Joy Behar Breaks Down on Live TV: The Shocking Truth Behind Her Long-Hidden Marriage

In an unexpected and deeply emotional moment on live television, Joy Behar, the outspoken co-host of The View, stunned viewers by breaking down in tears as she finally opened up about a subject she has avoided for years—her long-hidden marriage. Known for her sharp wit, political commentary, and no-nonsense personality, Behar showed a rarely seen vulnerable side that left both the studio audience and her co-hosts speechless.

As the revelation unfolded on national TV, social media erupted with reactions, and long-time fans were left questioning how such a major part of Behar’s life had been kept under wraps for so long. What followed was a raw, unfiltered confession that exposed a deeply personal chapter in the comedian-turned-TV-host’s life—one filled with love, regret, secrecy, and ultimately, healing.

The Moment That Stopped the Show

It happened during what was supposed to be a lighthearted segment about relationships and second chances. Co-host Sara Haines joked about “surprise marriages” and asked the panel if anyone had ever kept a relationship a secret.

That’s when Joy Behar fell silent.

What started as a chuckle turned into a long pause. Then, fighting back tears, Behar admitted, “I’ve never talked about this on air before… but I was married once, a long time ago. And I kept it hidden for decades.

The studio went quiet.

“You all know I’ve been with Steve for years,” she continued, referring to her longtime partner and now-husband, Steve Janowitz. “But before Steve… there was someone else.”

Who Is Joy Behar's Husband? All About Steve Janowitz

A Secret Love from the Past

According to Behar, she married her college sweetheart in the late 1960s—long before her rise to fame. “We were young, passionate, and honestly, reckless,” she admitted. “It was one of those whirlwind romances that burned too bright, too fast.”

The marriage lasted just over two years and ended in a painful divorce. But instead of speaking about it publicly, Behar chose to bury it—not even revealing it in interviews or her own comedy routines.

“It just felt like… shame. Like failure,” she said, her voice cracking. “I didn’t want the world to know I’d gotten it so wrong.”

Why She Kept It Hidden

Joy’s confession touched on the stigma of divorce, especially during a time when female comedians and media personalities were expected to maintain a certain image. “In the early years of my career, being divorced wasn’t ‘trendy’—it was considered damaged goods,” she explained.

“I had producers and agents who told me to market myself as ‘single, sassy, and strong.’ There was no room for past mistakes in that narrative.”

Her decision to stay quiet wasn’t just professional—it was emotional. Behar revealed that the pain of the marriage, and the betrayal that ended it, left a mark she wasn’t ready to confront until now.

The Reaction From Her Co-Hosts

Co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines were visibly stunned by the revelation. Sunny reached across the table to grab Joy’s hand, while Whoopi simply whispered, “Take your time.”

The moment quickly went viral, with hashtags like #JoyBeharTruth and #TheViewReveals trending across platforms.

Joy Behar Makes 'The View' Co-Hosts Emotional As She Reveals What She'll  Miss The Most When She Leaves

Fans React: “We See You, Joy”

Within minutes of the emotional episode airing, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with messages of support and solidarity.

“Joy Behar just showed more realness than I’ve ever seen on daytime TV,” wrote one fan.
“It’s never too late to share your truth. We love you, Joy,” said another.
“She didn’t owe us that confession, but I’m so glad she shared it.”

Mental health advocates also applauded the moment, calling it a powerful example of emotional honesty and healing—especially from someone in the public eye.

Steve Janowitz Responds

While Joy didn’t mention her current husband Steve in great detail during the segment, sources close to the couple say he was fully aware of her first marriage and has supported her decision to open up publicly.

“Steve has always encouraged Joy to be herself, scars and all,” an insider told Entertainment Weekly. “This was her story to tell, and he stood by her when she was ready to tell it.”

Behar and Janowitz married in 2011 after nearly 30 years together, and their enduring partnership has often been praised as a rare example of true companionship in showbiz.

The Bigger Message: Owning the Past

In a follow-up interview after the show, Joy explained why she finally chose to reveal the truth.

“I’m 81 years old,” she said candidly. “At this point, what am I waiting for? We spend so much of our lives trying to hide our mistakes, but I think people need to hear that we all screw up. We all fall. The important thing is getting back up.”

She added, “There’s power in owning your past. Even the ugly parts.”

The View's Joy Behar fights back tears as she admits 'my heart was in my  mouth' while sharing terrifying personal story | The US Sun

The Legacy of a Moment

In a television landscape often filled with staged drama and scripted vulnerability, Joy Behar’s confession stood out as something truly rare: a raw, honest moment that reminded viewers why live TV can still be impactful.

More than just a viral clip or trending topic, Behar’s on-air breakdown has already sparked deeper conversations about shame, aging, and the pressure to appear perfect—especially for women in the spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Joy Behar has always been known for making people laugh and think—but now, she’s made them feel. Her shocking, emotional revelation has not only shifted how fans see her, but also redefined her legacy as one of the most authentic voices on daytime television.

In a world obsessed with curated perfection, Joy’s message is clear: Your truth matters. Even the parts you kept hidden.

And perhaps, that’s the most powerful punchline of all.

Would you like a follow-up article about her first husband’s identity or how this revelation is affecting The View’s ratings?