Remembering Joan Rivers on her birthday
In 1986, Rivers made history as the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show with “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” on the Fox network
Remembering Joan Rivers on her birthday
The pioneering American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and television host Joan Rivers, was born Joan Alexandra Molinsky on June 8, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Known for her sharp wit and acerbic humor, Rivers broke barriers for women in comedy and became a cultural icon.
Joan Rivers was raised in a Russian-Jewish family in Brooklyn. She attended Barnard College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in English literature and anthropology. After college, she worked in various jobs while pursuing her dream of becoming a performer. She changed her last name to Rivers early in her career and began performing in small clubs in New York City.
Rivers’ big break came in 1965 when she appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” Her performance was a hit, leading to regular appearances on the show and a significant boost to her career. Carson became her mentor, and she often referred to him as a major influence on her comedic style.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Joan Rivers became a household name. She was known for her self-deprecating humor and her bold, often controversial jokes about celebrities and societal norms. Her stand-up comedy routines and television appearances made her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
In 1986, Rivers made history as the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show with “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” on the Fox network. However, the show was short-lived, and Rivers faced professional and personal setbacks, including the end of her relationship with Johnny Carson, who never spoke to her again after she launched her show.
Joan Rivers’ notable works include her Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show “The Joan Rivers Show,” which aired from 1989 to 1993. She also authored several books, including bestsellers like “Enter Talking” and “Still Talking,” which detailed her life and career. Rivers was a pioneer in red carpet fashion commentary, co-hosting “Fashion Police” on the E! network, where she became known for her sharp critiques of celebrity fashion.
Rivers’ work extended beyond television. She was a successful businesswoman, launching her own line of jewelry and beauty products on QVC. She also continued to perform stand-up comedy, touring extensively and connecting with audiences around the world.
Joan Rivers married producer Edgar Rosenberg in 1965, and they had a daughter, Melissa Rivers, who became a television host and producer. Edgar Rosenberg’s tragic suicide in 1987 deeply affected Rivers, but she continued to focus on her career and raising Melissa. Joan and Melissa often worked together, including on their reality TV show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”
In her later years, Joan Rivers remained active in the entertainment industry. She was a frequent guest on television shows, a fixture at awards shows, and continued her successful run on “Fashion Police.”
Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014, at the age of 81, in New York City, following complications from a routine endoscopy. Her death was widely mourned in the entertainment community and by fans worldwide.
Watch Joan Rivers on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, 2014
Watch more TV related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
