From Teacher To Talk Show Legend: 7 Shocking Career Pivots Joy Behar Made In The 1980s

Joy Behar is a household name today, but the foundation for her enduring career as a comedian and co-host of *The View* was laid during a transformative and often overlooked decade: the 1980s. This period, starting in the early 1980s, marked a radical shift from her stable life as an educator to the unpredictable world of show business, showcasing a relentless drive that few realize defined her early professional life. It’s easy to forget that before her iconic role on the ABC talk show, Behar was a working comedian and actress navigating the competitive New York scene. As of December 10, 2025, the details of this crucial decade—her first television appearances, her work behind the scenes, and her breakthrough stand-up specials—offer a fresh perspective on the woman whose sharp wit has captivated audiences for decades.

The Untold Biography: Joy Behar's Life Before Stardom

Josephine Victoria "Joy" Behar (née Occhiuto) was born on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. Her early life was far removed from the bright lights of television studios, focusing instead on academics and a career in education. Her transition to entertainment in the 1980s was a dramatic and courageous leap.

• Full Name: Josephine Victoria Occhiuto (Behar is her former married name)
• Born: October 7, 1942 (Age 83 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Education: B.A. in Sociology from Queens College (1964); M.A. in English Education from Stony Brook University (1966)
• Former Career: High school English teacher
• First Marriage: Joseph Behar (1965–1981)
• Daughter: Eve Behar (born 1970)
• Second Marriage: Steve Janowitz (2011–present)
• Career Start in Show Business: Early 1980s

The Radical Career Shift: From Educator to Entertainment Insider

The 1980s were a period of intense personal and professional reinvention for Joy Behar. After a divorce in 1981, she decided to leave her stable career as an English teacher and pursue her true passion for comedy and acting. This move required her to take entry-level jobs just to get her foot in the door of the New York media world.

1. The Receptionist and Producer Role at ABC

One of Behar's first steps into the entertainment industry was taking a job as a receptionist at ABC. This quickly evolved, and she later worked as a producer for the network's flagship morning program, *Good Morning America* (GMA), in the early 1980s. This behind-the-scenes experience provided a crucial education on the mechanics of live television and broadcasting, a foundation that would prove invaluable later in her career.

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2. Studying Acting at HB Studio

While working at ABC, Behar didn't just wait for an opportunity; she actively honed her craft. She began studying acting at the prestigious HB Studio in Greenwich Village, New York City. This training helped her develop the stage presence and delivery that would soon define her stand-up comedy persona. This commitment demonstrated a serious intent to transition from a behind-the-scenes role to a performer.

3. The Stand-Up Comedy Breakthrough

The true heart of Joy Behar's 1980s career was her emergence as a stand-up comedian. She began performing in clubs, developing her signature observational humor and Brooklyn-infused style. Her comedy often focused on the realities of modern womanhood, relationships, and politics—themes she continues to explore today. This period was essential for establishing her unique voice and comedic timing.

The Television Takeover: Behar’s First National Appearances

By the mid-1980s, Joy Behar’s hard work on the comedy circuit began to pay off with appearances on national television. These guest spots and hosting roles were the first time many Americans saw her distinctive style, marking her transition from a local New York comedian to a national figure.

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4. Debuting on *Late Night with David Letterman*

A major milestone in Behar’s career came early in the decade with an appearance on *Late Night with David Letterman* in 1982. Appearing on Letterman was a coveted spot for any rising comedian and served as a powerful endorsement of her talent, introducing her to a wide, late-night audience.

5. Working with Lorne Michaels on *The New Show*

In 1984, Behar was cast in Lorne Michaels' short-lived sketch comedy alternative, *The New Show*. While the series itself only lasted a few episodes, working with the legendary producer of *Saturday Night Live* was a significant credit. It allowed her to showcase her versatility beyond stand-up and work alongside other established comedy writers and performers.

6. Hosting *Way Off Broadway* on Lifetime

In 1987, Joy Behar landed her first significant hosting gig with the show *Way Off Broadway* on the Lifetime cable network. This role gave her consistent visibility and allowed her to interview and showcase various up-and-coming talent. It was a crucial step in developing her on-camera hosting skills, which would eventually make her an ideal candidate for *The View* a decade later.

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7. The Sitcom Role in *Baby Boom*

Towards the end of the decade, Behar expanded her acting portfolio by taking on a recurring role in the television series *Baby Boom* (1988–1989), based on the popular movie. She played the character Helga, demonstrating her ability to handle scripted comedy and further diversifying her resume beyond stand-up and hosting. This period of intense work—from receptionist to sitcom actress—firmly established her as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

Topical Authority: The Stand-Up Specials of the Late 80s

The late 1980s cemented Joy Behar's status as a formidable presence in the national comedy scene. Her inclusion in major stand-up specials proved she was a contemporary of the era's biggest comedy stars. These appearances are key to understanding the foundation of her topical authority.

• HBO’s *Women of the Night 2* (1988): Behar was featured alongside other influential female comedians like Susie Essman and Lizz Winstead in this HBO special, hosted by Andrea Martin. This platform provided her with massive exposure and highlighted the growing influence of women in comedy.
• *Robert Klein Time* (1988): She also appeared on the Robert Klein special, where she performed a memorable segment titled "Men Are Confused," showcasing her signature observational humor about relationships.
• The Easter Seals Telethon (1989): Behar brought her late 80s comedy act to the annual Easter Seals Telethon, a broadcast that reached a broad, mainstream audience. Sharing the stage with figures like Pat Boone demonstrated her ability to cross over into different media formats.

The 1980s were not just a starting point for Joy Behar; they were a crucible that forged her into the sharp, quick-witted, and resilient television personality we know today. Her successful pivot from a stable teaching job to the cutthroat world of New York comedy and television is a testament to her enduring ambition and talent, making the story of her 1980s career one of the most compelling in television history.