Joy Behar is a celebrated American comedian, television host, and actress, best known for her long-running role as a co-host on the popular talk show The View. With her sharp wit, outspoken personality, and extensive career in entertainment, Behar has become a household name and a respected voice in media.
Age
Joy Behar was born on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. As of 2024, she is 82 years old, and her energy and humor continue to captivate audiences across generations.
Family
Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, comes from a working-class Italian-American family. Her upbringing in Brooklyn played a significant role in shaping her humorous and straightforward personality.
Parents:
- Mother: Rose Occhiuto, a seamstress.
- Father: Gino Occhiuto, a truck driver for Coca-Cola.
Marriages:
- First Husband: Joy was married to Joseph Behar, a college professor, from 1965 to 1981. The couple divorced after 16 years of marriage.
- Second Husband: In 2011, Joy married Steve Janowitz, her longtime partner of nearly 30 years. Their relationship is known for its deep bond and mutual respect.
Children:
Joy has one daughter, Eve Behar Scotti, born in 1970. Eve is an accomplished ceramic artist and has a son, making Joy a proud grandmother.
Career Highlights
Joy Behar’s career spans multiple industries, including comedy, television, and acting:
1. Stand-Up Comedy
Joy started her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s. Her sharp observational humor and relatable jokes about family, relationships, and societal issues quickly made her a standout performer in the comedy circuit.
2. The View
Joy Behar joined The View as an original co-host in 1997, when the show first premiered. Created by Barbara Walters, the show features a panel of women discussing current events, politics, and pop culture. Behar’s quick wit, bold opinions, and comedic takes on serious topics have been a cornerstone of the show’s success.
- Joy briefly left The View in 2013 but returned in 2015 and has remained an integral part of the show ever since.
3. Acting and Writing
- Joy has appeared in several films and television shows, including Manhattan Murder Mystery, This Is My Life, and Ice Age: Continental Drift.
- She has also written books, including humorous works like Sheetzucacapoopoo: My Kind of Dog and The Great Gasbag: An A–Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World.
Personality and Influence
Known for her outspoken and fearless commentary, Joy Behar has tackled controversial topics and provided comic relief in tense moments. Her candid nature and ability to blend humor with sharp political insight have made her a polarizing yet beloved figure.
Joy is also an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and other social justice issues. Her platform on The View has allowed her to reach millions and spark important conversations.
Fun Facts About Joy Behar
- Educational Background: Joy earned a degree in sociology from Queens College and a master’s degree in English education from Stony Brook University.
- Early Career: Before becoming a comedian, Joy worked as a high school English teacher.
- Stand-Up Roots: Joy performed stand-up comedy in New York City while raising her daughter as a single mom.
- Love for Italian Culture: Joy often talks about her Italian heritage and incorporates it into her humor.
- Grandmother Role: Joy adores her grandson, Luca, and often shares stories about their adventures.
Legacy
Joy Behar’s career in entertainment and media has spanned decades, and she continues to be a voice of humor, reason, and sometimes controversy in the ever-changing landscape of television. Whether she’s making audiences laugh or sparking heated debates, Joy remains a cultural icon who has left an indelible mark on American media.
As she continues to entertain and inspire, Joy Behar proves that age is no barrier to staying relevant and influential.
