Joy Behar

Joy Behar: biography

Joy Behar is an American television personality, comedian and actress. Behar is best known for her role as one of the co-hosts on the daytime talk show "The View."

Childhood and youth

Joy Behar was born as Josephine Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in a middle-class Italian-American family. Not much is known about her early childhood, but she has mentioned that her father was a truck driver, and her mother was a seamstress.

As a child, Behar developed a passion for comedy and entertainment. She was influenced by the comedy albums of performers like Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller. Behar attended Queens College in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. During her college years, she began performing stand-up comedy at local clubs and small venues. Her academic pursuits continued as she obtained a Master of Arts degree in English education from Stony Brook University in 1966.

Following her postgraduate studies, Behar embarked on a career in education. From the late 1960s to the early 1970s, she worked as an English teacher at Lindenhurst Senior High School in Lindenhurst, New York. During this time, she imparted her knowledge and passion for the English language to her students, contributing to their educational development.

Parallel to her teaching career, Behar nurtured her artistic aspirations and pursued acting. She enrolled in the HB Studio, a renowned acting school in New York City. The studio, founded by Herbert Berghof, provided Behar with the opportunity to refine her acting skills and explore her creative potential.

By studying at the HB Studio, Behar gained valuable insights and training in the craft of acting. The experience enhanced her understanding of performance and laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.

Behar's educational background in sociology and English, coupled with her acting studies, equipped her with a diverse skill set that would later contribute to her success as a television personality and comedian. These formative years in academia and the arts played a crucial role in shaping Behar's career trajectory and preparing her for the prominent roles she would undertake in the years to come.

Throughout her childhood and youth, Joy Behar cultivated her comedic talents and developed a unique style that would later become her trademark. Her upbringing in Brooklyn and her Italian-American heritage have likely influenced her sense of humor and shaped her perspective on various topics.

TV career

Joy Behar's television career spans several decades, and she has made a significant impact as a television personality, comedian, and talk show host. Her most notable and enduring role has been as one of the co-hosts of the daytime talk show "The View."

In 1997, Behar was one of the original co-hosts when "The View" premiered. The show, created by Barbara Walters, features a panel of women discussing a wide range of topics, including current events, politics, and popular culture. Behar's sharp wit, humor, and candid commentary made her a standout on the show from the beginning. Her ability to engage in lively debates and express her opinions with humor and intelligence endeared her to viewers.

Behar left "The View" in 2013 after 16 seasons but returned to the show in 2015. Her return was met with enthusiasm from fans, and she has since been a regular co-host, providing her unique perspective on the show's discussions. Behar's outspoken nature and willingness to address controversial topics have made her an essential part of the show's success.

Aside from "The View," Behar has made numerous appearances on various television programs. She has been a guest on talk shows, late-night shows, and news programs, showcasing her comedic talents and sharing her views on current events. Behar has also hosted her own shows, including "The Joy Behar Show" on HLN (Headline News) and "Late Night Joy" on TLC. These shows allowed her to further showcase her interviewing skills and comedic style.

In addition to her television work, Behar has ventured into acting, making appearances in TV shows such as "30 Rock" and "The Family Guy." She has also been a sought-after guest on game shows and reality programs.

Throughout her TV career, Joy Behar has been recognized for her contributions. She has received several Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her work on "The View" and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2009.

Joy Behar's television career has been defined by her quick wit, humor, and ability to engage viewers with her candid opinions. Her contributions to talk shows and her unique comedic style have made her a beloved and influential figure in the world of television.

Personal life

Joy Behar has had a rich personal life outside of her professional endeavors. She has been married twice and has one child.

Behar's first marriage was to Joe Behar, whom she wed in 1965. The couple had a daughter named Eve in 1970. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1981.

In 2011, Behar married Steve Janowitz, her longtime partner. They had been together for nearly 30 years before tying the knot. The couple has enjoyed a lasting relationship, demonstrating their commitment and mutual support.

Behar has been open about her political and social views, often expressing her liberal perspective on various issues. She has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration and has used her platform to advocate for progressive causes.

Filmography

Film:

• "Hiding Out" (1987)
• "Cookie" (1989)
• "This Is My Life" (1992)
• "Manhattan Murder Mystery" (1993)
• " 'M' Word" (1996)
• "Love Is All There Is" (1996)
• "Madea Goes to Jail" (2009)
• "Hall Pass" (2011)
• "Ice Age: Continental Drift" (2012)
• "Gilbert" (2017)

TV:

• "Baby Boom" (1988–1989)
• "It's Garry Shandling's Show" (1989–1990)
• "The Rock" (1990)
• "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist" (1996)
• "The View" (1997–2013, 2015–present)
• "Spin City" (2000)
• "One Life to Live" (2007)
• "30 Rock" (2007)
• "Ugly Betty" (2009)
• "Nashville" (2016)
• "Crisis in Six Scenes" (2016)

Bibliography

Joy Behar has authored several books, including:

• "The Great Gasbag: An A–Z Study Guide to Surviving Trump World" (2017) - A humorous and satirical exploration of the political climate during the Trump presidency.
• "Sheetzucacapoopoo 2: Max Goes to the Dogs" (2009) - A children's book that follows the adventures of Max as he discovers the world of dogs.
• "When You Need a Lift: But Don't Want to Eat Chocolate, Pay a Shrink, or Drink a Bottle of Gin" (2007) - Behar shares uplifting anecdotes and insights for finding joy without resorting to traditional methods.
• "Sheetzu Caca Poopoo: My Kind of Dog" (2006) - A children's book that introduces young readers to the charming Sheetzu dogs.
• "Joy Shtick: Or What Is the Existential Vacuum and Does It Come with Attachments" (1999) - A collection of humorous essays and stories reflecting Behar's unique take on life and love.

Awards

Here are some of Joy Behar's awards:

• 1995: CableACE Awards - Animated Programming Series (Won) for "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist"
• 1998-2020: Daytime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Talk Show Host (Nominated) for "The View" (multiple nominations)
• 2010: GLAAD Media Award - Excellence in Media Award (Won)
• 2013: People's Choice Award - Favorite Daytime TV Host (Nominated)
• 2016-2020: Daytime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host (Nominated) for "The View" (multiple nominations)
• 2020: Daytime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host (Nominated)