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.
