Joan Rivers was a pioneer in the world of comedy. Known for her sharp wit and fearless humor, she continues to influence female comics today, even long after her passing on September 4, 2014, due to a heart attack during a medical procedure at the age of 81.

Rivers has left a lasting impression on comedians like Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler, and Wanda Sykes. Aubrey Plaza describes her as “the most badass female comedian there ever was.” Following a recent column about Rodney Dangerfield, Rivers stands out for her significant impact on comedy.

“All my mother told me about sex was that the man goes on top and the woman on the bottom. For three years, my husband and I slept in bunk beds.”

Her works have been criticized for her red-carpet antics and perceived nastiness during her later years. Despite this, her talent earned her sixth place in Rolling Stone magazine’s 2017 list of the 50 best stand-up comics, ranking just below Chris Rock and above Jerry Seinfeld.

The Beginnings of Joan Rivers

Joan Alexandra Molinsky was born on June 8, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a family with a doctor father, Rivers pursued her aspirations by driving into Manhattan after attending Connecticut College. Her initial goal was to become a serious actress.

She shifted into comedy, performing at nightclubs and her parents’ country club, which did not go well. This motivated her to relocate to Manhattan, living under challenging circumstances before returning home.

Career Breakthrough

In 1961, Rivers joined Second City, appearing in productions like “Six of One” and “Alarums and Excursions.” Her time at Second City was pivotal, as she regarded it as her true introduction to comedy.

Rivers integrated into the comic scene in New York at The Duplex, mingling with future stars such as Dick Cavett, Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, and Dangerfield. Female comics were rare, but she tirelessly worked, collaborating with Dangerfield for jokes, developing her renowned line, “Can we talk?”

Her creative process was meticulous, organizing decades’ worth of material on index cards, with approximately 70,000 original jokes curated later at the National Comedy Center.

Support from Contemporaries

Lenny Bruce, her comedy idol, affirmed her talent even when she had rough performances. Bruce’s encouragement was a positive note in her career.

Johnny Carson offered her a spot on the “Tonight Show” in 1965, acknowledging her potential with the words, “God, you’re funny. You are going to be a star.” This appearance turned her career around, leading to significant engagements and stardom.

Carson became her mentor and introduced her to Edgar Rosenberg, her future husband. By the 1980s, Rivers became Carson’s permanent guest host and was considered his successor.

A Tumultuous Period and Resilience

The Fox network offered Rivers her own show in 1986, leading to Carson feeling betrayed. “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” lasted only seven months, but she broke barriers as the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show.

Her personal life faced trials. Her husband’s suicide and financial difficulties left her struggling, amassing $37 million in debt. Undeterred, she reinvented herself, working vigorously into her later years.

Her achievements included creating red carpet pre-shows with her daughter Melissa, hosting “Fashion Police,” winning “Celebrity Apprentice,” writing bestselling books, and maintaining successful comedy engagements.

Rivers helped pave the way for other women in comedy by addressing taboo subjects onstage.

Final Appearances and Legacy

Despite being banned from “The Tonight Show” after parting with Carson, Rivers didn’t appear until Jimmy Fallon hosted, six months before her passing.

Her final performance showcased her comedic brilliance, leaving a legacy defined by courage and an unapologetic approach to comedy.