Joy Behar

Joy Behar Speaker Biography

Stand-Up Comic, Author & Former Co-Host of ABC’s The View

Joy Behar, formerly co-host of ABC’s The View, is among today’s leading comic talents. Whether performing standup comedy or interviewing politicians and artists, she is a comedic original and a leading woman both on stage and screen.

The View, recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Talk Show,” is the original forum where real women discuss relevant, everyday issues and share their daily, no-holds-barred opinions and lively, colorful conversations. The program premiered in August, 1997, and is broadcast live from New York City. In addition “The View” has received 16 Daytime Emmy Awards and has been nominated each year for Ouststanding Talk Show and for Ms. Behar and her co-hosts as Outstanding Talk Show Host.

Education and Early Career

Armed with an M.A. in English education from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook, Ms. Behar originally began a career in teaching. She then set out to pursue comedy professionally and immediately received bookings from such famous New York clubs as Caroline’s and Catch a Rising Star. Ms. Behar went on to win three MAC awards and a CableACE Award.

Media Appearances

On television she starred in her own HBO special and was a regular on the series “Baby Boom.” Other appearances include the voice of a hilariously neurotic patient on “Dr. Katz,” which won the CableACE Award, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” ”The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and “The Late Show With David Letterman.” For three years Ms. Behar hosted a popular call-in radio show on WABC, where she discussed politics with a deadly humorous bent. Her film appearances include “Cookie,” with Peter Falk,” “This Is My Life,” directed by Nora Ephron, and Woody Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery.” In theater she had a successful run in the off-Broadway hit “The Food Chain,” where she earned rave reviews in the starring role, and also in the critically-acclaimed play “The Vagina Monologues.” In August, 2002, Ms. Behar hosted “Love, Hate & Joy” for ABC Family. Taped in front of a live studio audience, the five-night half-hour strip took an unprecedented comedic look at the many facets of love, from dating to divorce. 

Awards and Recognition

Ms. Behar, still a frequent comedy headliner, was chosen by TV Guide as a “Personality of the Year” nominee for the 3rd annual TV Guide Awards in January of 1991. Ms. Behar is the recipient of the Safe Horizon Champion Award (2001), the Gracie Allen Tribute Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television (2000), and the New York City Public Advocate’s Special Advocate Award for her outstanding friendship to the Gay community (2000).

Writings and Publication

In October, 2001, Ms. Behar launched her monthly column “Talk To Me” in Good Houskeeping, where she dispenses advice with her usual mix of common sense and humor. Ms. Behar’s first book, Joy Shtick: or What Is the Existential Vacuum and Does It Come with Attachments?, was published by Hyperion. Ms. Behar is heavily involved with numerous philanthropic organizations and is a frequent contributor to several charitable foundations.