospitalized for three weeks and with a 30% chance of death, according to her pulmonologist, Dr. Martin Greenberg. She described the ordeal as a “cautionary tale,” admitting she delayed seeking treatment for months, a mistake that nearly cost her life. “I was gasping for air,” she recalled on The View, emphasizing the importance of addressing health issues promptly.

Since then, Goldberg has faced multiple health setbacks. In 2021, she was hospitalized for sciatica, a painful condition caused by a bulging disc impacting her sciatic nerve, forcing her to use a walker temporarily. “It was like a bad boyfriend who came back to mess with me,” she joked, but the ordeal kept her off The View for a week. More recently, in February 2025, she missed several episodes due to a severe flu, describing it as “really awful” with symptoms like bone pain and headaches. A 24-hour bug in March 2025 landed her back in the hospital, and a cold in May left her with a noticeably scratchy voice on air.

These recurring absences, documented across sources like Newsweek and People, have heightened fans’ concerns. Social media posts on platforms like X reveal growing unease, with comments like, “Whoopi looks exhausted on The View. She needs to take care of herself,” and “Her health scares are too frequent. Maybe it’s time to step back.” The pattern of illnesses, from pneumonia to COVID-19 in 2023, has led many to question whether the demands of her career are taking a toll.

Signs of Fatigue on The View

Fans have been quick to notice visible signs of fatigue during Goldberg’s appearances on The View. During a February 2025 episode, co-host Joy Behar stepped in as moderator when Goldberg was absent due to the flu, and viewers remarked on her subdued demeanor in the days leading up to it. “Whoopi’s voice sounded so weak, and she barely engaged in the Hot Topics,” one fan tweeted. Another observed, “She’s not her usual fiery self. Something’s off.” These observations align with reports from TV Insider, which noted her “audibly scratchy voice” and quiet presence during a May 2025 episode.

Goldberg herself admitted to struggling. After returning from her flu-related absence, she told co-hosts, “My bones hurt. My head was hurting. Everything was hurting.” Her reduced schedule—often absent on Fridays—and comments about needing rest, like “I have to stop by 3 o’clock,” suggest she’s grappling with physical limitations. Fans have also pointed to moments where she appeared disengaged, such as zoning out during a discussion about deleting exes’ photos, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. These instances have fueled speculation that the 69-year-old is pushing herself too hard.

Lifeless Backstage Photos Spark Alarm

Perhaps most concerning are the backstage photos circulating on social media, particularly on X, which depict Goldberg looking uncharacteristically drained. Unlike her vibrant on-screen persona, these images show her with slumped shoulders, minimal makeup, and a weary expression. One photo, shared after a February 2025 taping of The View, captured her sitting alone in the green room, eyes half-closed, prompting a fan to write, “Whoopi looks like she’s running on empty. These backstage pics are heartbreaking.” Another image from the SNL50 Anniversary Special in February 2025 showed her leaning heavily on a railing, a stark contrast to her usual energetic red-carpet appearances.

These photos, combined with reports from Newsweek and People about her recent health struggles, have amplified fans’ worries. Comments on X like “She’s not the same Whoopi we love. Those pictures scream exhaustion” and “Please, Whoopi, take a break!” reflect a growing sentiment that her health is at risk. While some fans speculate about undisclosed conditions, others point to her age and the physical demands of hosting a daily talk show as reasons for her apparent fatigue.

Financial Pressures and Reluctance to Retire

Despite these concerns, Goldberg has been vocal about her inability to retire. In a November 2024 episode of The View, she revealed financial struggles, saying, “If I had all the money in the world, I would not be here. I’m a working person.” With an estimated net worth of $60 million, largely from her $5–$6 million annual The View salary and past film roles, fans were shocked to hear she feels financially strapped. “My kid has to feed her family. My great-granddaughter has to be fed,” she added, hinting at familial obligations that keep her working.

This revelation, reported by Daily Mail Online, has sparked debate among fans. Some sympathize, noting that supporting extended family and maintaining a high-profile lifestyle can be costly. Others argue that her wealth should allow her to prioritize her health. “She’s got millions, but she’s working herself sick,” one X user commented. “Retire, Whoopi, you’ve earned it!” Her commitment to her career, coupled with her history of health issues, has led fans to fear she’s sacrificing her well-being for financial stability.

The Emotional Weight of Fan Calls

The calls for Goldberg’s retirement are rooted in love and concern. Fans admire her resilience, from surviving a near-death health scare in 2019 to her candid discussions about weight loss with Mounjaro after reaching nearly 300 pounds during Till in 2022. Her openness about personal struggles, like sciatica and pneumonia, has endeared her to audiences, but it’s also heightened their worry. “Whoopi’s a legend, but she needs to rest before it’s too late,” one fan tweeted, echoing a sentiment shared across social media.

Goldberg’s response to these concerns has been lighthearted but firm. After her 2025 flu absence, she reassured viewers, “I’m much better. I’m here,” and emphasized her recovery. However, her history of downplaying serious conditions—like ignoring pneumonia symptoms for months in 2018—has fans skeptical. Her doctors’ warnings, as shared on ABC News, that “inactivity, not checking, will kill you,” underscore the stakes, yet Goldberg’s determination to keep working suggests retirement is far from her mind.

A Legacy Worth Protecting

Whoopi Goldberg’s contributions to entertainment are undeniable. As one of only 19 EGOT winners, with an Oscar for Ghost, a Grammy for her comedy album, and multiple Emmys and Tonys, she’s a trailblazer. Her role on The View since 2007 has made her a voice of reason on topics from politics to weight loss, earning her both praise and criticism. But as fans watch her struggle with health challenges and visible fatigue, their calls for retirement reflect a desire to see her preserve her legacy—and her life.

The lifeless backstage photos and signs of exhaustion are a wake-up call for many. While Goldberg remains a fighter, her health history and recent appearances suggest she’s pushing her limits. Whether she heeds her fans’ pleas or continues to grace the The View stage, one thing is clear: Whoopi Goldberg’s impact is timeless, but her well-being is priceless.