Joan Rivers, known for her sharp wit and iconic humor, remains influential long after her passing on September 4, 2014. Her impact on female comedians like Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler, and Wanda Sykes is undeniable. Aubrey Plaza even referred to her as ‘the most badass female comedian.’ Despite the controversies that clouded her late career, Rivers’ legacy is celebrated. She ranked sixth on Rolling Stone’s 2017 list of the 50 best stand-up comics, nestled between Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in Brooklyn on June 8, 1933, Rivers was raised by a doctor and his wife along with her sister. After studying at Connecticut College, she pursued acting but found her true calling in comedy. Initially performing at nightclubs and her parents’ country club, she faced early challenges, such as being unsuccessful at her parents’ club performance, leading them to leave discreetly. Undeterred, Rivers continued her comedy journey in Manhattan.
Comedic Beginnings at Second City
In 1961, Rivers joined Second City, a pivotal moment in her career. She excelled in revues like ‘Six of One’ and ‘Alarums and Excursions’ and frequented the Playboy mansion. She credited Second City with her comedic birth. She later added ‘Can we talk?’ to her repertoire and started organizing jokes systematically, resulting in nearly 70,000 original jokes archived at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.
Breakthrough with Johnny Carson
Rivers’ career transformed dramatically after appearing on ‘The Tonight Show’ in 1965. Johnny Carson praised her talent, marking a career turning point. Her newfound fame led to prominent bookings and solidified her as a star. Carson, who played a crucial role in her career, also introduced her to Edgar Rosenberg, who became her husband and father of their daughter, Melissa.
Challenges and Resilience
Rivers’ career faced setbacks in the 1980s. A new late-night show with Fox ended poorly and Carson saw this move as a betrayal. Her personal life was challenging, with her husband’s suicide and subsequent financial troubles leaving her in debt. Despite these hardships, Rivers reinvented herself, creating opportunities and working tirelessly in her later years.
Cultural Icon and Late-Career Success
Rivers became a cultural icon, known for creating successful ventures with her daughter Melissa, including E! Entertainment’s red carpet pre-show and “Fashion Police.” She excelled on QVC, published bestsellers, and continued successful stand-up performances. Her resilience inspired a generation of female comedians, paving the way for voices like Sarah Silverman.
Final Years and Legacy
Remarkably, Rivers returned to ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jimmy Fallon after a long absence, reminding audiences of her unmatched comedic talent. Her contributions to comedy, especially in breaking gender barriers, remain influential, ensuring her legacy endures for future generations.
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