Joy Behar, a prominent co-host of “The View,” has been a central figure in daytime television for decades. Her tenure on the show, which began in 1997, has been marked by candid discussions and occasional controversies. Recently, Behar has expressed feelings of being unfairly criticized, particularly in comparison to the late Barbara Walters, the show’s co-creator.
In a candid interview, Behar reflected on her initial performance for Barbara Walters during a stand-up event at Milton Berle’s 89th birthday party. She noted that while the audience laughed, Walters did not, which Behar initially dismissed. However, a few months later, Walters’ team approached Behar to audition for a show that would evolve into “The View.” Behar acknowledged the significance of this opportunity, stating, “It’s in New York City with Barbara Walters. I don’t wanna live in L.A. I wanna live in New York City [and] work with Barbara Walters.”
Despite this early collaboration, Behar has expressed frustration over what she perceives as a tendency to downplay her contributions in favor of honoring Walters. She remarked, “I respect her, but clearly I did better, and people are pushing me down to honor her.” This sentiment suggests that Behar feels her achievements are overshadowed by Walters’ legacy.
Behar’s relationship with Walters has had its complexities. In 2006, Behar accidentally leaked the news that Rosie O’Donnell would be joining “The View,” leading Walters to threaten her with termination. Behar recounted the incident, stating, “She said, ‘I just got a call from Entertainment Tonight and guess what they said? They said, ‘Oh, and Rosie O’Donnell’s coming on the show.’ And guess who told them?'”
Over the years, Behar has occasionally made remarks that some interpret as critical of Walters. For instance, she once joked about Walters’ signature smile, suggesting it was learned from her “porn days.” This comment was met with surprise from her co-hosts and audience.
In the wake of Walters’ passing in December 2022, Behar has paid tribute to her former colleague, acknowledging Walters’ significant influence on the television industry and her role in creating “The View.” Behar stated, “She’s very much the role model for a lot of people in showbiz and the news.”
While Behar’s comments may be interpreted as positioning herself as a victim, they also reflect her complex feelings about her legacy and the ongoing comparisons to Walters. Her candidness underscores the challenges of stepping out from the shadow of a predecessor and the desire for individual recognition.
