Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joy Behar’s Net Worth?
Joy Behar, an accomplished American comedian, writer, actress, and co-host, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $30 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to her long and successful career in television, particularly her prominent role on ABC’s “The View,” where she has been a co-host since its inception in 1997. Behar’s financial success is also bolstered by her stand-up comedy, writing endeavors, and various acting roles throughout her career.
Joy Behar’s Salary and Income Streams
Behar’s annual salary for co-hosting “The View” is reportedly $7 million. This substantial income reflects her integral role on the show and her enduring popularity with viewers. In addition to her salary from “The View,” Behar has multiple income streams, including earnings from her stand-up comedy performances, book royalties, and appearances on other television shows. She has also hosted several of her own shows, such as “Way Off Broadway,” “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN, and “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV, contributing to her overall financial success.
Throughout her career, Behar has also authored several books. These books include “Joy Shtick” and “The Great Gasbag: An A-to-Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World”. The exact figures for book royalties are not publicly available, but these writing ventures would have also contributed to her income.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Joy Behar’s journey to financial success began with her early education. She obtained a B.A. in sociology from Queens College in 1964, followed by an M.A. in English Education from Stony Brook University in 1966. Behar initially worked as a high school English teacher in New York, while simultaneously pursuing her passion for stand-up comedy in the 1980s. Her early career included production credits on “Good Morning America” before she established herself as a comedian.
Behar honed her comedic skills in various New York comedy clubs, gradually gaining recognition for her wit and humor. Her early television appearances included a role on NBC’s “Baby Boom” in 1988. She also hosted her own talk show, “Way Off Broadway,” which furthered her exposure in the entertainment industry. These early endeavors laid the groundwork for her eventual breakthrough on “The View.”
In the 80s and 90s, Behar also started booking film roles in movies such as “Cookie”, “This is My Life”, and “Manhattan Murder Mystery”, as well as making appearances in HBO comedy specials. Although specific earnings from these roles are not publicly available, they would have also provided her with valuable income at this time.
“The View” and Career Milestones
Behar’s career reached a significant milestone in 1997 when she became one of the original co-hosts of “The View.” Her sharp wit, liberal political views, and outspoken personality quickly made her a fan favorite. As a co-host, she has interviewed countless celebrities, politicians, and newsmakers, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in daytime television. Behar’s contribution to “The View” was recognized in 2009 when she won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host along with her co-hosts.
Although she briefly left “The View” in 2013, Behar returned as a regular co-host in 2015, reaffirming her commitment to the show and its audience. Her continued presence on “The View” ensures a steady income stream and reinforces her status as a highly sought-after television personality.
Other Television Ventures and Shows
Beyond “The View,” Joy Behar has explored numerous other television ventures, further contributing to her net worth. She has hosted shows such as “Larry King Live” and “The Joy Behar Show” on CNN, which, although canceled after two years, provided her with valuable experience and exposure. Additionally, she hosted “Joy Behar: Say Anything!” on Current TV and “Late Night Joy” on TLC. While the specific financial details of these shows are not publicly disclosed, they undoubtedly added to her overall earnings.
Her other television shows allowed Behar to showcase her unique comedic style and interviewing skills, attracting a diverse audience and generating additional income through hosting fees and potential profit-sharing agreements.
Real Estate Investments
Joy Behar has made several notable real estate investments throughout her career, contributing to her overall net worth. In 2016, she listed her home in East Hampton for $3.8 million and ultimately sold it for $3.2 million. Soon after that sale, Joy paid $4.75 million for a home in Sag Harbor, New York. This home was then listed for sale in November 2024 for $10.95 million. The potential profit from this sale demonstrates her savvy real estate investment skills.
In 2017, Behar reportedly spent $2.4 million on a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side of New York City. She renovated the apartment and sold it in 2018 for $3.28 million, making a significant profit on her investment. These real estate transactions showcase Behar’s ability to identify valuable properties, improve them, and generate substantial returns.
While specific addresses are not always publicly available, these transactions reflect her strategic approach to real estate investment as a means of growing her wealth.
Personal Life and Marriage
In 1965, Joy Behar married Joe Behar, a university professor. The couple divorced in 1981 after a 14-year marriage, during which they had one child. Behar retained Joe’s last name and custody of her child. Later, she began a relationship with Steve Janowitz, and they married in 2011. Although her personal life does not directly impact her net worth, it provides context to her journey and financial decisions.
Behar’s strong support of the Democratic party has made her a well-known political commentator. Her views and opinions often generate significant media attention, further enhancing her public profile and contributing to her overall brand recognition.
