Get To Know Joy Behar: The Life, Career, And Net Worth Of A Comedy Icon

How Much is Joy Behar Worth, Anyway?

Let’s talk about Joy Behar, the sharp-tongued comedian and talk show host who’s made a name for herself in the world of entertainment. With a net worth of $30 million, Joy Behar has proven that wit, charm, and hard work can take you a long way. She first became a household name as one of the original co-hosts of ABC's "The View," which launched in 1997. But her journey to the big screen and television wasn’t always a straight path. Before she became a TV star, Joy was a high school English teacher in New York City, moonlighting as a stand-up comedian in the bustling clubs of the 1980s.

As her comedic talent grew, so did her opportunities. She landed a gig on NBC's "Baby Boom" in 1988 and even hosted her own shows like "Way Off Broadway" and "The Joy Behar Show" on HLN. Her time on "The View" has been nothing short of iconic, where she’s known for her quick wit, liberal political views, and the ability to say what many are thinking but too afraid to say. Even though she briefly stepped away from the show in 2013, she returned in 2015 and has been a regular fixture ever since.

And let’s not forget her literary side. Joy has authored several books, including "Joy Shtick" and "The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World." Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Award as part of the "The View" team. Talk about a well-rounded career!

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How Much Does Joy Behar Earn Each Year?

As of the latest reports, Joy Behar pulls in a cool $7 million annually for her role as co-host of "The View." That’s not too shabby for someone who started out teaching Shakespeare to high schoolers. Her salary reflects the value she brings to the show with her sharp humor and unfiltered opinions, making her an essential part of the team.

From Brooklyn to Broadway: Joy Behar’s Early Life

Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, better known as Joy Behar, was born on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised as an only child in a Roman Catholic Italian household, Joy grew up in a working-class family. Her education journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Queens College in 1964, followed by a Master’s degree in English Education from Stony Brook University in 1966. While teaching high school English, Joy nurtured her passion for acting during her free time, setting the stage for her future in entertainment.

Building a Career in Comedy and Beyond

Breaking Into the Entertainment World

By the 1980s, Joy Behar was ready to dive headfirst into the entertainment industry. She started by working behind the scenes on "Good Morning America," gaining valuable experience in television production. But Joy’s real passion was stand-up comedy, and she soon found herself performing at various clubs across New York City. Her big break came with appearances on shows like "Baby Boom" and "Live From Queens," leading to her hosting her own talk show, "Way Off Broadway."

From Movies to "The View"

Joy didn’t stop there. In the 1980s and 1990s, she booked film roles in movies such as "Cookie," "This is My Life," and "Manhattan Murder Mystery." She also made appearances in HBO comedy specials, further cementing her status as a rising star. Her true breakthrough happened in 1997 when she joined "The View" as a regular panelist. Over the years, she became a permanent co-host, famous for showcasing up-and-coming comedians. In 2009, she and her co-hosts were honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for their work on the show.

Though Joy took a break from "The View" in 2013 to focus on stand-up and playwriting, she returned as a co-host in 2015. Alongside "The View," Joy has hosted shows like "Larry King Live" and had her own show, "The Joy Behar Show," which ran for two years. She’s also hosted Current TV’s "Joy Behar: Say Anything!" and TLC’s "Late Night Joy." Beyond television, Joy has graced the stage in plays like "The Vagina Monologues" and "Love, Loss, and What I Wore," proving her versatility as a performer.

Joy Behar's Personal Life: Love, Politics, and Family

In 1965, Joy Behar married Joe Behar, a university professor. The couple had one child together during their 14-year marriage, which ended in divorce in 1981. Despite the split, Joy kept her husband’s last name and retained custody of their child. Later in life, she found love again with Steve Janowitz, whom she married in 2011. Politically, Joy is a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party, often using her platform to advocate for causes she believes in.

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Joy Behar's Real Estate Empire

Joy Behar isn’t just a comedy icon; she’s also a savvy real estate investor. In 2016, she listed her East Hampton home for $3.8 million and eventually sold it for $3.2 million. Shortly after that sale, she purchased a home in Sag Harbor, New York, for $4.75 million, which she listed for $10.95 million in November 2024. In 2017, Joy spent $2.4 million on a two-bedroom apartment in the Upper West Side of New York City. Just a year later, she flipped the property, selling it for $3.28 million after renovations. Clearly, Joy knows how to make her money work for her!