When it comes to legendary friendships, Joy Behar has quite a few stories to share, but none as special as her admiration for the iconic Phyllis Diller. The co-host of The View reminisces about visiting the comedy queen in her later years at her stunning California home, an experience that left a lasting impression.
A Memorable Afternoon With Phyllis Diller
“Lily Tomlin and I visited her house together in Beverly Hills,” Joy, now 81, recounted during an episode of The View’s “Behind the Table” podcast on March 27. “I’m not entirely sure how it all came together, but it did, and let me tell you, Phyllis was absolutely charming and delightful. She was just the greatest,” Joy gushed, her admiration for Diller evident in her voice.
Recalling the visit, Joy shared how Diller had transitioned from standup comedy to other creative pursuits in her later years. “She told me that when she was in her 80s, she decided to retire from standup. She tried writing, but it didn’t quite work out for her, so she turned to painting. Her entire house was filled with her artwork, each piece proudly displaying a price tag, just in case you wanted to buy something. And she gave me one of her paintings, which I still cherish to this day,” Joy fondly remembered.
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Phyllis Diller: A Comedy Icon Who Left a Lasting Legacy
Diller, known for her unmatched charisma on stage, passed away in August 2012 at the age of 95 after a remarkable career spanning decades as a musician, actress, comedian, and author. Joy once revealed how Diller profoundly influenced her standup career before she joined The View.
“Phyllis Diller once explained the art of comedy to me,” Joy reflected. “She compared it to sculpting. You have about an hour and a half for a show, and you keep molding it, adding and subtracting pieces. There are certain jokes that you know will always work, no matter where you perform. It’s a mix of acting and improvisation. It’s not a strict script, at least not the way I do it,” Joy explained, highlighting the fluidity and creativity required in standup comedy.
Joy Behar’s Journey: From Standup Comedy to Saturday Night Live
During the same podcast episode, Joy opened up about her experience auditioning for Saturday Night Live. “There was a time when I really wanted to get on the show because I had this funny character that I used to perform,” Joy explained. “I auditioned for Lorne Michaels, and let me tell you, the man didn’t laugh once. After I finished, he simply said, ‘That was funny,’ and I replied, ‘You didn’t laugh.’ He then told me, ‘I don’t laugh because if I do, you’ll think you have a job.’ I said, ‘That’s fine, don’t worry about it,’” Joy recounted with a laugh.
Joy Behar and Alan Alda: A Lasting Friendship
Joy also spoke about her enduring friendship with Alan Alda, who is currently managing Parkinson’s disease. “First of all, I adore Alan Alda,” she shared. “Even though he’s dealing with Parkinson’s disease right now, he’s still as funny and charming as ever. His ability to laugh and make others laugh hasn’t diminished one bit,” Joy said, highlighting the strength and humor that defines her friend.
