Early Life and Education of Joan Rivers: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Joan Rivers. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

June 8, 1933: Joan Rivers Born

On June 8, 1933, Joan Alexandra Molinsky, later known as Joan Rivers, was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian Jewish immigrants Beatrice and Meyer C. Molinsky.

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1949: Vice President of Dramatic Club

In 1949, at the age of 16, Joan Rivers was vice president of the Dramatic Club at Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn.

1951: Graduation from Adelphi Academy

In 1951, Joan Rivers graduated from the Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn at the age of 18.

1954: Graduation from Barnard College

In 1954, Joan Rivers graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in English literature and anthropology.

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.

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.

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July 15, 1965: Marriage to Edgar Rosenberg

On July 15, 1965, Joan Rivers married Edgar Rosenberg.

1965: Underwent Eye Lift

In 1965, Joan Rivers underwent an eye lift as an attempt to further her career.

January 20, 1968: Birth of Daughter Melissa Rivers

On January 20, 1968, Joan and Edgar Rosenberg's only child, Melissa Rivers, was born.

1983: Attended State Dinner

In 1983, Joan Rivers, a friend of Nancy Reagan, attended a state dinner.

1983: Patient of Plastic Surgeon Steven Hoefflin

Since 1983, Joan Rivers had been a patient of plastic surgeon Steven Hoefflin and was open about her multiple cosmetic surgeries.

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.

Life & Hard Times of Heidi Abramowitz

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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.

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.

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.

Still Talking

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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.

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2000: Birth of Grandson Cooper

In 2000, Joan Rivers' grandson, Cooper, was born.

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.

2002: Revealed Relation to Happy Fanny Fields

In a 2002 ITV biography, Joan Rivers revealed she is the great niece of singer Happy Fanny Fields, who was a star in the United States and admired by Noël Coward.

April 9, 2005: Attended Wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles

On April 9, 2005, Joan Rivers was one of four Americans invited to the Wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

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: 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 7, 2012: Protest at Costco

On August 7, 2012, Joan Rivers protested at a Costco in Burbank, California because the warehouse club would not sell her book. She handcuffed herself to a shopping cart.

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.

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.

September 4, 2014: Joan Rivers' Death

On September 4, 2014, Joan Rivers passed away. She was known as an American comedienne, actress, producer, writer, and television host.

January 26, 2015: Malpractice Lawsuit Filed

On January 26, 2015, Melissa Rivers filed a malpractice lawsuit against the clinic and doctors who performed surgery on her mother.

May 2016: Malpractice Lawsuit Settled

In May 2016, the malpractice lawsuit filed by Melissa Rivers was settled for an undisclosed amount, with the doctors accepting responsibility for Joan Rivers' death.