The View’s Joy Behar: 5 Surprising Facts About Her Age, Career, And $7 Million Salary

The question of "how old is Joy Behar" is one of the most frequently asked questions about the sharp-witted, long-time co-host of *The View*. As of today, December 13, 2025, the legendary comedian and television host is 83 years old, having recently celebrated her birthday in October. Her remarkable longevity in the unpredictable world of daytime television has made her a cultural fixture, known for her candid political commentary and signature comedic timing.

Her age is not just a number; it represents a career spanning over four decades, transitioning from a high school teacher and struggling stand-up comedian to one of the most recognizable and highest-paid personalities on television. This deep dive explores her complete biography, her most recent career updates in 2025, and the surprising details about her personal life and massive salary.

Joy Behar: Complete Biographical Profile

Joy Behar, born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto, has an extensive and varied career that began long before she became a staple on ABC's *The View*. Her background is a testament to perseverance, starting in education before finding her true calling in comedy.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Josephine Victoria Occhiuto (later Behar)
• Date of Birth: October 7, 1942
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 83 years old
• Place of Birth: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
• Parents: Gino Occhiuto (father, a baker) and Rose Occhiuto (mother, a seamstress)
• Education: Graduated from Queens College (B.A., 1964) and Stony Brook University (M.A. in English Education, 1966)
• First Career: High School English Teacher at Lindenhurst Senior High School
• Marital Status: Married to Steve Janowitz (since 2011)
• First Marriage: Joseph Behar (1965–1981)
• Children: One daughter, Eve Behar

Her early life was rooted in a working-class, Italian-American family, which often informs her unique and grounded perspective on political and social issues today.

The Secrets to Her Longevity: The View Salary and Net Worth in 2025

Joy Behar's career trajectory is unique, finding major television success in her mid-fifties when she became one of the original co-hosts of *The View* in 1997. Her enduring presence on the show is a key factor in her significant financial success.

A Staggering Annual Salary

Joy Behar is consistently ranked among the highest-paid hosts on daytime television. Her current annual salary for co-hosting *The View* is reportedly between $5 million and $7 million per year, with several sources citing the higher end of that range as of 2025.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

When asked what keeps her coming back to the show, Behar famously quipped, "Money," a candid answer that perfectly encapsulates her no-nonsense persona. This substantial income is a major contributor to her overall estimated net worth, which is reported to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

The View: An Unbroken Legacy

Behar is one of the longest-serving co-hosts in the show's history, having been a part of the program from its inception in 1997 until 2013, and then returning in 2015. Her role as the liberal counterpoint to other hosts has cemented her status as a vital component of the show's dynamic.

Joy Behar’s Latest Projects and Headlines in 2025

Despite being in her early 80s, Joy Behar shows no signs of slowing down. The year 2025 has been particularly active, both on and off the set of *The View*, providing fresh material for her comedy and commentary.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

New Play and Creative Pursuits

Beyond her daily television duties, Behar is a talented playwright. Her new play, titled *My First Ex-Husband*, is scheduled to be produced in New York City in January 2025. This project highlights her continued creative output and her ability to draw from her own life experiences for her work.

The Hilarious 'iPad Injury'

In a moment that made headlines and became a topic of discussion on *The View*, Behar was recently absent from the panel for several days. She later revealed to viewers that her absence was due to a broken toe, which she sustained in a surprisingly mundane, yet humorous, accident: dropping an iPad on her foot. This incident is a perfect example of the kind of self-deprecating humor that has endeared her to audiences for decades.

Revisiting Her Roots

In late 2025, Behar made a nostalgic return to her early career days, revisiting her former job as a receptionist at *Good Morning America* (GMA). This segment provided a fun look back at her humble beginnings, long before her career as a comedian, actress, and writer took off.

Personal Life: Her Long-Awaited Second Marriage

While her professional life is an open book on *The View*, her personal life is equally fascinating, particularly her relationship with her second husband, Steve Janowitz.

Joy Behar married her first husband, Joe Behar, in 1965, and they divorced in 1981. She then began a long-term relationship with Steve Janowitz, a retired school teacher.

Famously, the couple dated for an astonishing 29 years before finally tying the knot in a private ceremony in 2011. Behar has often joked about her reluctance to marry, stating she only did it for the tax benefits. Their commitment, spanning over four decades, shows a deep and enduring partnership that remains a stable foundation amidst her high-profile career.

From her working-class Brooklyn roots to her current status as an 83-year-old television icon earning millions, Joy Behar’s story is a powerful testament to finding success at any age. Her life is a compelling narrative of continuous evolution, sharp wit, and an unapologetic approach to both life and politics.