Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joan Rivers
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Joan Rivers made an impact.
Joan Rivers, born Joan Alexandra Molinsky, was a prominent American comedienne, actress, writer, producer, and television host. Rivers was renowned for her brash and often controversial comedic style characterized by self-deprecating humor and sharp, critical observations about celebrities and political figures, delivered in her distinctive New York accent. A pioneer for women in comedy, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her career spanned decades, during which she garnered accolades including an Emmy and a Grammy Award, along with a Tony Award nomination, solidifying her status as an entertainment icon.
16 hours ago : Joan Rivers' Tribute Show: Comics Celebrate Legacy with Ashes, Melissa Rivers Shares Insights.
A tribute show honoring Joan Rivers is set to air on NBC and Peacock. Comics posed with Joan Rivers' ashes. Melissa Rivers discusses the 'Dead Funny All-Star Tribute,' sharing memories and insights into her mother's enduring legacy.
1961: Breakthrough at The Second City
In 1961, Joan Rivers had her breakthrough at The Second City in Chicago, where she was dubbed "the best girl since Elaine May".
1963: Formation of Jim, Jake & Joan
Between 1963 and 1964, Joan Rivers joined forces with Jim Connell and Jake Holmes in the cabaret act "Jim, Jake & Joan".
1964: Appearance in Once Upon A Coffee House and Disbandment of Jim, Jake & Joan
In 1964, Jim, Jake & Joan's appearance at The Bitter End led to their inclusion in the motion picture Once Upon A Coffee House, marking Rivers' first credit in a feature film. However, the group disbanded soon after.
February 17, 1965: First Appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
On February 17, 1965, Joan Rivers made her first appearance on The Tonight Show with its new host, Johnny Carson. Carson told her, "you're gonna be a star."
1965: Debut Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
In 1965, Joan Rivers made her debut appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson at Bill Cosby's suggestion. Cosby described her as intelligent and human. Her conversational style led to eight more appearances that year. Time magazine likened her humor to Woody Allen's, while Rivers compared herself to Allen as well.
1965: Rise to Prominence on The Tonight Show
In 1965, Joan Rivers rose to prominence as a guest on The Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson. This appearance established Rivers' comedic style.
September 16, 1968: Premiere of That Show with Joan Rivers
On September 16, 1968, Joan Rivers' short-lived syndicated daytime talk show called That Show with Joan Rivers premiered.
January 2, 1972: Broadway Debut in Fun City
On January 2, 1972, Joan Rivers made her Broadway debut in the play Fun City, which received a negative critical reception and ran for only nine performances.
1973: Co-writing The Girl Most Likely To... and Writing for The Chicago Tribune
In 1973, Joan Rivers co-wrote the made-for-television movie The Girl Most Likely To... She also wrote a thrice-weekly column for The Chicago Tribune from 1973 to 1976.
1974: Publication of Having a Baby Can Be a Scream
In 1974, Joan Rivers published her first book, Having a Baby Can Be a Scream, described as a "catalogue of gynaecological anxieties".
1976: Narration of The Adventures of Letterman ends
From 1972 to 1976, Joan Rivers narrated The Adventures of Letterman, an animated segment for The Electric Company. 1976 was when the show ended.
1976: End of Column with The Chicago Tribune
Joan Rivers's time writing a thrice-weekly column for The Chicago Tribune ended in 1976, as she had started in 1973.
1978: Directorial Debut with Rabbit Test
In 1978, Joan Rivers made her directorial debut with the comedy Rabbit Test, which she also wrote and which starred Billy Crystal.
August 1983: Named Permanent Guest Host on The Tonight Show
In August 1983, Johnny Carson established Joan Rivers as his first permanent guest host on The Tonight Show.
1984: Performance at Republican National Convention and Publication of Heidi Abramowitz
In 1984, Joan Rivers performed at a luncheon at the Republican National Convention. That year, she also published her best-selling humor book, The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abramowitz.
May 1985: Appeared at Comic Relief Benefit for AIDS Medical Foundation
In May 1985, Joan Rivers appeared at a Comic Relief benefit with Nichols and May for the new AIDS Medical Foundation in New York City.
October 9, 1986: Premiere of The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers
On October 9, 1986, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers premiered on Fox Television Network.
1986: Announcement of The Late Show and End of Friendship with Johnny Carson
In 1986, Fox Television Network announced that Joan Rivers would host The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, leading to the end of her friendship with Johnny Carson. Carson learned of the show from Fox and not from Rivers.
1986: The Hollywood Squares Appearance
In 1986, Joan Rivers appeared as one of the center square occupants on the 1986–89 version of The Hollywood Squares, hosted by John Davidson.
1986: Hosting The Late Show
In 1986, Joan Rivers became the first woman to host a late-night network television talk show with her own rival program, The Late Show with Joan Rivers.
1986: Release of Enter Talking
In 1986, Joan Rivers released her book, Enter Talking, which described her rise to stardom and the evolution of her comedic persona.
May 15, 1987: Firing from The Late Show
On May 15, 1987, Joan Rivers and her husband Edgar Rosenberg were fired from The Late Show after she challenged Fox executives.
1987: Voice-over Role in Spaceballs
In 1987, Joan Rivers made the voice-over role of Dot Matrix in the science-fiction comedy Spaceballs, directed by Mel Brooks. The film was a critical and commercial success.
1988: Fox Nighttime Program
In 1988, Joan Rivers hosted a nighttime program on Fox that was ultimately unsuccessful.
September 5, 1989: The Joan Rivers Show Premiere
On September 5, 1989, Joan Rivers' daytime television program, The Joan Rivers Show, premiered in broadcast syndication. The show ran for five seasons and was a success.
December 1989: Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special Appearance
In December 1989, Joan Rivers appeared on various television shows, including the Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.
1989: Hosting The Joan Rivers Show
In 1989, Joan Rivers began hosting The Joan Rivers Show.
May 1990: Starring in How to Murder a Millionaire
In May 1990, Joan Rivers starred in the made-for-television comedy How to Murder a Millionaire, which premiered on CBS. She played a Beverly Hills matron.
September 1990: Entertainment Weekly Article
In September 1990, Entertainment Weekly asserted that The Joan Rivers Show was a better showcase for her funny edginess than her doomed 1988 Fox nighttime program.
1991: Publication of Still Talking
In 1991, Joan Rivers wrote her book, Still Talking, which described the cancellation of her late-night show and her husband's suicide.
1993: End of The Joan Rivers Show
In 1993, The Joan Rivers Show ended its run. During its run, Rivers won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
1993: Emmy Nominations for The Joan Rivers Show
Until 1993, Joan Rivers received five additional Emmy nominations for her daytime talk-show The Joan Rivers Show — two for Outstanding Writing – Special Class and three for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
May 15, 1994: Airing of Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story
On May 15, 1994, Joan and Melissa Rivers both portrayed themselves in the made-for-television drama Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story, which chronicled the aftermath of Rosenberg's suicide.
June 1994: Sally Marr ... and Her Escorts on Broadway
In May and June 1994, Joan Rivers' play, Sally Marr ... and Her Escorts, ran on Broadway for 50 performances. Her performance was applauded by critics, she also got nominated for a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for playing Marr.
1995: Hosting Academy Awards Pre-Show
Beginning in 1995, Joan Rivers and daughter Melissa hosted E!'s annual Academy Awards pre-awards show. They became credited for revolutionizing the red carpet.
March 1997: Hosting Radio Show on WOR
Beginning in March 1997, Joan Rivers hosted her own radio show on WOR in New York City for several years.
1998: Publication of From Mother to Daughter
In 1998, Joan Rivers wrote the self-help book From Mother to Daughter: Thoughts and Advice on Life, Love and Marriage.
1999: Publication of Don't Count the Candles
In 1999, Joan Rivers wrote the self-help book Don't Count the Candles: Just Keep the Fire Lit!.
2000: Guest Speaker at Nursing Conference
In 2000, Joan Rivers was a guest speaker at the opening of the American Operating Room Nurses' San Francisco Conference.
2002: Tour with Joan Rivers: Broke and Alone
Starting in 2002, Joan Rivers embarked on tour with her one-person comedy show Joan Rivers: Broke and Alone, which was presented in the United Kingdom (Edinburgh and London) and in the United States (Los Angeles, and Boston), to generally positive reviews.
2003: Joining TV Guide Channel
In 2003, Joan Rivers left the E! network red-carpet show for a three-year contract (valued at $6–8 million) to cover award shows' red carpet events for the TV Guide Channel.
2004: Tour with Joan Rivers: Broke and Alone
In 2004, Joan Rivers continued her tour with her one-person comedy show Joan Rivers: Broke and Alone, which was presented in the United Kingdom (Edinburgh and London) and in the United States (Los Angeles, and Boston), to generally positive reviews.
2004: Guest-Starring Roles and Shrek 2 Voice-Over
In 2004, Joan Rivers guest-starred as herself in several television series, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nip/Tuck, and Boston Legal, and also voiced herself for a brief scene in the 2004 animated fantasy film Shrek 2. Joan Rivers was also part of the formal receiving party when Ronald Reagan was placed in state at the United States Capitol.
December 3, 2007: Performance at Royal Variety Show
On December 3, 2007, Joan Rivers performed at the 79th Royal Variety Show at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, England, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip present.
2008: Commended for Philanthropic Work on HIV/AIDS
In 2008, Joan Rivers was commended by the City of San Diego for her philanthropic work on behalf of HIV/AIDS, where she was called "Joan of Arc" by the HIV/AIDS community.
2008: Comedy Event for Prince Charles' 60th Birthday
In 2008, Joan Rivers was invited to take part in a comedy event celebrating Prince Charles' 60th birthday titled, We Are Most Amused. She was the only American alongside Robin Williams invited to take part in the event.
2008: Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress
Through 2008, Joan Rivers wrote and starred in the play Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress, which was presented at various venues to a mixed critical reception.
May 3, 2009: Finalist on Celebrity Apprentice
On May 3, 2009, Joan Rivers became a finalist on season eight of Celebrity Apprentice.
2009: Winning The Celebrity Apprentice
In 2009, Joan Rivers competed alongside her daughter Melissa on the second season of The Celebrity Apprentice, ultimately winning the season.
2009: Career Ventures in 2009
In 2009, Joan Rivers was a special "pink-carpet" presenter for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, was roasted in a Comedy Central special, and her reality show, How'd You Get So Rich?, premiered on TV Land. She also wrote two books: Murder at the Academy Awards (R): A Red Carpet Murder Mystery and Men Are Stupid ... And They Like Big Boobs: A Woman's Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery (with Valerie Frankel).
January 25, 2010: Premiere of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
On January 25, 2010, a documentary film about Joan Rivers, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
June 11, 2010: Limited Release of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
On June 11, 2010, the documentary film Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work was released in a limited release and was acclaimed by critics.
September 10, 2010: Co-hosting Fashion Police
Beginning on September 10, 2010, Joan Rivers co-hosted the E! show Fashion Police, along with Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne, and George Kotsiopoulos, commenting on celebrity fashion.
2010: Co-hosting Fashion Police
In 2010, Joan Rivers co-hosted the E! celebrity fashion show Fashion Police.
December 4, 2011: Guest Role on The Simpsons
On the December 4, 2011 episode of The Simpsons, "The Ten-Per-Cent Solution", Joan Rivers took on the role of Annie Dubinsky, an agent trying to revive Krusty's career.
2011: Starring in Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?
In 2011, Joan Rivers starred in the reality series Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? with her daughter Melissa Rivers.
March 9, 2012: Fashion Police Expanded to One Hour
On March 9, 2012, due to its success with viewers, Fashion Police was expanded to one hour.
June 5, 2012: Release of I Hate Everyone...Starting with Me
On June 5, 2012, Joan Rivers released her 11th book I Hate Everyone...Starting with Me. It received generally positive reviews and made The New York Times Best Seller list.
2012: Guest Starring Roles
In 2012, Joan Rivers guest-starred in two episodes of two series: Drop Dead Diva and Hot in Cleveland.
2012: Interview with Howard Stern
In a 2012 interview with Howard Stern, Joan Rivers disclosed having extramarital affairs during her marriage to Rosenberg, including one with Robert Mitchum.
March 5, 2013: Launch of In Bed with Joan
On March 5, 2013, Joan Rivers launched the online talk show In Bed with Joan on YouTube, where she interviewed guests in bed.
February 17, 2014: Appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
On February 17, 2014, at the age of 80, Joan Rivers made a brief appearance on The Tonight Show on new host Jimmy Fallon's first episode, marking her first appearance on the show after being banned for many years.
March 27, 2014: Return to The Tonight Show for an Interview
On March 27, 2014, Joan Rivers returned to The Tonight Show for an interview.
July 1, 2014: Release of Diary of a Mad Diva
On July 1, 2014, Joan Rivers released her 12th book, Diary of a Mad Diva, which also made The New York Times Best Seller list.
August 26, 2014: Final Television Appearance on Fashion Police
On August 26, 2014, the episode of Fashion Police, about the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards and the 2014 MTV Movie Awards, was Joan Rivers' last television appearance before her death.
October 2014: Premiere of Makers: Women in Comedy
In October 2014, Joan Rivers posthumously appeared in Makers: Women in Comedy, which premiered on PBS. She had filmed her part before her death.
2014: QVC Sales Exceed $1 Billion
By 2014, the sales of Joan Rivers' jewelry, clothing, and beauty products on QVC exceeded $1 billion, making her one of the network's top sellers.
2014: End of Fashion Police and Joan & Melissa
In 2014, Joan Rivers's time co-hosting Fashion Police ended. In that same year, Joan Rivers also concluded the reality series Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? with her daughter Melissa Rivers.
2014: End of Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?
The reality show Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, which premiered on We TV and starred Joan Rivers and her daughter Melissa, ran for four seasons until 2014.
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