Joy Behar is a famous American comedian, television host, actress, and writer. She is best known as a long-running co-host on the daytime talk show “The View.” Her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions have made her a household name. She brings a unique voice to every conversation.
As of 2026, Joy Behar is 83 years old . She was born on October 7, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York . Her birth name is Josephina Victoria Occhiuto . She stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches tall. She weighs approximately 132 pounds. Her profession spans comedy, television, and playwriting.
Joy Behar started her entertainment career later in life. She began doing stand-up comedy at age 39 after her divorce . Her famous works include “The View” and her own HBO specials. She has written five books and several plays. She is in a long-term relationship with Steve Janowitz. She has one daughter named Eve from her first marriage. Her estimated net worth is $30 million. Her income sources include her “The View” salary, book deals, and live shows.
Joy Behar Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Josephina Victoria Occhiuto |
| Stage Name | Joy Behar |
| Age (2026) | 83 years |
| Birth Date | October 7, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Profession | Comedian, TV Host, Actress, Playwright |
| Career Start | 1981 (Stand-up comedy at age 39) |
| Famous Works | The View, HBO Specials, The Joy Behar Show |
| Books | 5 books (including “The Great Gasbag”) |
| Network | ABC |
| Father | Gino Occhiuto (Truck Driver) |
| Mother | Rose Occhiuto (Seamstress) |
| Marital Status | Divorced / In a Relationship |
| First Husband | Joe Behar (m. 1965, div. 1981) |
| Partner | Steve Janowitz (since 1982) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Eve Behar) |
| Achievements | Daytime Emmy Award, GLAAD Award |
| Net Worth (2026) | $30 million |
| Income Sources | The View Salary, Books, Appearances |
Joy Behar Age and Early Life
Joy Behar was born on October 7, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York . Her birth name is Josephina Victoria Occhiuto . She grew up in a working-class Italian-American family. Her father Gino was a truck driver. Her mother Rose worked as a seamstress . They lived in the Williamsburg neighborhood.
She attended Queens College for her higher education. She earned a degree in English and Education. After college, she became a high school English teacher. She taught at Lindenhurst High School on Long Island . Teaching gave her a stable paycheck. However, she felt creatively unfulfilled.
Her life changed dramatically in 1981. She divorced her first husband, Joe Behar . At 39 years old, she decided to pursue stand-up comedy. This was a very risky career move. She started performing at small clubs in New York City. Her sharp observations about relationships clicked with audiences quickly.
Joy faced many rejections early in her comedy career. She was older than most starting comedians. But she used her life experience as her strength. Her teaching background helped her control a room. She eventually caught the attention of bookers. This led to appearances on late-night television.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1942 |
| Childhood Borough | Brooklyn, NY |
| Family Background | Italian-American, Working Class |
| High School | Local Brooklyn School |
| College | Queens College |
| Degree | English and Education |
| Former Job | High School English Teacher |
| Age at Career Start | 39 years old |
Joy Behar Parents and Siblings
Joy Behar was born to Gino Occhiuto and Rose Occhiuto . Her father worked as a truck driver his entire life. Her mother was a skilled seamstress. They were strict Italian-American parents. They wanted a stable life for their daughter. They did not initially support her comedy dreams.
Her parents were not wealthy by any means. They lived in a modest apartment in Brooklyn. They sacrificed a lot to send Joy to college. Education was the highest priority in their home. They hoped she would remain a teacher forever. The idea of stand-up comedy confused them greatly.
Information about Joy’s siblings is very scarce. She rarely discusses brothers or sisters publicly. It is believed she was raised as an only child. She kept her family life private throughout her career. Her parents passed away many years ago. She honors them in her memoir writings.
Joy often credits her mother’s humor. Her mother had a very sharp tongue. That sarcasm influenced Joy’s comedy style greatly. She says her parents’ marriage taught her many lessons. Those lessons ended up in her stand-up routines. Family remains a core theme in her work.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Gino Occhiuto |
| Father’s Job | Truck Driver |
| Mother Name | Rose Occhiuto |
| Mother’s Job | Seamstress |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Known Siblings | None publicly disclosed |
| Parents’ Status | Deceased |
Joy Behar Husband, Ex-Husband, and Children
Joy Behar has been married once and divorced. She married Joe Behar in January 1965 . He was a college professor by profession. The marriage lasted for about 16 years. They separated and finalized their divorce in 1981. She kept his last name for her professional career.
The divorce was a turning point in her life. She was approaching 40 years old. Instead of despair, she found freedom. She started dating almost immediately. In 1982, she met Steve Janowitz . He was a junior high school math teacher. They have been together for over 40 years now.
Joy and Steve Janowitz are not legally married. They prefer it that way. She jokes that marriage is “just a piece of paper.” They got “officially” together in a commitment ceremony in 2011 . He stays completely out of the Hollywood spotlight. He attends red carpets with her rarely. He is her anchor and best friend.
Joy has one daughter named Eve Behar . Eve is from her first marriage to Joe Behar. Eve was born in the late 1960s. She grew up watching her mom become famous. Eve works behind the scenes in entertainment. She has given Joy two grandchildren. Joy adores spending time with her family.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First Husband | Joe Behar |
| Marriage Year | 1965 |
| Divorce Year | 1981 |
| Current Partner | Steve Janowitz |
| Together Since | 1982 |
| Commitment Ceremony | 2011 |
| Daughter Name | Eve Behar |
| Number of Children | 1 |
Joy Behar Body Measurements and Physical Appearance
Joy Behar has a warm and relatable physical presence. Her height is 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) . This is average height for American women. She maintains a healthy weight of 132 pounds (60 kg). Her body type is average and natural. She does not believe in extreme dieting.
Her body measurements are 38-31-41 inches . Her bra size is 34D. Her bust size is 38 inches. Her waist size measures 31 inches. Her hip size is 41 inches. She has a curvy and natural figure. She wears a dress size 6 (US). Her shoe size is 8 (US).
Joy has brown hair and brown eyes . She styles her hair in a signature bob often. She wears glasses frequently for reading. At 83, she looks remarkably younger. She credits this to Botox and filler treatments . She has never had a surgical facelift. She is very open about her cosmetic choices.
Joy promotes body positivity for older women. She refuses to be photoshopped unrealistically. She dresses for comfort and confidence. Her style is colorful and bold on “The View.” She wears a lot of jackets and statement jewelry. Her appearance matches her loud personality perfectly.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 38-31-41 inches |
| Bra Size | 34D |
| Bust Size | 38 inches |
| Waist Size | 31 inches |
| Hip Size | 41 inches |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Cosmetic Procedures | Botox and Filler (No Facelift) |
Joy Behar Before Fame
Before fame, Joy Behar was a frustrated high school teacher. She taught English at Lindenhurst High School. The students liked her because she was funny. However, she felt trapped in the system. She would write comedy bits in her lesson plans. She dreamed of the stage every single day.
At night, she would go to open mic nights. She was often the oldest person in the room. The younger comedians didn’t take her seriously. She faced rejection from club owners regularly. But she refused to give up. She used her divorce as fuel for her material.
Her big break came slowly. She started getting small gigs at The Improv. A talent scout saw her unique voice. She landed her first HBO Special in the 1980s . This special put her on the national map. She then became a regular on “The Tonight Show.” David Letterman also booked her frequently.
She was almost 50 years old when “The View” started. Most people retire at that age. Joy was just getting started. Her late start taught her resilience. She didn’t have the ego of a young star. She worked harder because she started later. Her “before fame” story inspires many older dreamers.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Pre-Fame Job | High School English Teacher |
| School Name | Lindenhurst High School |
| First Open Mic | New York City Clubs |
| Age at First HBO Special | 40s |
| Late Night Debut | The Tonight Show |
| Age at The View Debut | 54 years old |
Joy Behar Career
Joy Behar’s career skyrocketed in the 1990s. She became a sought-after guest on talk shows. Her stand-up specials on HBO were critically acclaimed . She also acted in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” She proved she could act as well as tell jokes. Her career was finally booming.
In 1997, she joined the original cast of “The View.” The show was created by Barbara Walters. Joy brought the comedy relief to the panel. She stayed for 16 years initially . She left in 2013 but quickly got bored. She returned to the show in 2015. She has been there ever since.
Beyond “The View,” she hosted her own shows. She had “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN. She also hosted “Say Anything” on Current TV . She had a successful radio show on WABC. Her voice is recognizable across all media platforms. She is a true multimedia personality.
Joy is also a successful playwright. She wrote “Crisis in Queens” and “Bonkers in the Boroughs” . Her latest play, “My First Ex-Husband,” toured in 2025. She wrote five books, including two for children. Her book “The Great Gasbag” was a bestseller. She continues to write and perform daily.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Breakthrough Show | The View (1997) |
| Years on The View | 1997-2013, 2015-Present |
| Daytime Emmy Win | 2009 (Outstanding Talk Show Host) |
| Other Hosting Gigs | HLN, Current TV, WABC Radio |
| Playwright Credits | Crisis in Queens, My First Ex-Husband |
| Total Books Written | 5 |
| Film Appearance | Manhattan Murder Mystery |
Joy Behar Social Media Presence
Joy Behar is not a massive fan of social media. She finds it exhausting and invasive. She does not have a personal public Instagram account. She does not post daily selfies like younger hosts. However, she is active on Twitter (X) occasionally. Her tweets are usually political commentary.
“The View” handles most of her online promotion. The official show account tags her frequently. She appears in clips that go viral weekly. Her angry rants or funny one-liners spread fast. She reads comments about herself sometimes. But she rarely responds to fans directly.
Her Facebook page is run by her assistants. It posts clips of her TV appearances. She uses social media as a tool, not a hobby. She prefers face-to-face conversation. She thinks social media creates too much drama. This attitude is rare among TV personalities.
Despite her low activity, her influence is high. Clips of Joy get millions of views on YouTube. The comment sections are always active. She is a favorite subject for pop culture pages. Her “hot takes” drive the news cycle often. She doesn’t need to tweet to stay relevant.
| Platform | Activity Level | Handle (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter (X) | Occasional | @JoyVBehar |
| None (Personal) | N/A | |
| Managed by Team | Joy Behar | |
| YouTube | Viral Clips Only | N/A |
| Content Style | Political & Humorous | Satirical |
| Personal Posting | Very Rare | Reluctant User |
Joy Behar Net Worth and Salary
Joy Behar has a net worth of $30 million as of 2026 . She built this wealth over 40 years in entertainment. Her primary income is her salary from “The View.” She reportedly earns $7 million per year for her role . This makes her one of the highest-paid co-hosts.
Her salary increased dramatically over time. When she started in 1997, she was paid less. After returning in 2015, she negotiated a raise. Her contract is renewed every few years. ABC values her contribution to the ratings. She brings a loyal audience demographic.
Joy also makes money from book deals. Her political book sold very well. She gets paid for stand-up tours and speaking engagements. She has royalties from her HBO specials. She also earns from reruns of her old shows. Her income streams are well diversified.
She owns impressive real estate properties. She has a $7 million home in Sag Harbor . She also owns an apartment near the ABC studios. She bought that for $2.4 million in 2017. She previously owned a second Hamptons home. She transferred that property to her daughter Eve.
| Income Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| The View Salary | $7 million/year |
| Book Deals | $500k+ per book |
| Real Estate Value | $10M+ Portfolio |
| Stand-up & Speaking | Variable |
| Total Net Worth | $30 million |
| Primary Residence | Sag Harbor, NY |
| City Apartment | Upper West Side, NYC |
Joy Behar Legacy and Impact
Joy Behar changed how women talk on television. Before her, female hosts were polite. Joy brought aggressive, loud comedy to daytime. She proved you can be funny and political. She gave permission to women to be angry on air. Her impact on cable news commentary is huge.
She is a hero to the LGBTQ+ community. She won a GLAAD Award for her friendship and support . She spoke out for gay rights before it was popular. She never backed down from conservative bullies. Her advocacy is authentic and lifelong. She considers it her moral duty.
As a playwright, she keeps theater alive. She writes about aging and relationships. Her play “My First Ex-Husband” resonates with older women. She proves that seniors have vibrant stories. She is a role model for late bloomers. You don’t have to peak in your 20s.
Joy’s legacy is one of resilience and wit. She turned a mid-life crisis into a career. She remains sharp at 83 years old. She refuses to retire quietly. She will likely die on stage or on set. That is the mark of a true performer. Her impact will be felt for decades.
| Aspect | Impact Details |
|---|---|
| Television Style | Aggressive, Political, Loud |
| LGBTQ+ Advocacy | GLAAD Award Winner |
| Representation | Older Women in Media |
| Theatrical Work | New Plays for Seniors |
| Inspirational Figure | Late Bloomers |
| Daytime TV Legacy | 30+ Years on The View |
Joy Behar Nationality and Religion
Joy Behar is American by nationality. She was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Italian immigrants. She holds a strong Italian-American identity. She often jokes about her family’s old-world values. She is proud of her working-class roots.
Regarding religion, Joy was raised Catholic. However, she is not a practicing Catholic today. She identifies more as culturally Jewish. She often says she is a “Jew-ish” comedian . Her husband Steve is Jewish. She has adopted many Jewish traditions at home.
She is very critical of organized religion. She mocks religious hypocrisy in her stand-up. She supports the separation of church and state. Her political views are deeply secular. She believes in science and reason. Religion is a private matter for her.
Joy speaks English as her first language. She knows some Italian phrases from childhood. She also understands Yiddish words from her partner. Her humor relies heavily on New York accents. Her identity is completely intertwined with NYC. She represents the classic Brooklyn attitude.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Raised Religion | Catholicism |
| Current Affiliation | Culturally Jewish |
| Political Leanings | Liberal / Secular |
| Native Language | English |
| Cultural Hub | New York City |
Joy Behar Future Plans and Goals
At 83, Joy Behar has no plans to retire. She intends to stay on “The View” as long as possible. She jokes that she will leave “feet first.” She loves the adrenaline of live television. The show keeps her mentally sharp. She hates the idea of sitting at home.
She wants to write another book soon. She has many stories left to tell. A potential memoir is in the works. She wants to document her late-in-life success. She believes her journey is unique. It could help other women take risks.
Joy also wants to see her play “My First Ex-Husband” on Broadway. She is workshopping a new script currently. She loves the theater crowd. It feels different from TV audiences. She wants to win a Tony Award to complete an EGOT? She currently has an Emmy. A Tony would be a great capstone.
She plans to spend more time with her grandchildren. Family is becoming more important to her. She wants to travel less for work. She will prioritize her health and rest. However, she will never fully stop working. Comedy is her oxygen.
| Future Plan | Target Timeline |
|---|---|
| Remain on The View | Indefinite |
| New Memoir | 2026-2027 |
| Broadway Play | 2027 |
| More Time with Family | Ongoing |
| Retirement | None Planned |
Joy Behar Awards and Achievements
Joy Behar won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009 . She shared it with the co-hosts of “The View.” The award was for Outstanding Talk Show Host. This is the highest honor in daytime television. It validated her unique style of hosting.
She has won three MAC Awards. These are for excellence in comedy performance. She also has a CableACE Award for her HBO work. In 2000, she received a GLAAD Media Award . This recognized her support for the LGBTQ+ community. She is very proud of that specific award.
In 2016, Joy was inducted into the Brooklyn Walk of Fame . She joined other famous Brooklynites. This was a full-circle moment for her. She grew up dreaming of leaving Brooklyn. Now Brooklyn honors her name. It hangs in the Botanic Garden.
She has also received numerous Women in Comedy honors. She was nominated for multiple Gracie Awards. These awards celebrate women in media. She has a star on the Italian American Walk of Fame. Her trophy case reflects her diverse talents.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Emmy Award | 2009 | Outstanding Talk Show Host |
| GLAAD Media Award | 2000 | Special Recognition |
| MAC Awards | Multiple | Comedy Performance |
| CableACE Award | 1990s | Hosting/Comedy |
| Brooklyn Walk of Fame | 2016 | Induction |
Joy Behar Movies / TV Shows
- The View (1997-2013, 2015-Present)
- The Joy Behar Show (HLN, 2009-2011)
- Say Anything (Current TV)
- Baby Boom (TV Series Regular)
- Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)
- This Is My Life (1992)
- Cookie (TV Movie)
- Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (Voice)
- Hall Pass (2011 – Cameo)
- Crisis in Six Scenes (Amazon Series)
- The Tonight Show (Multiple Appearances)
- Late Night with David Letterman (Multiple Appearances)
- HBO Comedy Half-Hour (Special)
- One Night Stand (HBO Special)
- The Food Chain (Theatre)
- The Vagina Monologues (Theatre)
- Me, My Mouth and I (Solo Show)
- Celebrity Jeopardy! (Contestant)
- Hollywood Squares (Panelist)
Joy Behar Hobbies
- Writing comedy sketches
- Reading political non-fiction
- Watching classic movies
- Dining out in NYC
- Spending time in Sag Harbor
- Playing with her grandchildren
- Attending Broadway shows
- Cooking Italian recipes
Joy Behar Favorite Things
- Food: Italian (Pasta & Meatballs)
- City: New York City
- Drink: White Wine
- Comedian: Lenny Bruce
- Author: Nora Ephron
- Vacation Spot: The Hamptons
- Pastime: Arguing politics
- Color: Red
- Animal: Dogs
- Decade: The 1970s
Joy Behar Interesting Facts
- She did not start stand-up until age 39.
- Her real first name is Josephina.
- She was a high school English teacher for 17 years.
- She has been with her partner Steve for over 40 years but never married him.
- She owns a $7 million home in the Hamptons.
- She has a strict 24-hour rule for houseguests .
- She has never had a facelift, only Botox .
- She wrote two children’s books.
- Her daughter Eve is named after a friend.
- She is afraid of flying on small planes.
FAQs
Q1: How old is Joy Behar in 2026?
Joy Behar is 83 years old. She was born on October 7, 1942.
Q2: Is Joy Behar married?
She is not married legally. She has a long-term partner named Steve Janowitz since 1982.
Q3: Does Joy Behar have children?
Yes, she has one daughter named Eve Behar from her first marriage to Joe Behar.
Q4: What is Joy Behar’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $30 million. She earns $7 million per year on “The View.”
Q5: What is Joy Behar’s real name?
Her real birth name is Josephina Victoria Occhiuto. She changed it for show business.
Q6: Did Joy Behar have a facelift?
No, she did not have a facelift. She uses Botox and filler to maintain her look.
Q7: What are Joy Behar’s body measurements?
Her measurements are 38-31-41 inches. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Conclusion
Joy Behar, born Josephina Victoria Occhiuto, is a legendary TV host. Her stage name Joy Behar is known worldwide. At 83 years old (2026), she still works daily. She was born October 7, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York. Her height is 5 feet 6 inches and weight is 132 pounds. Her profession includes comedy, hosting, and playwriting.
She started her career in 1981 as a stand-up comedian. Her famous works include “The View” and her HBO specials. She wrote five books, including “The Great Gasbag”. Her family includes parents Gino and Rose and daughter Eve. She is in a relationship with Steve Janowitz with one child. Her achievements include a Daytime Emmy and GLAAD Award. Her net worth is $30 million from TV salary, books, and real estate.
Joy Behar proves age is just a number. She started late but became a giant. Her sharp tongue and sharper mind keep her relevant. She will go down as a true pioneer for women in comedy.
