Joan Rivers, 1933-2014
The trailblazing comedian Joan Rivers was born Joan Molinsky in Brooklyn, New York in 1933. She worked as a tour guide, advertising writer and fashion consultant. Following the annullment of her first marriage, she discovered that performing at comedy clubs was slightly more lucrative than clerical work. In addition to performing she was also a writer for Phyllis Diller and Zsa Zsa Gabor and for the television shows Candid Camera and The Ed Sullivan Show.
Rivers stated that her breakthrough came in 1965 when, during an appearance on The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson called her "a star". "The next day, my life changed," she said. Her career was still active 50 years later with television shows and live appearances. She also wrote books:
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Don't Count the Candles, Just Keep the Fire Lit
I Hate Everyone…Starting with Me
• Audiobook
Men are Stupid…and They Like Big Boobs: a Woman's Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery
Murder at the Academy Awards: a Red Carpet Murder Mystery
• Large Print
Not everyone liked Joan Rivers; she could be controversial and abrasive. She could also be professional and kind. An acquaintance who worked with her during his career in publishing has said that she was a joy to work with–hardworking, pleasant, and generous with her time.
Joan Rivers died on September 4, 2014 following complications from surgery.
One thought on “Joan Rivers, 1933-2014”
She was one funny lady. Thanks for the excellent post. There is also a fascinating documentary on Joan Rivers – highly recommended. Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.