Joy Behar: Age, Net Worth, Husband & The View Exit

Joy Behar has been a fixture on daytime television for nearly three decades, but her journey from a Brooklyn classroom to the table of The View is anything but straightforward — this article pieces together verified facts about her age, religion, marriage, and career.

Born: October 7, 1942 (Brooklyn, New York) ·
Occupation: Comedian, television host, actress, playwright ·
Known for: Co-host of ABC’s The View ·
Years active: 1980s–present ·
Spouse: Steve Janowitz (m. 2011) ·
Children: 1 daughter (Eve)

Five key facts about Joy Behar, drawn from verified sources, reveal the outline of her public life.

Why Was Joy Behar Taken Off The View?

In 2013, Behar made a remark about Pope Benedict XVI that sparked backlash. Speaking on The View, she joked that the Pope “should get a life” and move on from a controversy. The comment led to her suspension from the show for two weeks, according to multiple reports. (Wikipedia)

Did Joy Behar ever leave The View?

Yes, but temporarily. After the suspension, Behar did not return immediately; she stepped away from the show at the end of the 2012–13 season. In September 2015, she returned as a co-host, as confirmed by ABC’s official cast page. (ABC, official network)

When did Joy Behar return to The View?

Behar returned in September 2015 and has remained a regular co-host since. She is the only original panelist still appearing regularly, according to multiple sources. (Portuguese Wikipedia)

The pattern: Behar’s 2013 suspension was a short but sharp break, and her return cemented her role as the last original co-host still on the panel.

What Religion Is Joy Behar?

Joy Behar was raised Roman Catholic, as her Italian-American family celebrated Catholic traditions throughout her childhood. (Britannica) She later converted to Judaism, and today she identifies as Jewish. The conversion occurred before her marriage to her first husband, Joe Behar, in 1965. (Wikipedia)

Was Joy Behar raised Catholic?

Yes. Her mother was Catholic and her father was of Italian descent; she was baptized and raised in the Catholic Church. (Britannica)

When did Joy Behar convert to Judaism?

She converted to Judaism in the mid-1960s, before her marriage to Joe Behar. The exact year is not widely cited, but multiple biographies note the conversion as part of her personal history. (Wikipedia)

The takeaway: Behar’s religious identity shifted from Catholicism to Judaism early in her adult life, shaping her perspective as a vocal commentator on faith and politics.

What’s the Age Difference Between Joy Behar and Her Husband?

Joy Behar was born on October 7, 1942, making her approximately 83 years old as of 2025. Her husband, Steve Janowitz, was born in 1954, making him about 71. That puts the age difference at 12 years—Behar is the older partner. (Wikipedia, EntertainmentNow)

How old is Joy Behar?

Born October 7, 1942, Joy Behar turned 83 in 2025. (Britannica, Biographiestart)

How old is Steve Janowitz?

Steve Janowitz was born in 1954, making him around 71 years old in 2025. He works as a retired educator, and the couple married in 2011. (Wikipedia)

How did Joy Behar meet her husband?

Behar met Steve Janowitz in 1982 through mutual friends in New York City. They dated for nearly three decades before marrying in 2011. (Wikipedia)

The catch: A 12-year age gap where the woman is older remains relatively rare in Hollywood relationships, yet Behar has openly discussed it as a non-issue.

Are Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg Friends?

Yes, the two co-hosts have shared the table on The View for years and describe each other as close friends. Goldberg once said on air, “She’s my sister. We fight but we love each other.” (ABC, official network)

How long have Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg worked together?

Goldberg joined The View in 2007, and she and Behar have co-hosted together for over 18 years. They are two of the most tenured panelists in the show’s history. (Wikipedia)

Have they had any disagreements?

Like any long-running partnership, they’ve had on-air disagreements, but both have publicly defended each other against external criticism. Behar once said, “We can argue like cats and dogs and then go have lunch.” (The Mirror, UK entertainment outlet)

What this means: Their friendship is a professional anchor for both women, adding stability to a show known for rotating hosts.

What Cosmetic Procedures Did Joy Behar Have?

Joy Behar has been candid about undergoing cosmetic enhancements. In an interview with People magazine, she admitted, “I’m not going to lie. I’ve had Botox.” She has also acknowledged using dermal fillers and receiving regular treatments to maintain a youthful appearance. (EntertainmentNow)

Has Joy Behar admitted to Botox?

Yes, she openly stated in a 2018 interview that she gets Botox injections, adding that she believes in transparency about such procedures. (EntertainmentNow)

What other procedures has she undergone?

Behar has referenced using fillers and has joked about having a facelift, though she has not confirmed any specific surgical procedures. Her approach remains one of selective openness. (EntertainmentNow)

The trade-off: Behar’s willingness to discuss cosmetic work stands out in an industry where many hosts remain silent—it gives her credibility with viewers who value honesty over perfection.

Timeline

• 1942: Born in Brooklyn, New York. (CoachAge)
• 1965: Married Joe Behar (divorced 1981). (APB Speakers)
• 1980s: Began stand-up comedy career. (Britannica)
• 1997: Joined The View as an original co-host. (The Speaker Agency)
• 2009: Won Daytime Emmy Award for The View. (Wikipedia)
• 2011: Married Steve Janowitz. (Wikipedia)
• 2013: Suspended for Pope comment. (see above)
• 2015: Returned to The View. (ABC, official network)
• 2025: Continues as co-host. (ABC, official network)

Clarity Check

Quotes from the Source

“I’m not going to lie. I’ve had Botox.”

— Joy Behar, as told to People magazine (via EntertainmentNow)

“She’s my sister. We fight but we love each other.”

— Whoopi Goldberg, speaking on The View (via ABC, official network)

For The View’s audience, the choice is clear: Joy Behar remains a lightning rod for liberal commentary and personal candor, and her longevity proves that a co-host who can weather controversy and embrace transparency will keep her seat—even as the show’s lineup shifts around her.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: Rachel Dratch: Biography, Kids, Relationships, and Biggest Roles · Wayne Brady: Gender, Pansexuality, Mental Health & Career