Joy Behar and her husband, Steve Janowitz, spent nearly three decades as unmarried partners before walking down the aisle in 2011. While the outspoken co-host of ABC's The View spends her weekdays broadcasting opinions to millions, Janowitz remains entirely outside the television spotlight. Their unusual path to marriage—spanning 29 years of dating, a brief canceled engagement, and practical motivations driven by aging—offers a refreshing look at long-term commitment in the public eye.
Understanding their dynamic requires looking past conventional Hollywood relationship timelines. From their unconventional first meeting at a semi-nudist colony to Janowitz's quiet career as a schoolteacher, their multi-decade partnership relies on humor, independence, and sharp practicality rather than traditional romance tropes.
How Joy Behar and Steve Janowitz Met
The story of how Joy Behar and Steve Janowitz crossed paths often surprises fans who picture a traditional New York media romance. The pair met in 1982 at a semi-nudist colony. Behar has frequently recounted the humorous details on The View, noting that Janowitz was completely naked when she first spotted him, while she remained fully clothed.
They bumped into each other later that same evening during a movie night hosted at the venue, struck up a conversation, and quickly realized they shared a connection. At the time, Behar was a few years out of her first marriage to television director and college professor Joe Behar, with whom she shares her daughter, Eve. Janowitz, a private individual who avoided the entertainment world entirely, proved to be a grounded counterweight to Behar's burgeoning comedy and television career.
The 29-Year Dating Era and the Canceled Engagement
For most couples, dating for nearly three decades constitutes a lifelong commitment on its own. Behar and Janowitz were content to refer to each other as "spousal equivalents" for close to 30 years without feeling any pressure to involve the state or a church.
In 2009, the couple briefly surprised followers by announcing their engagement. However, the wedding plans were abruptly called off just three months later. Behar joked at the time that she got cold feet and didn't want to deal with the overwhelming media attention that a high-profile wedding would bring. She famously quipped that getting her own talk show on HLN meant she didn't have to worry about getting married anymore. Janowitz, true to his easygoing nature, reportedly told her to do whatever she wanted.
Why They Finally Tied the Knot in 2011
The couple finally married in a quiet, private ceremony in New York City on August 11, 2011, after 29 years together. The decision to make it official wasn't born out of sudden romantic pressure, but rather pragmatic foresight regarding aging and healthcare.
Behar has shared several humorous and poignant reasons for why they eventually decided to get married:
- Medical Decision-Making Power: Behar realized through observing friends that unmarried couples lack legal rights in medical emergencies. She wanted to ensure she and Janowitz had the legal standing to make critical healthcare decisions for one another if needed.
- No In-Law Drama: Behar joked that she deliberately waited until all parents had passed away so they wouldn't have to deal with in-laws or mandatory family obligations.
- Solidarity with Marriage Equality: Watching the legal battles for same-sex marriage in New York brought the institutional value of marriage into sharper focus for Behar, showing her why legal recognition matters.
- Practical Perks: In typical comedic fashion, Behar also listed trivial perks on The View, such as no longer feeling embarrassed asking for senior discounts as a "boyfriend" and avoiding dieting for a single night.
Life Behind the Scenes: Who Is Steve Janowitz?
While Joy Behar spends her mornings debating politics and pop culture on national television, Steve Janowitz lived a remarkably quiet life out of the public eye. Janowitz spent decades working as a high school and middle school teacher, building a career centered around education rather than celebrity culture.
Unlike many spouses of famous television personalities, Janowitz maintains no social media presence and rarely attends red-carpet events. This sharp divide between Behar's public persona and their private life has helped preserve their relationship. Behar has noted that Janowitz provides essential stability, handling practical day-to-day realities—like driving at night and doing heavy lifting—while keeping her grounded away from studio cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Joy Behar and Steve Janowitz together before marrying?
They dated for 29 years—beginning their relationship in 1982—before officially getting married in August 2011.
What is Steve Janowitz's profession?
Janowitz is a retired educator who spent decades teaching school in New York, choosing a quiet career completely separate from the entertainment industry.
Why did Joy Behar wait so long to marry?
Behar preferred the independence of a long-term partnership without legal labels, only choosing to marry later in life for practical, legal protections regarding medical decision-making.
Was Joy Behar married before?
Yes, Behar was previously married to Joe Behar from 1965 until their divorce in 1981. They share one daughter, Eve.
