Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Paycheck Is Her Favorite Part of Hosting ABCs The View

On the "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer" podcast, 70‑year‑old EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg told listeners that the highlight of her almost twenty‑year tenure on ABC’s daytime staple "The View" isn’t the debate or the guests, but the paycheck.

Goldberg laughed when Palmer asked how large the check might be. "Trust me. You can’t. You would be shocked," she said, adding, "I love the check." The actress explained that the money keeps her coming back to the show, a sentiment she shared after a brief recap of the panel’s impressive guest list, which has included four U.S. presidents.

According to industry reports, Goldberg’s annual salary from "The View" is estimated between $6 million and $8 million. The Celebrity Net Worth website lists her overall net worth at roughly $20 million, a figure that reflects earnings from television, film, and stage work.

Goldberg’s career began on the stage with a series of one‑woman shows that earned her a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. She transitioned to film in the early 1990s, starring in "Sister Act" (1992) and its sequel, and earning a Golden Globe for her role in "The Color Purple" (1985). Her Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress came in 1990 for "Ghost." In addition to her screen work, she has appeared on Broadway and in television series such as "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

"The View" launched in 1997 as a multi‑generational panel that discusses current events and interviews high‑profile guests. The show has been hosted by a rotating cast of women, with Goldberg joining the lineup in 2007. Over its 29th season, the program remains one of the most‑watched daytime shows in the United States.

Goldberg’s salary is among the highest for daytime talk‑show hosts. Variety reported in 2016 that the show’s top panelists earned between $5 million and $6 million annually, a figure that has increased in recent years. The industry has noted that the show’s longevity and high‑profile guests justify the premium compensation.

The podcast interview also highlighted Goldberg’s sense of humor about her earnings. When Palmer asked if the check would surprise her, Goldberg laughed and said, "As soon as they’d show you that check, you’d be like, ‘What the…?’" Palmer responded with admiration, noting that the amount would be incredible.

The conversation underscored the financial stability that long‑running daytime hosts can achieve. While the show’s production costs and advertising revenue are substantial, the network’s investment in a seasoned host like Goldberg pays off in ratings and audience loyalty.

Goldberg continues to host "The View" and remains a prominent figure in entertainment. Her salary, while undisclosed in a formal contract, is publicly estimated by industry analysts and entertainment‑news outlets. The show’s producers have not released a statement confirming the exact figure.

In summary, Whoopi Goldberg confirmed that her favorite part of hosting "The View" is the paycheck, and that the amount is likely to surprise listeners. Her annual earnings are estimated at $6 million to $8 million, placing her among the highest‑paid daytime television personalities. The actress’s long‑standing career in film, television, and theater, combined with her role on the popular talk show, continues to secure her financial success and influence in the entertainment industry.