Comedy legend Joan Rivers passed away this week at the age of 81. Rivers earned her icon status by shattering the glass ceiling for female comedians, and has since built an empire around her own brand of comedy and fashion critique. She has worn many hats in her career, including playwright, screenwriter, comedian, author, Tony-nominated actress, radio host, jewelry designer, businesswoman, motion picture director, and of course, fashionista. Best known for her self-depreciating, and sometimes biting humor, Rivers was one of the best loved, and most feared comedians.
In the mid-1960’s Rivers got her first big break with an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and later on became a permanent guest host of The Tonight Show. Rivers also helped launch the Fox Network in 1986 with her show Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, and left to start The Joan Rivers Show in 1989, winning both an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host the following year, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame that same year.
From 1994 to 1996 Rivers hosted E!’s red carpet events, earning the title of fashionista. She went on to host Fashion Police and executive produce her internet show In Bed with Joan. Rivers is survived by her daughter Melissa Rivers and grandson Cooper.
