The question of "how old is Joy Behar" is often asked, not just out of curiosity, but out of genuine astonishment at her enduring energy and unfiltered commentary on one of television's most dynamic talk shows. As of December 2025, the legendary co-host of *The View* is a vibrant 83 years old, a milestone she celebrated in October, solidifying her status as one of the most long-standing and outspoken figures in daytime television. Her career, which began long before her television fame, is a powerful testament to reinvention and resilience.
Her age is not just a number; it represents over four decades in show business, a journey that took her from a high school teacher in New York to a multi-millionaire comedian and political commentator. This deep dive explores the full scope of her life, from her humble Brooklyn roots to her current financial standing and her ongoing, irreplaceable role on *The View* in late 2025.
Josephine Victoria Behar: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Before she became the sharp-witted, liberal firebrand known simply as "Joy," the comedian was establishing a foundation in academia and early family life. Her personal and professional journey is a classic American success story, marked by a significant career shift later in life.
- Full Birth Name: Josephine Victoria Occhiuto
- Commonly Known As: Joy Behar
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1942
- Current Age (December 2025): 83 Years Old
- Place of Birth: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Education: Queens College (B.A.), Stony Brook University (M.A. in Sociology)
- First Career: High School Teacher (Lindenhurst Senior High School)
- First Husband: Joe Behar (m. 1965; div. 1981)
- Current Husband: Steve Janowitz (dated since 1982; m. 2011)
- Child: Daughter, Eve Behar Scotti
- Grandchild: Luca
- Primary Occupation: Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer, Playwright
- Known For: Co-host of *The View* (since 1997)
The View and the $7 Million Salary: Joy Behar’s Enduring Career Longevity
Joy Behar's career trajectory is anything but conventional. She didn't find mainstream success until her mid-40s, a fact that makes her continued presence and financial success in 2025 all the more remarkable. Her breakthrough came with *The View*, a show she has been a part of almost continuously since its inception in 1997.
The Power of the Co-Host Chair
Behar is one of the original co-hosts, alongside Barbara Walters, Meredith Vieira, Star Jones, and Debbie Matenopoulos. Her role as the outspoken, liberal foil to more conservative voices has been essential to the show's format and success for over two decades. She briefly left the program in 2013 but returned in 2015, proving her irreplaceable value to the panel.
Her longevity is tied to her ability to deliver sharp, often controversial, but always authentic opinions. She has never shied away from political battles or personal revelations, a trait that keeps her relevant and a constant source of media coverage in 2025. This enduring appeal translates directly into a substantial income.
The Financial Reality: Net Worth and Annual Earnings
The financial details of a top-tier talk show host like Behar reflect her decades of work in television, comedy, and writing. Her estimated net worth is a staggering $30 million. This fortune is primarily built on her high-profile television career, particularly her lucrative contract with ABC for *The View*.
While exact figures are closely guarded, her annual salary for her role on *The View* is consistently reported to be around $7 million. Some sources even suggest her most recent contract renewal may push her annual earnings closer to $8 million, placing her among the highest-paid personalities in daytime television. This income is supplemented by royalties and fees from her stand-up comedy tours, acting roles, and previous television projects.
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $30 Million
- Reported Annual Salary from *The View*: $7 Million to $8 Million
- Key Income Streams: *The View* co-hosting, stand-up comedy, acting, and writing.
More Than Just The View: Other Career Milestones and Entities
To fully grasp Joy Behar's topical authority, it's crucial to look beyond the hot topics table. Her career is rich with diverse projects that showcase her versatility as an entertainer.
Stand-Up Comedy Roots
Behar's professional journey began in the world of stand-up comedy in the 1980s. She quickly became a fixture in the New York comedy club scene, developing the sharp, observational, and politically charged style that would later define her television persona. This foundation in live performance is what gives her the quick wit and improvisational skills she displays daily on *The View*.
Hosting Her Own Shows
Her success on *The View* led to opportunities to host her own programs, further cementing her status as a television personality. These ventures broadened her reach and established her as a serious interviewer:
- *The Joy Behar Show* (2009–2011): A nightly talk show on HLN where she interviewed politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers, focusing on current events and pop culture.
- *Say Anything! with Joy Behar* (2012–2013): A short-lived but memorable talk show on Current TV.
A Personal Life of Longevity and Love
Behar's personal life is as long-running as her career. After her first marriage to Joe Behar ended, she began dating Steve Janowitz, a retired school administrator, in 1982. Their relationship is notable for its incredible length—they dated for 29 years before finally tying the knot in 2011. This long-term commitment, delayed by Behar's initial apprehension about marriage, has been a frequent, often humorous, topic of discussion on *The View*.
She is a proud mother to her daughter, Eve, and a loving grandmother. Her family life, though kept relatively private, provides a grounding contrast to her often-turbulent on-air persona, adding a layer of relatability to the legendary host.
The Legacy of Joy Behar in 2025
At 83, Joy Behar is one of the few remaining original voices in a rapidly changing media landscape. Her age is a symbol of her staying power and her consistent ability to generate conversation, whether through political commentary or viral comedic moments.
In 2025, she continues to be the definitive voice for a segment of the American audience, fearlessly tackling controversial subjects and providing a necessary, often comedic, perspective on the day's events. Her journey from teacher to stand-up comedian, and finally to a multi-million-dollar television icon, serves as an inspiration that it is never too late to find your true calling and achieve monumental success. Her influence on the format and tone of daytime talk shows is undeniable, ensuring her legacy will long outlive her time at the table.
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