Joy Behar Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Joy Behar

Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, is a distinguished American comedian, television host, actress, and playwright renowned for her sharp wit and outspoken personality. She is best known as one of the original and longest-serving co-hosts of ABC’s daytime talk show, The View, which she joined at its inception in 1997. Behar’s career journey began in the early 1980s in stand-up comedy, leading to various television appearances and her own talk shows before her prominent role on The View. Her unapologetic liberal political views and candid commentary have solidified her status as a cultural icon in American media.

Joy Behar Overview

Early Life and Education of Joy Behar

Joy Behar, originally named Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, was born on October 7, 1942, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. She was the only child in a Roman Catholic family of Italian descent, with her family hailing from Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte, Calabria, Italy. Her mother, Rosa Diane “Rose” Occhiuto, worked as a seamstress, and her father, Louis Ferdinand “Gino” Occhiuto, was a truck driver for Coca-Cola. Behar enjoyed a joyful childhood and, even at the age of two, displayed a natural flair for comedy.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Queens College, which she earned in 1964. She further pursued her education, obtaining a Master of Arts in English education from Stony Brook University (formerly SUNY at Stony Brook) in 1966. Following her graduate studies, Behar embarked on a career as an English teacher, teaching at Lindenhurst Senior High School on Long Island from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. During this period, she also studied acting at the H.B. Studio, indicating an early interest in performance.

Joy Behar’s Career

Joy Behar’s career trajectory is marked by a significant shift from education to entertainment, ultimately establishing her as a prominent figure in American television. Her foray into show business began in the early 1980s, driven by a life-altering experience: an ectopic pregnancy in 1979 led her to quit her teaching job and pursue her passion for comedy. She initially worked as a receptionist and later as a producer for ABC’s Good Morning America, hoping to be discovered.

Stand-Up Comedy and Early Television

Behar honed her comedic skills as a stand-up comedian, performing in renowned New York City comedy clubs such as Carolines and Catch a Rising Star, where her performances garnered positive reviews. In 1987, she hosted her own variety talk show on Lifetime Television titled Way Off Broadway, which featured Larry David as a writer and performer. She also hosted Live from Queens and was a regular on NBC’s sitcom Baby Boom in 1988. Her early film roles included appearances in Cookie, Nora Ephron’s This Is My Life (1992), and Woody Allen‘s Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993/1994). During this period, Behar also hosted a popular call-in radio show on WABC, where she discussed politics with a humorous bent.

The View and Talk Show Hosting

Behar’s breakthrough came in 1997 when she became one of the original panelists of the ABC daytime talk show The View, co-created by Barbara Walters. Initially, she appeared on days when Walters was absent but quickly became a permanent co-host. Her role on The View solidified her public image, known for her sharp wit, liberal viewpoints, and outspoken personality. She occasionally hosted “Joy’s Comedy Corner,” a segment showcasing established and emerging comedians. Behar briefly departed from The View in 2013 to focus on other projects, including stand-up and playwriting, but returned as a regular co-host in September 2015, a position she continues to hold.

In addition to The View, Behar has hosted several other talk shows. From 2009 to 2011, she hosted The Joy Behar Show on HLN, a news-based talk program. She then launched Joy Behar: Say Anything! on Current TV in 2012, which concluded when the channel changed formats in August 2013. In 2015, she hosted a weekly late-night talk show, Late Night Joy, on TLC, which aired for five episodes.

Other Works and Achievements

Beyond her television career, Behar is an accomplished actress and writer. She has appeared in stage productions like Nicky Silver’s The Food Chain (1995) and The Vagina Monologues (1996), earning rave reviews. She also wrote and performed her one-woman show, Me, My Mouth and I, during her hiatus from The View from 2013 to 2015. As a playwright, her works include Crisis In Queens and the short play Bonkers In The Boroughs. Her new play, My First Ex-Husband, premiered Off-Broadway in New York City in January 2025.

Behar has authored several books, including a collection of humorous essays titled Joy Shtick: Or What Is the Existential Vacuum and Does It Come with Attachments? (1999). She also wrote a children’s book, Sheetzucacapoopoo: My Kind of Dog (2006), and her most recent book, The Great Gasbag: An A–Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World, was released in October 2017. Her diverse career reflects her enduring presence and influence across various entertainment mediums.

Joy Behar Personal Life & Family

Joy Behar’s personal life has seen two marriages and a close-knit family, often subjects of her humorous commentary. Her maiden name is Occhiuto.

Marriages and Relationships

Behar first married college professor Joe Behar in 1965. The couple had one daughter, Eve Behar Scotti, born on November 26, 1970. Their marriage lasted 14 years, ending in divorce in 1981, with Joy retaining custody of their daughter. Joy Behar kept her first husband’s surname for her professional career.

In 1982, Joy Behar began dating Steve Janowitz, a middle school math teacher. Their relationship spanned nearly three decades before they decided to marry. They tied the knot on August 11, 2011, in New York City, after a broken engagement in 2009. Behar has often joked about the length of their courtship, stating she “only married Steve because I got tired of waiting for Wolf Blitzer to ask me”. Janowitz seamlessly embraced his role as a stepfather to Eve. Behar frequently speaks about her husband on The View and in her comedy, highlighting his quiet and private nature, and his unwavering support, even acting as a “tech guru” during virtual tapings.

Children and Grandchildren

Joy and Joe Behar’s daughter, Eve Behar Scotti, worked in television production in the 1990s before pursuing a career in ceramic art. She studied in Florence and Canada and now runs her own practice, Eve Behar Ceramics, from her home in The Hamptons. In 2007, Eve married Alphonso Anthony Scotti, and in 2011, they welcomed a son, Luca, making Joy Behar a grandmother. Behar resides in The Hamptons and also owns a home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Beliefs and Lifestyle

Raised in a Roman Catholic family, Joy Behar now identifies as agnostic. She has openly discussed her decision not to impose religion on her daughter, stating she felt she was “brainwashed” by her own religious upbringing. Behar is a staunch Democrat, and her liberal political views are a well-known aspect of her public persona, frequently discussed on The View. She maintains an active lifestyle, balancing her demanding television career with her interests and family life.

Awards and Achievements of Joy Behar

Joy Behar’s extensive career in comedy and television has earned her numerous accolades and recognitions.

Joy Behar Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Joy Behar’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $30 million. Some estimates place her net worth higher, around $50 million, attributing it to a diversified career and savvy investments. Her substantial wealth stems from her long and successful career as a comedian, television host, actress, playwright, and author.

Her primary source of income is her role as a co-host on ABC’s The View, for which she reportedly earns an annual salary of approximately $7 million. Other sources suggest her annual salary from The View is around $8 million. Behar is considered one of the top earners on the show, and her “fat contract” reflects her value to the program and audience appeal. She has humorously attributed her continued presence on the show to “money” and the convenience of living “right close by” the set.

Beyond her television salary, Behar has diversified her earnings through various ventures:

• Books and Publishing: Her books, including Joy Shtick and The Great Gasbag, have contributed to her income and broadened her influence beyond television.
• Stand-up Comedy: She continues to perform as a frequent comedy headliner.
• Acting Roles: Income from her appearances in films and television shows also adds to her net worth.
• Hosting Other Talk Shows: Her past roles as host of The Joy Behar Show on HLN and Joy Behar: Say Anything! on Current TV provided additional income.
• Production Ventures: Behar has ventured into content and off-Broadway theatre production through her own company, Behar Productions, including her play My First Ex-Husband.
• Real Estate Investments: She has made smart real estate moves, owning properties in The Hamptons, valued around $4.75 million, and a Manhattan apartment, valued at roughly $2.4 million, which have diversified her wealth.

Her financial success reflects her talent, hard work, and enduring appeal in the entertainment and media industry.

Legacy and Influence

Joy Behar has established a significant legacy and influence in American media through her long-standing career as a comedian, television host, and outspoken commentator. Her most profound impact comes from her role as one of the original and longest-serving co-hosts of ABC’s The View. On this platform, Behar has been instrumental in shaping national dialogue, offering sharp, often liberal, opinions on politics, social issues, and pop culture. Her ability to deliver “sharp insults, frank opinions, and witty comebacks” has made her a fan favorite and a memorable voice in daytime television.

Behar’s influence extends to her public image as an unapologetic and authentic personality. She is known for “just saying what she says,” which, while sometimes controversial, resonates with an audience that values her candor. Her self-trained comedic style, developed through years of stand-up, showcases her dedication and natural talent. She has inspired many as a “comedic original” and a “leading woman both on stage and screen”.

Beyond her on-screen presence, Behar has contributed to the arts as a playwright and author, with works spanning humorous essays, children’s books, and political commentary. Her consistent presence and willingness to engage in lively, no-holds-barred conversations have solidified The View‘s position as a prominent forum for discussing everyday issues.

Her “enduring friendship with the LGBTQ+ community” has been recognized with multiple GLAAD Media Awards, highlighting her role as an ally and advocate. In 2016, she was inducted into the Brooklyn Walk of Fame at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, honoring her distinguished work in entertainment and media alongside other notable Brooklynites. Behar’s legacy is one of resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to expressing her authentic voice, making her a formidable and enduring figure in the entertainment landscape.

Interesting Facts about Joy Behar

• Name Origin: Joy Behar’s birth name is Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, and she kept her first husband’s surname, Behar, after their divorce.
• Career Change Catalyst: A near-fatal ectopic pregnancy in 1979 prompted Behar to leave her teaching career and pursue her long-held dream of becoming a comedian.
• Self-Taught Comedian: She developed her comedic skills without a mentor, relying on her enthusiasm and natural talent for the genre.
• Late Bloomer: Behar began her career in show business in her late 30s/early 40s, initially working as a receptionist and producer for Good Morning America before gaining prominence as a stand-up comedian.
• Long Courtship: She dated her second husband, Steve Janowitz, for 29 years before they eventually married in 2011.
• Agnostic Beliefs: Despite being raised Roman Catholic, Behar now identifies as agnostic, jokingly stating she lost her faith after attending “the Commie school Queens College”.
• Playwright Debut: Her first full-length play, My First Ex-Husband, premiered Off-Broadway in New York City in January 2025.
• On-Air Persona: Behar has described The View as a “volleyball game,” not a “golf game,” emphasizing the dynamic and sometimes confrontational nature of the discussions.
• Hates Birthday Celebrations: Her co-hosts on The View have noted her aversion to birthday celebrations, often surprising her with them despite her protests. She once avoided a celebration by taking a cruise to Spain.
• Recycling Outfits: For her 80th birthday celebration on The View, Behar wore the same chocolate brown suit she had worn on the show 18 years prior, stating it still “sparks joy”.

Controversies

Throughout her extensive career, particularly during her tenure on The View, Joy Behar has been involved in several controversies due to her outspoken nature and often provocative commentary.

• “Blackface” Incident: In 2016, a photo resurfaced of Behar from the 1970s where she dressed as “a beautiful African woman” for a Halloween party, which was criticized as blackface. While her co-host Whoopi Goldberg defended her, stating it wasn’t blackface in her opinion, the incident led to accusations and debate, including from Donald Trump Jr.. Behar herself stated, “It wasn’t anything close to blackface. For me, it was like, ‘Look at how pretty I can look as a woman dressed like this'”.
• Comments on Mike Pence‘s Faith: In 2018, Behar drew criticism for suggesting that Vice President Mike Pence hearing Jesus speak to him constituted a “mental illness”. This remark sparked significant backlash, with ABC later apologizing for her comments.
• Jokes about LGBTQ+ Topics: Behar has faced scrutiny for jokes perceived as insensitive towards the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, she offered advice for Thanksgiving, telling LGBTQ+ viewers to “just come out” to their families, which many found to minimize the difficulties of coming out. In another instance, she made a lewd joke when Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay.
• Feuds with Co-hosts: Her liberal viewpoints frequently clashed with conservative co-hosts like Meghan Mccain on The View, leading to numerous heated on-air debates.
• Revealing Co-host’s Past Relationship: In October 2024, Behar caused a stir on The View by unexpectedly bringing up a past “lesbian relationship” of co-host Sara Haines in front of Haines’ parents, who were in the audience. The remark garnered significant media attention and criticism for its timing and nature.
• “The View” Cancellation Rumors: In August 2025, Behar’s casual remark about taping the “last episode” before summer hiatus was misinterpreted by conservative circles as a sign of The View‘s cancellation, fueling a backlash from MAGA supporters. The show later clarified that it was not being canceled and announced its Season 29 premiere date, but the incident highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding the program and Behar’s comments.

These incidents reflect Behar’s propensity for direct and sometimes controversial remarks, which have become a defining aspect of her public persona.

Social Media Presence

As of August 2025, Joy Behar maintains a notable presence across various social media platforms, primarily through her association with The View and her public appearances. While specific, consistently updated follower counts for her personal accounts are not readily available in the provided search results, her online presence is largely amplified by the official accounts of The View and other media outlets she is associated with.

Joy Behar does not actively manage a prominent personal social media presence with readily available public follower counts similar to many other celebrities. Her online engagement is more often channeled through the official platforms of The View, where she is a central figure. The show’s official social media accounts (Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube) regularly feature clips, discussions, and promotional content involving Behar, thus extending her digital footprint. Fans and media outlets often share her comments and segments from The View, contributing to her widespread online visibility and discussion.

Final Words about Joy Behar

As of August 2025, Joy Behar continues to be a vibrant and influential force in American television, most notably as one of the enduring co-hosts of ABC’s The View. Despite celebrating her 82nd birthday in October, Behar has publicly stated her lack of plans for retirement, having recently signed a new contract with the show. She remains a fixture in daytime television, celebrated for her sharp wit, unwavering liberal perspective, and willingness to engage in candid and often provocative discussions.

Her legacy is firmly cemented as a pioneering female comedian and a forthright television personality who has consistently challenged norms and sparked important conversations for nearly three decades on The View. Behar’s career journey, from a high school English teacher to a celebrated comedian and talk show host, exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of passion. Her diverse contributions as an author and playwright further demonstrate her artistic breadth.

Looking ahead, Behar’s play, My First Ex-Husband, which premiered Off-Broadway in January 2025, indicates her continued engagement with creative projects beyond television. Her ongoing presence on The View, coupled with her other endeavors, ensures that “Joy Behar biography” will continue to evolve, reflecting her sustained impact on media and culture. She remains a prominent voice, shaping public discourse and entertaining audiences with her distinctive style, making her an undeniable icon in the landscape of American entertainment.