Joy Behar finally shared the deeply personal reason why she decided against using her birth name as her stage name, a choice rooted in emotional family history. During a candid conversation on The View’s Behind The Table podcast, the veteran host opened up about the dramatic legacy tied to her given name, Josephine. Named after her paternal grandmother, Joy revealed a shocking past involving threats and mental instability that shaped how she viewed her identity. Her decision to adopt “Joy” as a stage name wasn’t just branding—it was self-preservation. This touching revelation gives fans a rare look into the private world of the outspoken TV icon. From tearful family history to unexpected birthday surprises on live television, Joy Behar’s story is as complex as it is inspiring. Learn how Joy reclaimed her narrative and why her name change means more than ever before.
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A Name with a Dark Past: Why Joy Behar Said No to “Josephine”
Joy Behar, the long-time co-host of The View, recently opened up about her name in a way that had fans both shocked and moved. While many know her as the fiery and humorous Joy, few realize that her birth name is Josephine—a name she carries from a troubled family legacy. On Behind The Table, the official podcast of The View, Behar revealed the dramatic story behind her given name and why she abandoned it in favor of her now-iconic moniker.
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According to Behar, she was named after her paternal grandmother, a woman with a turbulent past. “She was a little wacky, I understand,” Joy said, referring to her grandmother Josephine, who lived in Turin, Italy. The story took a dark turn when Behar disclosed that her grandmother had once threatened to kill herself and her three children if her husband didn’t return from a prolonged visit to Brooklyn.
“That’s who I’m named after,” Behar said with a tone that mixed irony and sadness. This traumatic backstory made the name “Josephine” feel like a burden, a daily reminder of family instability. It’s no wonder Behar would seek to distance herself from it.
Embracing “Joy”: A Suggestion Born from Family and Language
It wasn’t a talent agent or showbiz strategist who helped Behar rebrand herself—it was her maternal grandfather. In a moment of wisdom and creativity, he suggested she go by “Joy,” inspired by the Italian word La Gioia, meaning “The Joy.”
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What initially seemed like a casual suggestion became a profound pivot in Behar’s identity. “It felt like freedom,” she explained during the podcast. “Joy” wasn’t just a name—it was an escape, a transformation, and ultimately a rebirth.
The new name allowed her to build a career and a persona that wasn’t chained to her family’s past. In a sense, choosing “Joy” gave her control over her own narrative, a critical move for someone whose career would center around opinion, expression, and voice. The cheerful name also contrasts beautifully with her often sharp and biting commentary, adding a layer of intrigue to her public image.
Celebrating 82 With Laughter, Love, and a Surprise Guest
While her revelations about her name added depth to her public persona, Joy Behar reminded fans that she’s still the queen of comedy and charm during her 82nd birthday celebration on The View. The show marked the occasion with laughter, love, and a playful surprise that captured everything fans adore about Behar.
Guest and longtime friend Nathan Lane appeared on the show and was prompted by co-host Ana Navarro to present a gift. “Did you come here empty-handed for Joy’s birthday?” she asked playfully.
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Lane’s response? Pure entertainment. “No, I did not! Because Joy is still a hot Italian woman, I have ordered Joy a hot Italian pizza!” he said, teasing what was to come. Suddenly, a male stripper—dressed as a pizza delivery guy—entered the stage carrying a pizza box and began a cheeky, seductive dance.
Behar was clearly entertained, laughing and fanning herself with her cue cards while the audience cheered. It was a moment of levity that balanced out the emotional weight of her earlier name confession and showcased her unique ability to pivot between vulnerability and hilarity with ease.
Behind the Laughter, There’s Always a Story
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Joy Behar’s decision to abandon her birth name wasn’t simply about stage presence—it was about reclaiming a sense of self. Her revelation offers fans a deeper appreciation of the woman behind the wit, reminding us all that the names we choose to carry—or leave behind—can hold tremendous emotional weight. Whether she’s discussing politics or personal history, Joy Behar continues to inspire through her honesty and resilience.
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