Joan Rivers brought laughter into her audiences lives with her candid comedy. She shed light on the darkest scenarios by bringing hilarity into the picture. Her brutally honest judgment of not only A-list celebrities, but also herself made her one of Hollywood’s most comical entertainers.
Rivers started her legacy as one of the industry’s funniest women in the late 1950s. She began her career working in small plays in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. Rivers would write skits for puppets. Her small role on “Candid Camera”, an impractical joker’s show, eventually led to her appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.
By the 1970s, Rivers had her own daily talk show and had made many appearances as a guest on other programs as well. Throughout the decades, became become a household name. She made many cameo performances in movies, written books and recorded comedy shows all while continuing to host a variety of on-air television programs. She also starred in a reality show with her daughter Melissa, “Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”
Before her passing, she was most commonly known as one of the hosts on channel “E!’s Fashion Police.” Her abrasive humor caught the attention of many viewers and her ability to laugh at herself made her an admirable television personality.
Unfortunately after a failed medical procedure on Aug. 28 Rivers was placed into a medically induced coma. By Aug. 30 Rivers was placed on life support at Mount Sinai Hospital. A few days later, she was moved from the intensive care unit to a secluded room just a few days later with no further update on the status of her health.
On Sept. 4, 2014, it was announced that Rivers had passed away. Her daughter Melissa released a statement on her and her son’s behalf thanking the public for their unconditional support during this very difficult time. Although she was established, many people of this generation do not know of her work.
Nicole Hallinan, a junior early education major said “When I heard of Joan River’s death, I was so surprised because I watched her on E! News earlier that week accepting the ice bucket challenge. However, it is hard for me to give input because I don’t know much about her comedy.”
Joan Rivers will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic female comedians and her sense of humor and style will greatly be missed.
