Joan Rivers (1933–2014,) born Joan Alexandra Molinsky, was an American entertainer. She was a celebrated raspy-voiced, raunchy, and blunt nightclub and television comic during a decades-long career in show business.
Born in Larchmont, New York, she appeared in Seawood (1959) and other minor plays before working with the Chicago improvisational troupe Second City (1961–62,) with whom she developed her prowess as an acid-tongued, stand-up comedienne. Success came with an appearance on The Tonight Show in 1965, and she made her Las Vegas début in 1969.
In 1978, Rivers directed the film Rabbit Test, and in 1983 recorded the album What Becomes A Semi-Legend Most. On television, she hosted her programs, That Show Starring Joan Rivers (1968) and The Joan Rivers Show (1989–93; Emmy,) and was the regular guest host of The Tonight Show (1971–86.) Her radio program ran 1997–2002, and her films include Serial Mom (1994.)
A keen advocate of plastic surgery, Rivers appeared as herself in the drama series Nip/Tuck (2004.) She also launched her range of jewelry, cosmetics, and perfume. Her books include Don’t Count the Candles: Just Keep the Fire Lit (1999.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Joan Rivers
I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door—or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Optimism, Adversity
I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Thinking
I don’t excercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Exercise
I told my mother-in-law that my house was her house, and she said, “Get the hell off my property”.
—Joan Rivers
I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes—and six months later you have to start all over again.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Home, Housework
Anger is a symptom, a way of cloaking and expressing feelings too awful to experience directly—hurt, bitterness, grief, and, mostof all, fear.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Anger
Can we talk?
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Conversation
You have to laugh and cry over and over again with someone before you feel comfortable.
—Joan Rivers
There is not one female comic who was beautiful as a little girl.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Comedy
Thank God we’re living in a country where the sky’s the limit, the stores are open late and you can shop in bed thanks to television.
—Joan Rivers
My routines come out of total unhappiness. My audiences are my group therapy.
—Joan Rivers
Topics: Comedy
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