Joy Behar Net Worth, Age, Wealth, Life, and Success

Joy Behar, at 82 years old, is a well-known comedian, actress, and television host with a long-standing career in the entertainment industry. Born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, she has amassed a net worth of $30 million. Behar is married to Steve Janowitz, whom she wed in 2011, and she has one daughter from her previous marriage to Joe Behar. Her current role as co-host on The View brings in a substantial salary of $7 million annually. Behar’s decades-long career spans comedy, television, and writing, making her an influential voice in American media.

Early Life

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joy Behar grew up in a Roman Catholic Italian household. Her parents, Rose and Gino Occhiuto, were working-class citizens who instilled a strong work ethic in her from a young age. Behar attended Queens College, where she earned a B.A. in sociology in 1964. She continued her education at Stony Brook University, receiving a master’s degree in English education in 1966. After completing her studies, Behar worked as a high school English teacher for several years before making the bold decision to pursue a career in entertainment.

Comedy Start

In the 1980s, Joy Behar began performing stand-up comedy, marking the start of her journey in show business. She performed in various comedy clubs in New York, building her reputation with her quick wit and political humor. Her comedic talents soon led to appearances on popular television programs, including Baby Boom and Live From Queens. It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of larger networks, and in 1987, she landed her own talk show titled Way Off Broadway, further showcasing her abilities as both a comedian and a host.

Television Breakthrough

While Behar was steadily gaining recognition, her big break came in 1997 when she joined The View as a regular panelist. This daily talk show, known for its lively discussions on current events, politics, and pop culture, became a major platform for Behar’s voice. Over time, she established herself as a permanent co-host, becoming one of the most outspoken and politically active members of the panel.

Her time on The View earned her critical acclaim and recognition, culminating in a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009, which she won alongside her co-hosts. Despite briefly leaving the show in 2013 to focus on her stand-up comedy and writing, she returned in 2015, much to the delight of her fans.

Other Ventures

Apart from The View, Joy Behar has hosted several other television shows across different networks. Notably, she was a frequent guest host on Larry King Live, which further solidified her role as a trusted voice in American media. In 2009, Behar was given her own show on CNN called The Joy Behar Show, which aired for two years. She later hosted Joy Behar: Say Anything! on Current TV and Late Night Joy on TLC.

Behar’s versatility extends beyond television. She has appeared in several films, including Manhattan Murder Mystery and This is My Life. Additionally, she has performed in successful theatrical productions, such as The Vagina Monologues and Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

Real Estate Investments

Joy Behar has also demonstrated a keen eye for real estate investments. In 2016, she made headlines when she sold her East Hampton home for $3.8 million, only to purchase another nearby property for $4.75 million. This investment proved to be a savvy move as the new home offered increased privacy and luxury. Behar also made notable real estate transactions in New York City. In 2017, she bought a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side for $2.4 million and sold it in 2018 for $3.28 million, netting a considerable profit.

Personal Life

Joy Behar has had two significant relationships in her life. She was first married to Joe Behar, a university professor, in 1965. They had one child, Eve Behar, during their 14-year marriage, before divorcing in 1981. Joy retained Joe’s last name after their split. In 2011, after nearly three decades of dating, Joy married Steve Janowitz, a retired school teacher. The couple continues to enjoy a private yet happy marriage, with Behar frequently sharing anecdotes about their life together on The View.

Behar is also known for her unwavering political views, particularly her support for the Democratic Party. Over the years, she has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes, often using her platform to speak out on social justice issues and political controversies. Her outspokenness has made her both a beloved and controversial figure in the world of American media.

Lasting Influence

Joy Behar’s influence extends far beyond her role on television. Her work as a comedian, actress, and writer has cemented her as a cultural icon. She continues to be a formidable force on The View, where her sharp commentary and humor resonate with millions of viewers. As she approaches the later stages of her career, Behar shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences with her trademark wit and bold political views.

Joy Behar’s net worth of $30 million is a testament to her success in multiple arenas of entertainment. Whether through comedy, television, or real estate, Behar has proven herself to be a savvy businesswoman with an enduring legacy in American media.