BWW has just reported the sad news that Joan Rivers died this morning, at 81 years old. Rivers was undergoing a procedure on her vocal cords last Thursday, during which she stopped breathing. She was quickly rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York City, where she was admitted in critical condition, and later upgraded to stable as she was put into a medically induced coma and put on life support.
Earlier this week, she was moved from the ICU to a private room, where she was kept comfortable and surrounded by family and loved ones, who had been hoping for a miracle. Continued updates noted that she would be touched by the outpouring of support and kept comfortable, with no other details.
It was revealed this morning that the New York State health department is investigating the 'whole matter' as well.
Rivers 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.
Click here for a full bio on Joan Rivers
Below, BWW has assembled highlights from Rivers' many talk show appearances throughout the years, as well as some of her classic stand up routines.
Jimmy Fallon recently welcomed Joan Rivers, who made her first appearance on The Tonight Show 49 years ago
Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski
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