Talk with Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers was an American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and television host noted for her often controversial comedic persona—where she was sharply acerbic towards celebrities and famous for her wit. Born on June 8, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, she grew up in a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry, which shaped her future career.

Rivers started her career in the 1950s as a stand-up comedian in clubs around Greenwich Village. By 1965, she had a breakthrough on "The Tonight Show" where her humor caught the eyes of the show’s host, Johnny Carson, who later declared her as the show's permanent guest host. This was a rare honor and a significant career boost.

Joan Rivers is probably best known for her role as a pioneer for women in the comedy circuit, where the environment was predominantly male. Over the years, she evolved her style, and her material often included criticisms of celebrity fashion, which eventually led her to host "Fashion Police," a television show that critiqued celebrity fashion choices.

In addition to her comedy and television hosting roles, Rivers also authored several books, played roles in movies, and created a line of jewelry and products for QVC, a home shopping network. Her work earned her numerous awards, including a Grammy, a Tony nomination, and several Daytime Emmy Awards.

Joan Rivers passed away on September 4, 2014, following surgical complications. Despite controversies that sometimes surrounded her, Rivers left a significant legacy in comedy and entertainment, remembered for her bold, pioneering spirit and her ability to break down barriers for women in the comedy genre.

Joan Rivers had a significant impact on fashion commentary, particularly through her role as the host of "Fashion Police," a television program that critiqued celebrity fashion choices. Her sharp, often humorous and sometimes controversial comments helped elevate public interest in red carpet and celebrity fashion.

Rivers brought a unique blend of humor and honesty to fashion critique, making it accessible and entertaining to a wide audience. She was known for her candid observations, which could be both cutting and endearing, giving her a distinctive voice in the fashion world. This approach democratized fashion commentary, moving it from the niche corners of fashion magazines directly to mainstream television.

Joan also popularized the phrase "Who are you wearing?" a question that has become synonymous with red carpet events. This question highlights the designers behind celebrity fashion, emphasizing the relationship between celebrity endorsements and fashion marketing.

Overall, Joan Rivers transformed fashion commentary into a form of entertainment that appeals to both fashion aficionados and the general public, leaving a lasting legacy in the way red carpet fashion is discussed and viewed.

Yes, Joan Rivers had several recurring themes in her comedy. Among the most prominent were her observations on celebrity culture, her own experiences with aging and plastic surgery, her relationships with men and family, and her role as a woman in society. Rivers was known for her sharp wit and often irreverent humor, frequently poking fun at herself as much as she did others. She made a significant impact on comedy by addressing topics that were often considered taboo for women to discuss publicly, using humor as a tool to both entertain and provoke thought.

Joan Rivers had a very candid and humorous approach to discussing aging. She often joked about her own age and the effects of aging in her comedy routines, making light of wrinkles, physical changes, and the challenges that come with getting older. Rivers was famously open about her multiple cosmetic surgeries, using her experiences as material for her stand-up comedy and interviews. She embraced aging with a mixture of humor and honesty, often encouraging others to laugh about the inevitable and to not take it too seriously. Despite her jokes, she also advocated for facing aging with grace, confidence, and a bit of defiance, embodying this attitude in her personal and public life.

Joan Rivers' comedic style was characterized by several distinctive features that made her stand out in the world of comedy.

1. Sarcasm and Wit: Joan was well-known for her sharp wit and biting sarcasm. She managed to deliver scathing critiques of celebrity culture, fashion mistakes, and personal foibles in a way that was both cutting and hilarious.

2. Self-deprecating Humor: Despite her often harsh commentary on others, Joan frequently turned the joke back on herself. She made her own struggles and imperfections part of her routine, which made her more relatable and endearing to her audience.

3. Honesty and Candor: Joan Rivers was unapologetically honest. She spoke openly about everything from her personal life and sex to aging and plastic surgery. This candidness was a hallmark of her comedy, and it broke many taboos, particularly for women in entertainment.

4. Rapid-Fire Jokes: Her delivery was often fast-paced, with jokes delivered one after the other. This relentless pacing kept her audiences engaged and contributed to the energetic atmosphere of her performances.

5. Interactive Comedy: Joan was known for her ability to interact with the audience, whether she was performing stand-up or hosting a talk show. She often incorporated audience reactions into her performance, making each show feel unique and dynamic.

6. Controversial and Edgy Topics: She never shied away from controversial topics, using them as fodder for her comedy. This sometimes drew criticism, but it also highlighted her fearlessness and pioneering spirit in pushing the boundaries of mainstream comedy.

Overall, Joan Rivers' comedic style was a complex blend of humor, honesty, and courage, enabling her to make a significant impact on the world of comedy and beyond.

Joan Rivers was banned from "The Tonight Show," a significant turning point in her career, rather than from the "Late Show." The ban stemmed from a conflict that arose in 1986 when Joan Rivers, who was then a frequent guest host on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," launched her own competing talk show, "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers" on the then-new Fox Network.

Johnny Carson, who had been a mentor and primary supporter of Rivers' career, felt personally betrayed by her decision, especially since she did not inform him of her plans before the public announcement. Carson felt that Rivers, by accepting a directly competing show, was displaying disloyalty — a significant offense in his view. As a result, he imposed a ban on her appearing on "The Tonight Show." This ban even extended beyond his retirement, continuing when Jay Leno took over as host. Joan Rivers was never invited back to "The Tonight Show" until 2014, when Jimmy Fallon took over as host and lifted the ban.

Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014, due to complications from a minor throat procedure. She underwent an endoscopy at an outpatient clinic in New York City, during which she experienced complications that led to a lack of oxygen to her brain, resulting in cardiac arrest. She was hospitalized and put on life support but passed away a week later at the age of 81.

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, is not directly based on the life of Joan Rivers. However, the show's main character, Miriam "Midge" Maisel, who becomes a stand-up comedian in the 1950s, has drawn comparisons to Joan Rivers due to similarities in their career paths and pioneering roles as female comedians during a time when the field was predominantly male. While Joan Rivers herself was known for her biting humor and trailblazing career, the creators of the show have stated that Midge Maisel is a fictional character inspired by many early stand-up comedians, not exclusively Joan Rivers.

Yes, Joan Rivers did have a funeral in New York. Following her death on September 4, 2014, her funeral was held on September 7, 2014, at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan. It was a star-studded event, attended by numerous celebrities and friends, and marked by personal tributes and performances, reflecting her significant impact on entertainment and her wide circle of friends and admirers.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Joan Rivers.