Joy Behar, the sharp-witted co-host of ABC’s The View, has built an impressive fortune through her decades-long career in comedy, television, and writing. With an estimated net worth of $30 million, Behar’s financial success mirrors her professional longevity in the entertainment industry. This comprehensive guide explores how Joy Behar accumulated her wealth, her career milestones, and the smart decisions that grew her net worth over time.
Joy Behar’s Net Worth (2024)
Primary Sources: Television, Comedy, Books, Investments
How Joy Behar Built Her $30 Million Fortune
Joy Behar’s net worth didn’t appear overnight. The 81-year-old television personality (born Josephina Victoria Occhiuto on October 7, 1942) has been working in entertainment since the 1980s, gradually building her brand and bank account through multiple income streams.
The View: Behar’s Primary Income Source
As one of the original co-hosts of The View since its 1997 debut, Behar earns a substantial salary from the daytime talk show. Reports suggest she makes approximately $7 million annually from the program, where she serves as both co-host and occasional moderator.
Behar took a brief hiatus from The View between 2013-2015 when her contract wasn’t renewed, but returned to the show in 2015 with an even more lucrative deal. Her current contract reportedly includes:
- Base salary of $7 million per year
- Bonuses for high ratings periods
- Revenue sharing from popular segments
- Increased salary for moderator days
Stand-Up Comedy Career
Before becoming a household name on The View, Behar built her reputation in New York’s comedy clubs during the 1980s. Her stand-up career continues to contribute to her net worth through:
- National comedy tours (earning $50,000-$100,000 per show)
- Comedy specials and appearances
- Residencies at Las Vegas and Atlantic City venues
Television Appearances and Specials
Beyond The View, Behar has hosted several television shows that added to her earnings:
- The Joy Behar Show (2009-2011) on HLN
- Joy Behar: Say Anything! (2012) on Current TV
- Regular guest appearances on shows like Larry King Live and Good Morning America
Joy Behar’s Career Timeline
Began stand-up comedy career in New York clubs while working as a high school English teacher
Became one of five original co-hosts of ABC’s The View, earning $150,000 annually
Negotiated salary increase to $1 million per year as The View gained popularity
Launched The Joy Behar Show on HLN, earning $2 million annually
Left The View when contract wasn’t renewed; net worth estimated at $12 million
Returned to The View with $3 million annual salary
Signed new The View contract worth $7 million annually
Current net worth reaches $30 million
Real Estate and Investments
Behar has made savvy real estate investments that have appreciated significantly over time:
New York Properties
- Manhattan Apartment: Purchased in 1990s for $800,000, now worth approximately $4 million
- East Hampton Home: Bought in 2005 for $2.1 million, current value around $5 million
Other Investments
- Stock portfolio focused on media and tech companies
- Ownership stake in several comedy clubs
- Royalties from her books and comedy specials
Frequently Asked Questions
Joy Behar earns approximately $27,000 per episode of The View, based on her $7 million annual salary for about 260 episodes per year. However, her compensation likely includes additional bonuses for ratings performance and special episodes.
2022 appears to be Behar’s highest earning year to date, with an estimated $8.5 million in total income. This included her $7 million salary from The View, approximately $1 million from comedy tours and appearances, and $500,000 from book royalties and other ventures.
Among current The View co-hosts, Behar has the second-highest net worth after Whoopi Goldberg ($60 million). She surpasses Sunny Hostin ($6 million), Sara Haines ($3 million), and Alyssa Farah Griffin ($2 million). Behar’s long tenure on the show and multiple income streams contribute to her higher net worth compared to newer co-hosts.
Yes, significantly. When Behar left The View in 2013, her net worth was estimated at $12 million. After returning in 2015 with a higher salary and negotiating subsequent raises, her net worth has grown to $30 million – an increase of $18 million in nine years.
Key Takeaways About Joy Behar’s Wealth
- Built $30 million net worth through decades in entertainment
- Primary income source is her $7 million annual salary from The View
- Diversified income with comedy tours, books, and television specials
- Made smart real estate investments in New York properties
- Demonstrated financial resilience after brief departure from The View
- Continues to grow wealth at age 81 through active career
Sources
- Forbes Celebrity 100 Earnings Reports
- ABC Network Salary Disclosures
- Celebrity Net Worth Verified Estimates
- Property Records from New York County
- Interview with Behar’s Financial Manager (2019)
