Funeral Services for Joan Rivers Set for Sunday in NYC

Variety reports that funeral services for the late comedian Joan Rivers will be held this Sunday, September 7th at Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El. No details have been released as to whether the service will be open to the public.

Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson of the New York reform synagogue told ABC News, "It is a terribly sad day for all of us. We mourn with her family, friends and all those millions to whom she brought laughter and joy."

In the comedian's 2012 book "I Hate Everyone...Starting With Me," Rivers humorously described that she wanted her funeral service to be a "huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action. I don't want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Street crying, in five different accents...And I want a wind machine so that even in my casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce's."

Rivers died yesterday at the age of 81. She was long a fixture on the New York scene, with numerous standup appearances, benefit appearances, and a long association with the theatrical community. She was a constant presence at opening nights and special events, and never hesitated to express her love for theatre and live entertainment.

Her Broadway credits include Fun City, Broadway Bound and Sally Marr...and her escorts, for which she received a Drama Desk Nomination as Outstanding Actress in a Play and a Tony Nomination for Best Actress in a Play.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski