Joy Behar’s Reported $50 Million Net Worth: A Look at the TV Host’s Fortune in 2024
Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, is a renowned American comedian, television host, actress, and writer. Best known as a long-time co-host of ABC’s popular daytime talk show “The View,” Behar has become a household name with her sharp wit, outspoken personality, and liberal political views.
From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her rise as a prominent figure in American entertainment, Joy Behar’s life story is one of perseverance, humor, and success.
Who is Joy Behar?
Joy Behar was born on October 7, 1942, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She grew up in a working-class Italian-American family, the only child of Rose, a seamstress, and Gino Occhiuto, a truck driver for Coca-Cola. Behar’s upbringing in Brooklyn shaped her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, traits that would later define her comedic style.
After graduating from high school, Behar pursued higher education, earning a BA in sociology from Queens College in 1964 and an MA in English education from Stony Brook University in 1966. Initially, she worked as an English teacher on Long Island, but her passion for entertainment and comedy soon led her down a different path.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josephine Victoria Occhiuto |
| Known As | Joy Behar |
| Birthdate | October 7, 1942 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 81 years old |
| Birthplace | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | BA in Sociology, MA in English Education |
| Alma Mater | Queens College, Stony Brook University |
| Profession | Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer |
| Net Worth (2024) | $30 million |
| Annual Salary | $7 million (from “The View”) |
Personal Life and Relationships
Behar’s personal life has been marked by two significant relationships. In 1965, she married Joe Behar, a college professor. The couple had one daughter, Eve Behar Scotti. After 16 years of marriage, Joy and Joe divorced in 1981. Despite the split, Behar kept her ex-husband’s surname, which had become her professional name.
In 1982, Behar began dating Steve Janowitz. Their relationship lasted nearly three decades before they finally tied the knot in 2011. Behar often jokes about their long courtship, adding humor to discussions about relationships on “The View.”
Today, Behar is a proud grandmother to her grandson Luca. She splits her time between her homes in The Hamptons and the Upper West Side of Manhattan, balancing her busy career with family life.
Professional Career
Behar’s journey in show business began in the early 1980s. She started as a receptionist and later became a producer on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” However, her true calling was in comedy. Behar honed her skills in New York City’s comedy clubs, gradually building a reputation as a sharp and funny performer.
Her big break came in 1987 when she landed a role on the short-lived variety show “Way Off Broadway.” This led to more opportunities, including appearances on “Baby Boom” and various comedy specials on HBO.
In 1997, Behar’s career took a significant turn when she joined the cast of “The View” as one of the original co-hosts. Her quick wit, liberal views, and ability to tackle controversial topics made her a standout on the show. Behar’s tenure on “The View” has been marked by both acclaim and controversy, earning her a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009.
Beyond “The View,” Behar has hosted her own shows, including “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN and “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV. She’s also made appearances in films like “Manhattan Murder Mystery” and “Hall Pass,” showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Age and Physique
As of 2024, Joy Behar is 81 years old. Despite her age, she continues to be a vibrant presence on television, bringing energy and humor to “The View” every weekday. Behar stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
While she’s never been one to focus much on her appearance, Behar has been open about the challenges of aging in the public eye, often using humor to address the topic on her shows.
Net Worth and Salary
Joy Behar’s long and successful career in entertainment has led to an impressive net worth. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $30 million. This wealth comes from various sources, including her salary from “The View,” which is reported to be approximately $7 million per year.
Behar’s net worth also reflects her earnings from other television projects, book deals, and stand-up comedy performances. Her ability to diversify her income streams through various media appearances and writing projects has contributed significantly to her financial success.
| Property Location | Details |
|---|---|
| East Hampton | Sold for $3.8 million (2016) |
| New Property in East Hampton | Purchased for $4.75 million (2016) |
| Upper West Side, Manhattan | Purchased for $2.4 million (2017), sold for $3.28 million after renovations |
Company Details and Investments
While Behar isn’t known for owning or running major companies, she has made smart investments over the years, particularly in real estate. In 2016, she sold her home in East Hampton for $3.8 million and purchased another nearby property for $4.75 million.
In 2017, Behar bought a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for $2.4 million, which she later sold for $3.28 million after renovations, showing her savvy in the real estate market.
Behar has also invested in her own projects, including producing her talk shows and writing books. These ventures, while not traditional company investments, have helped to bolster her overall net worth and financial portfolio.
Investment and Funding
Joy Behar’s primary investments have been in her career and real estate. She’s put time and resources into developing her brand as a comedian and television personality, which has paid off in terms of her longevity in the entertainment industry.
Behar has also been involved in various charitable causes, though specific details about her philanthropic investments are not widely publicized. Like many celebrities, she likely contributes to causes she cares about, but she tends to keep these activities private.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
As a public figure, Joy Behar maintains a presence on social media, though she’s not as active as some of her younger colleagues. Fans can follow her on Twitter @JoyVBehar, where she occasionally shares thoughts on current events and promotes her appearances on “The View.”
For professional inquiries, Behar is represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). However, direct contact information is not publicly available for privacy reasons. Fans can usually interact with Behar through “The View’s” official social media channels or during live tapings of the show.
| Platform/Agency | Handle/Details |
|---|---|
| @JoyVBehar | |
| Representation | Creative Artists Agency (CAA) |
| Interaction with Fans | Through “The View” official channels |
Conclusion
Joy Behar’s journey from a Brooklyn schoolteacher to a nationally recognized television personality is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and adaptability. Her quick wit, outspoken nature, and ability to connect with audiences have made her a lasting figure in American entertainment.
Despite controversies and challenges, Behar has maintained her relevance and popularity, continuing to entertain and provoke thought well into her 80s. Her success story serves as an inspiration, showing that with talent, hard work, and a good sense of humor, it’s possible to build a lasting career in the competitive world of entertainment.
As Joy Behar continues to grace our television screens, make us laugh, and spark important conversations, she remains a beloved figure in American pop culture, with a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for years to come.