Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers 1966 Press photo

Joan Rivers (born Joan Alexandra Molinsky; June 8, 1933 – September 4, 2014) was an American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and television host. She was noted for her acerbic wit and often controversial comedic persona—heavily self-deprecating and sharply critical of celebrities and politicians.

Early Life

Joan Rivers was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to Russian-Jewish immigrants. She was raised in Larchmont, New York, and attended Barnard College, where she graduated with a degree in English literature and anthropology in 1954.

Career

Stand-Up Comedy

Rivers began her career in stand-up comedy in the late 1950s, performing in various clubs in Greenwich Village. Her big break came in 1965 when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carson became a mentor to Rivers, and she became a frequent guest on the show.

Television

In the 1980s, Rivers became the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show with The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers on the Fox Network. She later hosted The Joan Rivers Show, which won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host.

Fashion Police

Rivers was also known for her work on Fashion Police, where she critiqued the fashion choices of celebrities. Her sharp and often controversial commentary made the show a hit.

Writing and Producing

In addition to her work in comedy and television, Rivers was a prolific writer and producer. She authored several books, including her autobiography Enter Talking and the best-selling Diary of a Mad Diva.

Personal Life

Rivers was married twice, first to James Sanger in 1955 (annulled after six months) and then to Edgar Rosenberg in 1965, with whom she had a daughter, Melissa Rivers. Edgar Rosenberg committed suicide in 1987, which had a profound impact on Rivers.

Death

Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014, following complications from a minor throat procedure. Her death was widely mourned in the entertainment industry, and she was remembered as a trailblazer for women in comedy.

Legacy

Rivers' influence on comedy and television is significant. She broke barriers for women in the industry and is remembered for her fearless and unapologetic approach to comedy.

See Also

• List of stand-up comedians
• Women in comedy
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
• Fashion Police