Joan Rivers was an American comedian, actress, producer, writer, and television host. She was noted for her blunt, often controversial, comedic persona—heavily self-deprecating and acerbic, especially towards celebrities and politicians. She is considered a pioneer of women in comedy by many critics.

Rivers started her career in comedy clubs in New York city. Her big break came in 1965 as a guest on The Tonight Show. With the help of her mentor Johnny Carson her comedic style was honed and her career path gained momentum.

In 1986 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 and starred in a reality series with her daughter Melissa Rivers.

During her 55-year career as a comedian, her tough-talking style of satirical humor was both praised and criticized as truthful, yet too personal, too gossipy, and very often abrasive. Nonetheless, with her ability to "tell it like it is," she became a pioneer of contemporary stand-up comedy.

At her funeral, talk show host Howard Stern delivered the eulogy, described Rivers as "brassy in public [and] classy in private ... a troublemaker, trail blazer, pioneer for comics everywhere, ... [who] fought the stereotypes that women can't be funny."

A wonderful life filled with many ups and downs that was lived to the fullest.

Joan Rivers will now be In Heaven with the Stars forever.