Television personality Joy Behar, 82, recently shared a revealing story about her initial encounter with the late Barbara Walters on PBS's Finding Your Roots. Despite a less-than-impressive first impression, Behar went on to become one of the original panelists on The View, a show created by Walters in 1997. This article explores how their relationship evolved from an awkward beginning to a successful collaboration that spanned decades.

The Unlikely Start: A Misunderstood First Impression

Behar recounted an event where she performed at Milton Berle’s 89th birthday party, delivering a comedic monologue that left most of the audience laughing—except for Walters. Despite this setback, Behar remained unfazed initially, not expecting to work with Walters. However, fate had other plans as Behar soon received an unexpected call inviting her to audition for a new project that would eventually become The View.

At the Waldorf Astoria, Behar took the stage and delivered a humorous commentary on age differences in relationships. Her performance included comparisons between Milton Berle and Salman Rushdie, both of whom had married much younger spouses. After her act, Behar noticed that while others were amused, Walters did not share the same reaction. When Behar asked her husband for feedback, he pointed out that Walters was the only one not laughing. Despite this, Behar maintained a positive outlook and moved forward with her career aspirations. Months later, she received a call from Walters' team, leading to her involvement in The View.

A Lasting Partnership: Building Trust and Respect

Once Behar joined The View, she gradually built a strong working relationship with Walters. Over time, they developed mutual respect and trust, which became evident in their professional interactions. Behar even addressed the past incident with Walters, who explained that she had been observing Behar’s talent during the performance. This revelation marked a turning point in their relationship, solidifying their partnership.

Behar also reflected on her decision to join The View despite her agent’s reservations. Initially offered a sitcom role, Behar chose The View because it promised a stimulating environment in New York City, where she preferred living over Los Angeles. Her intuition proved correct as The View thrived under Walters’ leadership. Behar’s dedication to the show has made her one of its longest-serving panelists, contributing significantly to its success. Through perseverance and a willingness to embrace challenges, Behar turned what could have been a missed opportunity into a rewarding career milestone.