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.23 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.4 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.56 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.
