Joy Behar Opens Up About Her Childhood: Life In A Tenement

It’s not every day that a beloved comedian like Joy Behar dives into the intimate details of her childhood, but that’s exactly what happened during an episode of The View’s “Behind the Table” podcast. In this candid conversation, Joy, now 81, shared stories about growing up in a tenement with her family before finding fame. Her reflections were sparked by a discussion with executive producer Brian Teta about Whoopi Goldberg’s new memoir, Bits & Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me.

Whoopi's Memoir Resonates with Joy

During the podcast episode aired on Wednesday, May 1, Joy and Brian delved into the pages of Whoopi Goldberg’s book, uncovering the struggles and triumphs of her early years. Joy remarked on the parallels between Whoopi’s upbringing and her own. "She’s had a tough time as a kid," Joy said, noting that Whoopi, 68, didn’t realize she was poor growing up. "I could totally relate to that feeling," Joy admitted, bridging the gap between their experiences.

Life in a Tenement vs. the Projects

Joy painted a vivid picture of her childhood, explaining the similarities between her life and Whoopi’s. "I grew up in a tenement. She grew up in a project. It’s not that dissimilar," Joy explained. "It had no elevator, and we lived on the fifth floor. Imagine climbing those stairs every day, carrying groceries, or just trying to get home after a long day of school. It was tough, but we made it work."

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A Compulsive Gambler's Impact

One of the most poignant aspects of Joy’s story is her father’s gambling addiction. "We wouldn’t have been that broke if my father wasn’t a compulsive gambler," she revealed. Despite her mother working and her father holding a steady job at Coca-Cola, the family’s finances were strained. "You know Jimmy Hoffa gave them their birthdays off, OK. These big teamsters with party hats. So we were broke because he gave all of his money to the horses," Joy said with a mix of humor and sadness.

Family Values: Prioritizing What Matters

Despite financial hardships, Joy’s family found joy in the little things. "Still, members of my family wore mink stoles and went to the theater. We would all go out for Chinese food after a night at the theater," she reminisced. "When we had a wedding, everybody looked great. All of their money went into clothing, food, and entertainment. We didn’t have a car or a house, but we had style and spirit."

The Realization of Poverty

Joy promised her fans that she would write about her experiences "at some point" in the future. She recounted the moment she realized her family wasn’t wealthy. "I got the clue when I got a little older and I went to the dramatic school," she recalled. "I met a girl there who lived in Atlantic Beach. And she invited me to go to her house, and her house was what I thought was a mansion. Over the fireplace was an oil painting of her. And there was a Baby Grand in the living room. I looked around and I said, ‘We’re poor.’ They’ve been pulling the wool over my eyes with their theaters and their Chinese food. This is money over here. That was my first recognition." Joy was likely around 12 years old during this eye-opening visit.

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Love and Laughter in a Challenging Childhood

Despite the financial struggles, Joy’s childhood was filled with love and laughter. "I had a family that loved me," she said. "Just like Whoopi said, her mother loved her. Her mother made a beautiful life for her even though they had no money, and I was very much loved as a child. I always say, ‘My family gave me everything but an agent.’ That I needed!" Joy’s words highlight the importance of love and support in shaping a fulfilling life, regardless of financial circumstances.