Joy Behar is no stranger to making bold statements on The View, and one of her most candid admissions struck a chord with both her co-hosts and the audience.
The outspoken television personality once confessed that she felt “murderous” during her divorce from her first husband, Joe Behar.
Instead of the usual pushback her opinions sometimes receive, this particular revelation resonated with her fellow panelists, who offered their support and understanding.
How Divorce Shaped Behar’s Career
Behar has openly acknowledged that her divorce from Joe Behar, whom she was married to from 1965 to 1981, played a pivotal role in shaping her life and career.
While going through the painful process of separation, she channeled her emotions into comedy,
ultimately building a career that would make her one of television’s most recognizable voices.
“I would never have been a comedian if I had stayed married,” Behar has previously admitted. The divorce, though difficult, provided her with the freedom and drive to pursue stand-up comedy, which eventually led to her longtime position as a co-host on The View.
Though she once described the emotions she felt during the divorce as “murderous,” it was clear she was speaking metaphorically about the intense frustration and pain that can come with the end of a marriage.
Her honesty on the topic earned her rare, unanimous support from her co-hosts, who could relate to the challenges of love and heartbreak.
A Long Courtship Before a Second Marriage
While her first marriage ended in divorce, Behar eventually found love again with Steve Janowitz. However, in true Joy Behar fashion, her romantic journey was anything but conventional. The couple dated for an astonishing 29 years before finally tying the knot in 2011.
Behar has said that one of the reasons she decided to marry Janowitz after nearly three decades together was the legalization of gay marriage.
She felt inspired by the progress being made for LGBTQ+ rights and decided it was the right time to make her own commitment official.
Her unique approach to relationships and marriage reflects her independent spirit, which has been a defining characteristic throughout her career.
Behar’s History of Controversial Moments on The View
As one of The View’s longest-serving co-hosts, Behar has had her fair share of headline-making moments. Her blunt style of questioning has occasionally put celebrities in uncomfortable situations, such as when she asked Ricky Martin about his rumored foot fetish or confronted Matthew McConaughey about his stance on gun rights.
Beyond celebrity interviews, Behar’s political opinions have often sparked heated debates. A vocal critic of Donald Trump, she made no secret of her disdain for his presidency, which led to an emotional reaction when he was elected in 2016.
Her outspoken rants about Trump frequently drew criticism from conservative audiences, but she has never shied away from sharing her unfiltered thoughts.
Winning Over the Audience With Brutal Honesty
Despite frequently stirring controversy, Behar’s candid nature is also one of the reasons why she remains a beloved figure on The View.
While some of her opinions have been divisive, her willingness to openly discuss personal struggles, such as the difficulties of divorce, has allowed her to connect with viewers on a deeper level.
Her admission of feeling “murderous” during her divorce was one of those rare moments where even those who often challenge her opinions found themselves in agreement.
Many people can relate to the emotional turmoil that comes with the end of a marriage, and Behar’s honesty about those feelings—without sugarcoating the experience—made the discussion feel real and relatable.
Behar’s Legacy on The View
Love her or hate her, there is no denying that Joy Behar is a force to be reckoned with. Her sharp wit, fearless opinions, and unfiltered honesty have helped define The View for decades.
Whether she’s making a celebrity squirm, taking a strong political stance, or opening up about her personal life, she continues to keep audiences engaged.
Her ability to mix humor with deep, sometimes uncomfortable truths is what has kept her relevant in the ever-changing world of daytime television.
And while she has made more than a few enemies along the way, moments like her heartfelt admission about divorce prove that, at the end of the day, she is just as human as the rest of us.
