Joy Behar Turns 82: A Look at Her Life, Career, and Lasting Love Story

Joy Behar celebrates her 82nd birthday today, and she shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary comedian and talk show host has had an incredible career spanning decades, and it seems she has no plans to step away from the spotlight anytime soon.

Born on October 7, 1942, Behar has been a household name in television for years. She is best known as one of the original panelists on The View, a popular daytime talk show that has tackled some of the most pressing topics in politics, entertainment, and culture since its inception. Behar has been a staple of the program since 1997, though her presence has fluctuated over the years.

In 2013, she left the show but made a triumphant return in 2015. When asked about her departure, she humorously admitted, “I was glad to be fired. I don’t even remember why, but at that point, I was just tired of the show.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her exit, Behar has remained a key figure on The View. In October 2022, she made it clear that she has no plans to leave anytime soon, stating, “I’m happy to be part of it. It’s incredible how many people watch the show. So no, I’m not leaving. I’m having too much fun.”

A Birthday to Remember

Last year, Behar celebrated her birthday live on The View. However, when her co-hosts pointed out that she didn’t seem particularly excited, she laughed and said, “I can’t get excited. I’m just happy to be alive. You know, there comes a time when you wake up and say, ‘My God, I’m still here.’”

Throughout her life, Behar has experienced many highs and lows, both professionally and personally. She has been open about her life journey, sharing details about her marriages, motherhood, and her perspective on aging.

A Love That Stood the Test of Time

Behar has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Joseph Behar, with whom she tied the knot in 1965. The couple had a daughter, Eve Behar, in 1970 but eventually divorced in 1981. Despite the end of their marriage, Behar continued to focus on her career and raising her daughter.

Her second marriage, however, took an entirely different course. Behar married Steve Janowitz, a retired educator, in 2011 after dating for nearly three decades. Their love story is unique, with the couple choosing to wait almost 30 years before making it official.

“We waited so long because I had been married before, and I didn’t really see the point,” Behar explained. “We did it for the s*x,” she joked, before adding that as she got older, she realized the importance of having someone who could support her emotionally and legally in case something went wrong.

The Secret to Their Lasting Relationship

Behar has credited humor as the foundation of her successful marriage. She revealed that in the first year of their relationship, she kept her career as a comedian a secret, fearing it might scare him away. However, Janowitz, who is seven years older than her, turned out to have a fantastic sense of humor himself, which only strengthened their bond.

She also shared that neither of them takes things personally, which has helped them maintain a strong and lasting relationship. “We’re not the overly sensitive type, so we don’t hold grudges over little things,” she said.

A Proud Mother and Grandmother

While Behar’s career has been impressive, she is also incredibly proud of her family. Her daughter, Eve, is an accomplished artist who has made a name for herself in the art world. Eve is now married to Alphonso Scotti, and the couple has a son named Luca.

Behar loves being a grandmother and often talks about her grandson with great excitement. She has described Luca as “brilliant” and exceptionally expressive for his age. When he was just eight months old, she already saw signs of his intelligence and humor.

Eve often shares family moments on social media, including a recent family group photo from an art event. Now a teenager, Luca has even been featured in a heartwarming picture with his famous grandmother on his mother’s Facebook page.

Joy Behar’s Legacy

At 82, Joy Behar continues to inspire fans with her quick wit, fearless opinions, and dedication to her craft. She has carved out a lasting legacy in television and comedy, proving that age is just a number. Whether she’s making audiences laugh, tackling serious topics on The View, or spending time with her beloved family, one thing is clear—Joy Behar is still as vibrant and unstoppable as ever.

 

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