Challenges Faced by Joan Rivers: Obstacles and Turning Points

Updated: May 9, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Joan Rivers. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1956: First Marriage to James Sanger

In 1956, Joan Rivers' first marriage was to James Sanger. The marriage lasted six months and was annulled because Sanger did not want children and had not told Rivers before the wedding.

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.

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.

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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.

August 14, 1987: Suicide of Edgar Rosenberg

On August 14, 1987, Edgar Rosenberg, Joan Rivers' husband, committed suicide in Philadelphia. Rivers blamed the tragedy on his "humiliation" by Fox.

1987: Rosenberg's Suicide

In 1987, Joan Rivers was married to Rosenberg until his suicide, four days after she asked him for a separation.

1987: Developed Bulimia Nervosa After Rosenberg's Suicide

In her book Bouncing Back, Rivers described how she developed bulimia nervosa after Rosenberg's 1987 suicide, and the subsequent death of her psychologist. Additionally, Rivers' relationship with her daughter had been strained at the time, as Melissa blamed her for her father's death.

1988: Fox Nighttime Program

In 1988, Joan Rivers hosted a nighttime program on Fox that was ultimately unsuccessful.

2002: Threatened with Loss of Gun License

In 2002, Joan Rivers, who was licensed to carry a gun in New York City, was threatened with the loss of the license after an altercation with a car rental clerk.

2008: Contemplated Suicide

In a 2008 interview, Joan Rivers recounted contemplating suicide after Rosenberg's death and the strained relationship with her daughter, but her dog saved her life.

August 28, 2014: Experienced Complications During Throat Procedure

On August 28, 2014, Joan Rivers experienced serious complications and stopped breathing during a throat procedure in Yorkville, Manhattan. She was resuscitated and transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital.