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In a candid conversation on Behind the Table, Joy Behar revealed how she had to fight to join The View, despite being advised against it by those closest to her. From agents warning her it wasn’t financially worth it, to doubts about the show’s potential, Joy went against the tide. Her decision to work with Barbara Walters in New York rather than pursue sitcom roles in Los Angeles proved to be a turning point in her career. Now, decades later, Behar reflects on why so many people discouraged her from taking the job—and why she’s so glad she didn’t listen. Discover the story behind Joy Behar’s early days on The View and how persistence led her to an iconic television legacy.
The Unexpected Resistance Joy Faced Before Joining The View
Long before Joy Behar became one of the most recognizable voices on daytime television, she was simply an actress and comedian navigating the unpredictable waters of showbiz. But in a recent episode of The View’s spinoff podcast Behind the Table, Behar shared that the path to becoming a co-host on the hit talk show wasn’t as straightforward as fans might think. In fact, she had to fight against serious resistance—especially from those who were supposed to be in her corner.
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“The call comes for this job to do The View with Barbara Walters,” Behar recalled during her chat with executive producer Brian Teta. “Do you know that my agent told me not to take it?”
At the time, Behar was riding a different wave of success. She had just completed a role on a sitcom and had even filmed a pilot for another one. Her career was veering toward scripted television, and her agent believed that taking a position on a daytime talk show—with uncertain prospects and lower pay—was a step in the wrong direction.
But Joy had a different instinct. She didn’t want to follow the path most agents would recommend. She wanted something more meaningful and aligned with her values.
“I said, ‘It’s in New York City with Barbara Walters. I don’t want to live in L.A. I want to live in New York City [and] work with Barbara Walters.’ Because I knew that it would be a smart show with her behind it,” Behar said.
That inner conviction would later prove to be prophetic.
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Why Joy Behar Believed in The View From the Start
While many questioned the viability of The View during its early days, Behar saw potential where others saw risk. One of the core reasons she was drawn to the show was Barbara Walters herself—a respected journalist whose presence promised depth, intelligence, and impact.
“Barbara was no joke,” Joy said. “She had this reputation for being tough and insightful, and I knew anything she was part of would be more than fluff. It would challenge people. It would matter.”
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Unlike many of her peers who were chasing sitcom stardom in Los Angeles, Joy Behar was focused on substance. She didn’t want to play a role—she wanted to be herself, talking about real issues with women who had something to say.
That vision aligned perfectly with The View’s founding mission: to bring together diverse voices and have them discuss everything from politics and current events to pop culture and personal life. Joy recognized the value in that format before the rest of the world caught on.
“I didn’t want to pretend anymore. I wanted to have real conversations,” she said.
Fighting for Her Seat at the Table
Joy’s battle didn’t end with her agent’s skepticism. Once she joined The View, she still had to prove her place among a panel of strong personalities. And while many came and went over the years, Joy remained one of the show’s most enduring figures—known for her wit, boldness, and unapologetic opinions.
“I think some people underestimated me at first,” she shared. “They thought I was just the comic relief, but I had plenty to say, and I wasn’t afraid to say it.”
Indeed, Joy has become known for challenging guests, holding co-hosts accountable, and fearlessly engaging in political discussions that many others shy away from. Her ability to blend humor with insight has made her both beloved and controversial—but never ignored.
And through all the changes and challenges, she never lost sight of why she wanted to be there in the first place: to make a difference through honest conversation.
“When people tried to stop me, I didn’t realize then why,” she reflected. “But now I do. It was going to be tough. It was going to be a fight. But it was worth every second.”
Looking Back: A Career Defined by Courag
Joy Behar’s decision to join The View—and to stay with it for the better part of three decades—did more than just define her career. It reshaped daytime television. The show’s format has inspired countless imitations, but none have replicated its unique blend of opinionated hosts, raw discussion, and real-time cultural commentary.
Behar credits much of her staying power to listening to her instincts rather than outside voices. While others might have chased short-term fame or bigger paychecks, she chose authenticity and purpose. And it paid off.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built,” she said. “We’ve had our arguments, our shakeups, our controversies. But through it all, we’ve stayed real. And that’s rare in this industry.”
Today, Joy Behar continues to appear on The View as a central figure—one who never shies away from controversy and continues to speak her mind in a world that often tries to silence outspoken women.
Conclusion: Joy Behar’s Journey Is a Lesson in Trusting Your Instincts
Joy Behar’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best decisions are the ones nobody else understands—at least not right away. She had to fight to be part of The View, going against advice from her agent, peers, and even the conventional wisdom of the industry. But in trusting herself, she not only secured a place on one of the most iconic shows in television history but also helped shape the conversation for millions of viewers every day.
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Her journey is proof that believing in yourself—especially when others doubt you—can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. So the next time you’re told not to take a chance on something that feels right in your gut, think of Joy Behar.
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