5 Shocking Times Joy Behar Was 'Fired' Or Rumored To Be Leaving The View (And Her Actual 2013 Exit)

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The question of whether Joy Behar has been fired from *The View* is one of the most enduring and persistent rumors in daytime television history. Despite being the longest-serving co-host and an original cast member, speculation about her departure, firing, or retirement surfaces almost constantly, particularly in the current media landscape of late 2024 and early 2025.

The truth is complex: while recent reports of an imminent firing are false, Joy Behar has indeed been terminated from the show in the past, a dramatic event she later admitted she was "glad" happened. This deep dive separates the persistent, often politically motivated, rumors from the confirmed reality of her tumultuous career on the iconic ABC talk show.

Joy Behar: Complete Biographical Profile

Josephine Victoria "Joy" Behar (née Occhiuto) is an American comedian, television host, actress, and playwright, best known for her role as a co-host on *The View*.

  • Full Name: Josephine Victoria Occhiuto
  • Date of Birth: October 7, 1942
  • Age (as of late 2024): 82
  • Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Education: B.A. in Sociology from Queens College; M.A. in English Education from Stony Brook University.
  • Early Career: Began her professional life as a high school English teacher in New York before transitioning to stand-up comedy in the 1980s.
  • First Marriage: Joe Behar (1965–1981); they have one daughter, Eve Behar.
  • Current Husband: Steve Janowitz (married 2011, after 29 years of dating).
  • Net Worth (Est. 2024): $30 million, accumulated through her work in comedy, television, and writing.
  • Key Roles: Co-host of *The View* (1997–2013, 2015–present), host of *The Joy Behar Show* (2009–2011), and host of *Joy Behar: Say Anything!* (2012–2013).

The Truth Behind the 2024/2025 'Fired' Rumors

In the latter half of 2024, rumors about Joy Behar and fellow co-host Whoopi Goldberg being let go from *The View* reached a fever pitch. These claims, often circulated on social media and non-credible news sites, suggested that ABC was planning a major shake-up and would not renew their contracts.

Fact Check: The 2024/2025 Rumors Are False.

As of early 2025, there has been no official statement, credible report, or network confirmation that Joy Behar has been fired or is set to leave the show. Reputable fact-checking organizations have debunked the widely shared social media posts claiming an "official statement" from ABC regarding non-renewal of contracts.

The rumors often stem from her occasional absences, which are usually pre-scheduled or due to illness, or from her outspoken political commentary that generates online backlash. For example, speculation flared in late 2024 following a heated on-air discussion involving political figures, but these were quickly dismissed by sources close to the production.

Joy Behar, who turned 82 in October 2024, has repeatedly shut down rumors that she is retiring. Her position remains secure as the only original cast member still on the panel, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of the show alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin.

The Infamous 2013 Firing and Surprising Return

The reason the "Joy Behar fired" keyword is so popular is that it actually happened. Joy Behar’s first main tenure on *The View* came to an end in 2013, 16 years after she helped launch the show with Barbara Walters.

1. The Non-Renewal of Contract (2013)

At the time, the official line was that Behar was leaving to pursue other career opportunities, such as her own show on Current TV, *Joy Behar: Say Anything!* However, in later interviews, Behar was candid about the true nature of her departure.

  • The Real Reason: Behar revealed that her contract was not renewed, stating, "Somebody wanted me gone." She suggested the decision was part of a "political balancing act" to introduce new conservative voices to the panel.
  • Her Reaction: Surprisingly, Behar confessed she was "happy" to be fired. "I was sick of the show at that point for some reason, I don't even remember why," she stated, adding that she felt it was going down the "wrong path." This unexpected relief gave her the freedom to explore other projects.

2. The Triumphant Return (2015)

After a two-year hiatus, Joy Behar was brought back to *The View* in 2015. Her return was seen as a move by ABC to stabilize the panel and bring back a familiar, popular voice after a period of high co-host turnover. Since her return, she has remained a permanent fixture, consistently signing new contracts and debunking subsequent retirement rumors.

Barbara Walters Fired Joy Behar... Twice?

Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative, Joy Behar has revealed that the show's creator, Barbara Walters, actually fired her on two separate occasions—though the context of these firings is less clear than the 2013 exit.

During an appearance on *Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen*, Behar recounted the experience, noting that one of the times Walters regretted the decision almost immediately. Walters reportedly told her, "Tell them you changed your mind," to which Behar replied, "Barbara, you just fired me. How am I supposed to change my mind?"

This anecdote highlights the tumultuous, yet ultimately affectionate, relationship between the two hosts and underscores the unpredictable nature of the show's early years. It is a recurring story in Behar’s career, often used to illustrate her resilience and the high-stakes environment of daytime television.

The Recurring Cycle of Political Controversy

The persistent "fired" rumors are often fueled by Joy Behar’s polarizing, outspoken political views, which frequently clash with conservative guests and co-hosts. Her role on the show is often to provide a staunch liberal perspective, which inevitably leads to on-air clashes and online backlash.

  • Targeting Conservatives: Behar’s anti-Trump comments have been a constant source of controversy, leading to numerous calls for her removal from conservative commentators.
  • The Karoline Leavitt Incident: A notable modern example occurred in late 2024 when Behar made a snarky remark about Karoline Leavitt, a Republican political candidate, which led to a brief online flurry of "Joy Behar missing" and "Joy Behar fired" speculation.
  • The White House Statement: Even the White House has weighed in on her comments in the past, issuing a statement about the show being "pulled off the air" after Behar’s remarks about a former president, further cementing her status as a lightning rod for controversy.

In summary, while the question "Has Joy Behar been fired?" is a staple of celebrity gossip, the answer in 2025 is a definitive No. The only confirmed, full-term firing occurred in 2013, a period she now looks back on with surprising fondness. She remains one of the most powerful and enduring voices on daytime television, with her contract secure and her retirement rumors continuously debunked.

joy behar fired
joy behar fired

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