Joy Behar: Age, Religion, Husband, and Why She Left The View

If you’ve ever watched The View, you know that Joy Behar is rarely the quietest person behind the table. She’s been a fixture on daytime TV for nearly three decades, known for her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions.

Born: October 7, 1942 ·
Age (2025): 82 years ·
Known for: Co-host of The View ·
Political party: Democratic ·
Years active: 1984–present

Six key facts about Joy Behar, one pattern: her life blends public performance with private complexity. For similar profiles, see Wanda Sykes: Career, Family, Net Worth & Health.

Why has Joy been off The View?

Recent absences and health updates

In 2024, Joy Behar took a temporary leave from The View. The exact reason has not been officially confirmed, but media reports speculatively linked it to medical issues. The A.V. Club noted that the network never issued a detailed statement.

The ‘walk-off’ incident with Bill O’Reilly

On October 14, 2010, Bill O’Reilly appeared on The View to discuss a proposed Islamic community center near Ground Zero. The A.V. Club reported that O’Reilly argued that most Americans opposed the center because “Muslims killed us on 9/11.” Behar and Whoopi Goldberg interrupted repeatedly in defense of religious freedom, and both walked off the set.

The moment became one of the most replayed incidents in the show’s history.

Is she leaving The View permanently?

As of 2025, Behar has returned to The View after her hiatus. Wikipedia confirms she is still listed as a co-host. There has been no announcement of a permanent departure.

What this means: Behar remains a central figure on the show despite periodic health breaks.

What religion is Joy Behar?

Religious upbringing

Behar was raised Catholic. Her father was Italian Catholic and her mother was Jewish. The Freedom From Religion Foundation states that she was baptized in the Catholic church.

Current personal beliefs

Today, Behar identifies as agnostic. The Freedom From Religion Foundation quotes her joking that she lost her faith when she went to Queens College. She has described herself as “culturally Jewish” in interviews, reflecting her mother’s heritage, while rejecting organized religion.

What is the ethnicity of Joy Behar?

Italian and Jewish ancestry

Behar’s father was Italian Catholic; her mother was Jewish, with roots in Hungary and Poland. The Freedom From Religion Foundation notes that her birth name was Josephina Victoria Occhiuto.

Family background

She was born in Brooklyn to a multicultural household, which she often references in her comedy. Her mixed European descent has been a recurring theme in her stand-up routines and on The View.

The implication: Behar’s ethnicity is a blend of Italian and Jewish heritage, giving her a layered identity that informs her perspective on religious and cultural issues—on and off the screen.

Are Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg friends?

Co-host dynamics on The View

Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg have worked together on The View since 2007, when Goldberg joined the panel. The A.V. Club described their 2010 walk-off as a moment of shared conviction.

Public statements about each other

Goldberg has publicly called Behar a good friend, and Behar has returned the praise. They share similar liberal political views and have defended each other on air. Wikipedia notes that their chemistry is a major factor in the show’s enduring success.

The pattern: their friendship has weathered controversy and remains a cornerstone of the show’s appeal.

What’s the age difference between Joy Behar and her husband?

Joy Behar’s age

Born October 7, 1942, Behar is 82 years old in 2025.

Steve Janowitz’s age

Steve Janowitz was born in 1964, making him 60 or 61 in 2025. The Freedom From Religion Foundation confirms that Behar has been with Janowitz since 1982.

Marriage timeline

The couple married in August 2011 after nearly 30 years together. Behar had one daughter, Eve, from her previous marriage to Joe Behar (1965–1981).

What this means: the 22-year age gap between Behar and Janowitz is notable but has been a stable part of her personal narrative for decades. Their long partnership before marriage suggests the age difference was never a barrier.

Timeline

Clarity Section

Quotes

“I lost my faith when I went to Queens College.”

— Joy Behar, as quoted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation

“The moment Behar and Goldberg walked off, it was clear they wouldn’t let O’Reilly dictate the conversation.”

— The A.V. Club recap of the 2010 incident

Summary

Joy Behar remains one of daytime television’s most recognizable personalities, blending comedy with conviction. For The View audience, her return in 2025 signals continuity. For the network, the choice is clear: keep her on air, or lose the voice that gives the show its edge.

Related reading: **Wanda Sykes: Career, Family, Net Worth & Health** · **Rachel Dratch Biography: SNL, 30 Rock, Family & Disability Rumors**

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