Joy Behar Net Worth, Career Highlights, and Real Estate Ventures

Joy Behar is an American comedian, writer, actress, and co-host who has a net worth of $30 million. Joy Behar rose to prominence as one of the original co-hosts of ABC’s “The View” when it premiered in 1997. Before her television career, she worked as a high school English teacher in New York while pursuing stand-up comedy in the 1980s.

Who is Joy Behar?

Joy Behar (born October 7, 1942) is an American comedian, actress, writer, and television host, best known as a longtime co-host on the popular daytime talk show, “The View.” With her sharp wit, humor, and outspoken personality, Behar has been a significant voice in television for decades, blending entertainment and socio-political commentary.

Joy Behar Early Life

Josephine Victoria Occhiuto was born on October 7th, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. Josephine was raised as the only child of working-class parents in a Roman Catholic Italian household. After graduating from university, Joy attended Queens College. In 1964, she graduated with a B.A. in sociology before earning an MA in English Education from Stony Brook University in 1966. During the next few years, Joy taught high school English and studied acting in her free time.

Joy Behar Career

By the 1980s, Joy Behar had started to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She started off with production credits on Good Morning America before establishing herself as a stand-up comedian. After performing in various comedy clubs throughout the 1980s, TV appearances soon followed on shows like Baby Boom and Live From Queens. She eventually hosted her own talk show called Way Off Broadway. In the 80s and 90s, Behar also started booking film roles in movies such as Cookie, This is My Life, and Manhattan Murder Mystery, as well as making appearances in HBO comedy specials. 

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Joy Behar From Stand-Up Comedy to TV Stardom

Joy began pursuing stand-up comedy in the 1980s, performing in clubs across New York City while also working behind the scenes on Good Morning America. Her comedic talent quickly gained attention, leading to appearances on shows like Baby Boom and Live From Queens. She also hosted her own talk show, Way Off Broadway, during this time.

Her film career saw her appearing in movies such as Cookie, This Is My Life, and Manhattan Murder Mystery. However, Joy’s true breakthrough came in 1997 when she joined the original panel of The View, ABC’s groundbreaking daytime talk show created by Barbara Walters. Joy’s sharp wit, political insights, and no-holds-barred opinions quickly made her a fan favorite.

Joy Behar Personal Life

Joy Behar’s personal life has been as dynamic as her career. In 1965, she married Joe Behar, a university professor, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Eve Behar, during their 14-year marriage. Although they divorced in 1981, Joy retained Joe’s last name. After her divorce, Joy found love again with Steve Janowitz. The couple dated for over two decades before tying the knot in 2011. Joy has often joked about their long courtship, proving her humor extends to every facet of her life.

Joy Behar Real Estate Ventures

Joy Behar has also made savvy investments in real estate. In 2016, she sold her East Hampton home for $3.2 million and later purchased a stunning property in Sag Harbor, New York, for $4.75 million. She listed the Sag Harbor home for sale in November 2024, with an asking price of $10.95 million, reflecting the appreciation of her investment.

In 2017, Joy purchased a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for $2.4 million. She sold the renovated apartment in 2018 for $3.28 million, further demonstrating her knack for profitable real estate transactions.

Joy Behar Awards and Legacy

Throughout her career, Joy has received numerous accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009 for Outstanding Talk Show Host alongside her co-hosts on The View. Her impact on daytime television is undeniable, with her candid discussions and humor making her a standout in a competitive field.

Joy’s contributions extend beyond entertainment. As a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party, she’s used her platform to advocate for political causes, ensuring her influence resonates both on and off the screen.

FAQs

What is Joy Behar’s net worth?
Joy Behar has an estimated net worth of $30 million, primarily earned through her successful career in television, comedy, acting, and real estate investments.

How did Joy Behar become famous?
Joy Behar rose to fame as one of the original co-hosts of ABC’s daytime talk show “The View”, which premiered in 1997. Her sharp humor, candid opinions, and insightful commentary quickly made her a fan favorite.

What did Joy Behar do before her television career?
Before pursuing a career in entertainment, Joy Behar was a high school English teacher in New York. She later transitioned to comedy and acting, performing in stand-up clubs and securing minor TV and film roles.

Who is Joy Behar married to?
Joy Behar is married to Steve Janowitz, whom she wed in 2011 after over two decades of dating. She was previously married to Joe Behar, with whom she shares a daughter, Eve Behar.

Conclusion

Joy Behar is a dynamic and influential figure in entertainment, celebrated for her sharp humor, candid opinions, and resilience in a competitive industry. With a career spanning stand-up comedy, acting, and hosting, she has carved out a lasting legacy, particularly as a co-host of “The View.” Beyond her professional success, Joy’s personal life reflects her enduring wit and grounded personality, making her relatable to audiences worldwide.

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