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Joan Rivers

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

Joan Alexandra Molinsky (June 8, 1933 – September 4, 2014), known professionally as Joan Rivers, was an American comedian, actress, producer, writer, and television host. She was noted for her blunt, often controversial comedic persona that was heavily self-deprecating and acerbic, especially towards celebrities and politicians, delivered in her signature New York accent. She is considered a pioneer of women in comedy. She received an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award, as well as nomination for a Tony Award.



Rivers started her career in comedy clubs in Greenwich Village alongside her peers George Carlin, Woody Allen, and Richard Pryor. She then rose to prominence in 1965 as a guest on The Tonight Show. Hosted by her mentor, Johnny Carson, the show established Rivers's comedic style. In 1986, with her own rival program, The Late Show with Joan Rivers, Rivers became the first woman to host a late night network television talk show. She subsequently hosted The Joan Rivers Show (1989–1993), winning a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host. From the mid-1990s, she became known for her comedic red carpet awards show celebrity interviews. Rivers co-hosted the E! celebrity fashion show Fashion Police from 2010 to 2014 and starred in the reality series Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? (2011–2014) with daughter Melissa Rivers.

In addition to marketing a line of jewelry and apparel on the QVC shopping channel, Rivers authored 12 best-selling books and three LP comedy albums under her own name: Mr. Phyllis and Other Funny Stories (Warner Bros 1965), The Next to Last Joan Rivers Album (Buddah 1969), and What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most? (Geffen 1983). She was nominated in 1984 for a Grammy Award for her album What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most? and was nominated in 1994 for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance of the title role in Sally Marr ... and Her Escorts. In 2009, Rivers competed alongside her daughter Melissa on the second season of The Celebrity Apprentice, ultimately winning the season. In 2015, Rivers posthumously received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for her book, Diary of a Mad Diva.

In 1968, The New York Times television critic Jack Gould called Rivers "quite possibly the most intuitively funny woman alive". In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked her sixth on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time, and in October the same year, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. She is the subject of the documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1994
Sally Marr

[Broadway]
1986
Kate [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1972
Jill Fairchild

Writing

Playwright

Movies

The Swimmer
[ 1968 ] Joan
Rabbit Test
[ 1978 ] Second Nurse
Uncle Scam
[ 1981 ] Joan Rivers
The Muppets Take Manhattan
[ 1984 ] Perfume Saleswoman
Spaceballs
[ 1987 ] Dot Matrix
Public Enemy #2
[ 1991 ] Joan Rivers
Serial Mom
[ 1994 ] Joan Rivers
Napoleon
[ 1995 ] Mother Penguin
Goosed
[ 1999 ] Mom, Blanche
Intern
[ 2000 ] Dolly Bellows
Whispers: An Elephant's Tale
[ 2000 ] Spike
Hip! Edgy! Quirky!
[ 2002 ] Floressa
First Daughter
[ 2004 ] Joan Rivers
Shrek 2
[ 2004 ] Joan Rivers
The Hipsters
[ 2009 ] Floressa Malone
The Smurfs
[ 2011 ] Party Guest
Iron Man 3
[ 2013 ] Joan Rivers

TV Shows

Nip/Tuck
Joan Rivers
Spaceballs: The Animated Series
Dot Matrix
Suddenly Susan
Edie

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Joan Rivers, Sally Marr...and Her Escorts

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Joan Rivers , Sally Marr...and Her Escorts

Videos

News


The Bagelmania Backroom Comedy Night Returns This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025

Continuing to welcome sold out audiences, Las Vegas' iconic Jewish delicatessen Siegel's Bagelmania will hold the next monthly installment of its popular comedy event, The Bagelmania Backroom on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Joan Rivers Play, COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA & More Set for Cape Playhouse 2025 Summer Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2025

Discover the Cape Playhouse's 2025 'Season of Hope,' featuring productions like BUDDY, RENT, ANASTASIA, and more. The season will run June 4 to September 20 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA.
Comic Rhonda Hansome Hosts LAUGHS LIKELY! at The Black Women in Comedy LaffFest
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025

Actor / comedian Rhonda 'Passion' Hansome will again host the 'Laughs Likely!' live comedy showcase at The Grisly Pear Midtown as part of the Sixth Annual Black Women in Comedy LaffFest in New York City.
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has revealed the theatre’s 2025 season which includes seven productions, including two regional premieres and two world premieres. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Jackie Tohn To Host the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 31, 2025

The Costume Designers Guild has announced that actor and singer Jackie Tohn will host the 27th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards). Colman Domingo, Kathryn Hahn, Mindy Kaling, and Paul Tazewell have also been confirmed as presenters.
West Bank Cafe Re-Opens its Doors Under New Ownership
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2025

Broadway producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora are welcoming diners, Hell’s Kitchen neighbors, and Broadway Community back to the beloved West Bank Cafe, re-opening for dinner today, Thursday, January 23rd.
West Bank Cafe Will Re-Open This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

After ongoing efforts to save the venue, The West Bank Cafe will be reopening this month, with the Laurie Beechman Theatre expected to reopen in February. Learn more here!
THE SECOND CITY 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Announced At Paramount's Copley Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

The Second City is celebrating 65 years, and they're bringing they're legendary laughfest to Paramount's Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, for a two-week summer run, June 17-28, 2025.
Review: Five Stars for JULIE HALSTON TAKES THE Q TRAIN at Birdland
by Nathan Johnson - Jan 9, 2025

Julie is a diamond cut from the rarest of molds. She’s as terminally unique as Joan Rivers and just as funny. Where others see the mundane, Julie sees the miraculous. She reminds us that life’s absurdities are not just worth noticing but worth celebrating.
Rhonda Hansome Will Perform at the Story Collider at CAVEAT
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2025

Actor / comedian Rhonda 'Passion' Hansome will be joined by: Josh Barber, Rita Rigano, Rollie Williams and David Quang Pham at The Story Collider live (and livestream) storytelling showcase.
MY SON THE WAITER: A JEWISH TRAGEDY Comes to The Lake Worth Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2025

Brad Zimmerman will bring his hit New York comedy to Lake Worth in February with his autobiographical comedy, My Son the Waiter:  A Jewish Tragedy. Learn more here!
Comedian Margaret Cho Reveals New 2025 Tour Dates
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2024

Margaret Cho, the five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian/actress who has been touring her hilarious stand-up comedy shows in North America for over four decades has added brand new 2025 dates to her highly successful Live and LIVID! tour. 
Margaret Cho Reveals New 2025 Tour Dates
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2024

Margaret Cho - the five-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian/actress who has been touring her hilarious stand-up comedy shows in North America for over four decades has added brand new 2025 dates to her highly successful Live and LIVID! tour.
Jackie Beat to Bring BIG DICKENS ENERGY! To Chicago
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 11, 2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year and everyone's favorite drag legend, JACKIE BEAT, is serving up a heapin' helpin' of holiday hijinx that yule just love in Chicago! Learn how to watch and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Artemisia LeFay's WASTED GIRL at Don't Tell Mama
by Stephi Wild - Nov 27, 2024

Kabarettist Artemisia LeFay brought her latest show WASTED GIRL back to Don't Tell Mama this past Sunday. Check out photos from the performance and learn more here!
Drag Icon Jackie Beat Announces BIG DICKENS ENERGY! Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year and everyone's favorite drag legend, JACKIE BEAT, is serving up a heapin' helpin' of holiday hijinx that yule just love.
Review: South Coast Repertory Presents World Premiere Play JOAN
by Michael Quintos - Nov 12, 2024

Featuring a remarkable, gutsy performance by Tessa Auberjonois as the legendary comedienne, JOAN is an absorbing and hilarious new work that also feels like an on-going work-in-progress. The world premiere production continues performances at South Coast Repertory through November 24, 2024.
Video: JOAN at South Coast Repertory Theatre Teaser Trailer
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2024

 South Coast Repertory is showcasing the legacy of Joan Rivers with the world premiere of Joan, written by Daniel Goldstein and directed by Ivers. Check out an all new teaser trailer in the video here!
CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS 2 Announced At Act II Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2024

Act II Playhouse has announced the return of CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS 2, running from December 1-31. The production stars Act II Artistic Director, Tony Braithwaite. 
Broadway League Steps Back from Light-Dimming Announcements Following Backlash
by Joshua Wright - Nov 5, 2024

The Broadway League will no longer be involved in announcing the traditional dimming of marquee lights that honors the memories of deceased performers, writers, and other influential figures in the Broadway community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Joan Rivers been in?

Joan Rivers has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Joan Rivers been in?

Joan Rivers has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Joan Rivers been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Sally Marr...and Her Escorts and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Sally Marr...and Her Escorts.

How many shows has Joan Rivers written?

Joan Rivers has written 2 shows including Fun City (Playwright), Sally Marr...and her escorts (Playwright).

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