Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, is a celebrated comedian, actress, writer, and television co-host. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Behar’s estimated net worth in 2024 stands at $30 million. Her annual salary of $7 million as a co-host on ABC’s The View further underscores her immense success in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Joy Behar grew up as the only child in a working-class Roman Catholic Italian household. Raised in Brooklyn, she witnessed the value of hard work and perseverance early on. After graduating from high school, Behar pursued higher education at Queens College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1964. She furthered her education with a Master’s in English Education from Stony Brook University in 1966.
Before venturing into entertainment, Behar worked as a high school English teacher in New York. During her teaching years, she explored her passion for acting and comedy, setting the stage for a transformative career.
Comedy and Entertainment Breakthrough
Behar began her journey in comedy during the 1980s, performing at various New York comedy clubs. Her sharp wit and unique style quickly caught attention. By 1988, she had become a regular on NBC’s Baby Boom. Behar also hosted her own talk show, Way Off Broadway, showcasing her comedic prowess and talent for engaging audiences.
Her television appearances expanded in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including roles in movies like Cookie (1989), This is My Life (1992), and Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). She also featured in HBO comedy specials, solidifying her reputation as a versatile entertainer.
The View: A Career-Defining Role
Joy Behar’s career reached new heights in 1997 when she became one of the original co-hosts of The View. The daytime talk show, created by Barbara Walters, provided Behar with a platform to showcase her wit, humor, and outspoken personality. Known for her liberal political views and sharp commentary, Behar became a fan favorite.
Her contributions to The View earned her and her co-hosts a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 2009. Although she briefly left the show in 2013 to focus on stand-up comedy and playwriting, she returned in 2015 as a regular co-host. Her enduring presence on the show continues to be a significant part of her career.
Writing and Other Ventures
In addition to her work on television, Joy Behar is a published author. Her books, including Joy Shtick and The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World, reflect her humor and unique perspective on social and political issues. Her writing further highlights her ability to connect with audiences beyond the screen.
Behar’s hosting credits also include The Joy Behar Show on HLN, which ran for two years, and other shows like Joy Behar: Say Anything! on Current TV and Late Night Joy on TLC. Her theater credits, including performances in The Vagina Monologues and Love, Loss and What I Wore, showcase her range as a performer.
Personal Life and Relationships
Joy Behar’s personal life reflects her independent and progressive spirit. She married university professor Joe Behar in 1965, and the couple had one child together before divorcing in 1981. Joy retained her ex-husband’s last name and full custody of their child. Later, she began a long-term relationship with Steve Janowitz, whom she married in 2011.
Behar is known for her outspoken support of the Democratic Party and her advocacy for various social causes, adding another layer to her public persona.
Real Estate Investments
Joy Behar’s financial acumen extends to her real estate ventures. In 2016, she sold her East Hampton home for $3.2 million after initially listing it for $3.8 million. Shortly after, she purchased a $4.75 million property in Sag Harbor, New York, which she listed for sale in November 2024 at an impressive $10.95 million.
In 2017, Behar invested $2.4 million in a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City. After renovations, she sold the property in 2018 for $3.28 million, showcasing her ability to make profitable real estate decisions.
Legacy and Influence
At 81 years old, Joy Behar remains a formidable presence in the entertainment industry. Her $30 million net worth reflects her decades of hard work, talent, and strategic choices. Beyond her financial success, Behar’s contributions to comedy, television, and social discourse have left an indelible mark on American culture.
Her sharp wit, fearless commentary, and ability to engage audiences have solidified her legacy as one of the most iconic figures in daytime television. As she continues to entertain and inspire, Joy Behar’s journey serves as a testament to the power of persistence, talent, and staying true to oneself.
Conclusion
Joy Behar’s remarkable career, from teaching high school English to becoming a celebrated comedian and co-host of The View, is a story of resilience and reinvention. With a net worth of $30 million, an enduring presence on television, and a legacy of laughter and insight, Behar continues to shine as a trailblazer in the world of entertainment.