Joy Behar Net Worth 2024, Salary and Earnings: Joy Behar is an American comedian, television host, and actress with an estimated net worth of $30 million in 2024, earning a $7 million annual salary as a co-host on ABC’s “The View.”
Key Takeaways
- Joy Behar has an estimated net worth of $30 million.
- She earns a $7 million annual salary as co-host of The View.
- Behar began her entertainment career in the 1980s as a stand-up comedian.
- She has been a co-host on The View since 1997, with a brief hiatus from 2013-2015.
- Behar has hosted several of her own talk shows and acted in films/TV shows.
Joy Behar: A Look at Her Net Worth and Career
Background and Early Career
Born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto in 1942, Joy Behar grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a working-class Italian-American family. She earned a BA in sociology from Queens College in 1964 and an MA in English education from Stony Brook University in 1966. Behar initially worked as a high school English teacher on Long Island in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In the 1980s, Behar pivoted to a career in entertainment. She started as a receptionist and producer for Good Morning America before trying her hand at stand-up comedy. Behar performed at various comedy clubs and began making television appearances on shows like Baby Boom and Live from Queens.
Rise to Fame on The View
Behar’s big break came in 1997 when she joined the original panel of co-hosts on the ABC daytime talk show The View. Created by Barbara Walters, The View features a multi-generational panel of women discussing hot topics and interviewing guests. Behar quickly became known for her quick wit and liberal political views on the show.
She remained a co-host on The View until 2013, when she left to focus on other projects. However, Behar returned as a regular co-host in 2015 and continues in that role today. Her long tenure and popularity on the show have been major contributors to her wealth and fame.
Net Worth and Salary
According to multiple reports, Joy Behar’s current net worth is estimated at $30 million. A significant portion of her wealth comes from her lucrative salary as co-host of The View. Behar reportedly earns $7 million per year for her role on the talk show.
In addition to her View salary, Behar has earned money through:
- Hosting her own talk shows like The Joy Behar Show on HLN
- Acting roles in films and TV shows
- Stand-up comedy performances
- Book deals for her published works
- Real estate investments
Other Career Highlights
Beyond The View, Behar has hosted several of her own talk shows over the years:
- The Joy Behar Show on HLN (2009-2011)
- Joy Behar: Say Anything! on Current TV (2012-2013)
- Late Night Joy on TLC (2015)
As an actress, Behar has appeared in films like Manhattan Murder Mystery and Hall Pass. She’s also had guest roles on TV shows like 30 Rock and Ugly Betty.
Behar has written multiple books, including:
- Joy Shtick: Or What Is the Existential Vacuum and Does It Come with Attachments? (1999)
- When You Need a Lift: But Don’t Want to Eat Chocolate, Pay a Shrink, or Drink a Bottle of Gin (2007)
- The Great Gasbag: An A-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World (2017)
Personal Life and Real Estate
Behar was married to college professor Joe Behar from 1965 to 1981. They have one daughter together named Eve. In 2011, Behar married Steve Janowitz after a 29-year relationship.
She owns homes in New York City and The Hamptons. In 2016, Behar sold a home in East Hampton for $3.8 million and purchased another nearby for $4.75 million. She also owns an apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Recent News and Controversies
As an outspoken liberal voice on The View, Behar frequently makes headlines for her political commentary and occasional controversies:
- In 2018, Behar faced backlash for comments comparing Vice President Mike Pence’s Christian faith to mental illness. She later apologized on air.
- In 2022, Behar drew criticism for complaining about how the war in Ukraine might impact her planned vacation to Italy.
- Recently in 2024, Behar made news for urging Republican voters to support Democrats “just this one time” in the upcoming election.
Impact and Legacy
At 81 years old, Joy Behar remains a prominent voice in daytime television. Her longevity on The View and willingness to speak her mind on controversial topics have made her a polarizing but influential figure in pop culture and political discourse.
While she’s faced her share of controversies, Behar’s quick wit and comedic timing have earned her a dedicated fanbase. Her success transitioning from stand-up comedy to daytime television has paved the way for other female comedians to find similar crossover success.
As she approaches her 82nd birthday, Behar shows no signs of slowing down. Her substantial net worth and ongoing salary from The View ensure she’ll remain financially comfortable in her later years, while her voice continues to reach millions of viewers on a daily basis.
Latest News
Recent headlines have put Joy Behar back in the spotlight for her comments on “The View”:
- In October 2024, Behar made waves by urging Republican voters to support the Democratic Party in the upcoming election. On a recent episode of “The View,” she pleaded with GOP voters, saying, “Just do it this one time.” This comment sparked discussion about the role of talk show hosts in influencing political opinions.
- Behar also recently called out her co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, predicting that Griffin will “become a Republican again” after the November election. This remark highlights the ongoing political tensions among the show’s hosts and reflects Behar’s outspoken nature on political matters.
- In a discussion about abortion rights, Behar criticized former First Lady Melania Trump’s pro-choice stance. Behar expressed skepticism about Trump’s position, calling it “a big scam.” This comment underscores Behar’s willingness to challenge political figures across the spectrum.
- On a lighter note, Behar recently shared her surprisingly strict rules for houseguests on a podcast episode of “The View.” She emphasized that she’s “not an Airbnb,” revealing a more personal side of her life outside the show.
- In celebration of her upcoming 82nd birthday, Behar’s co-hosts surprised her with a male stripper on set, disguised as a pizza delivery man. This lighthearted moment, orchestrated by guest Nathan Lane, showcased the playful atmosphere that sometimes characterizes “The View.”
These recent events demonstrate that even at 81, Behar continues to be a central figure in daytime television discussions, particularly when it comes to politics and current events. Her candid comments and willingness to engage in controversial topics keep her relevant in the media landscape.
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