Joan Rivers's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Joan Rivers.

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

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."

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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.

1968: Praised by The New York Times

In 1968, The New York Times television critic Jack Gould called Joan Rivers "quite possibly the most intuitively funny woman alive".

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.

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1984: Grammy Nomination

In 1984, Joan Rivers was nominated for a Grammy Award for her album What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most?

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.

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.

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.

1994: Tony Award Nomination for Sally Marr ... and Her Escorts

In 1994, Joan Rivers was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Sally Marr ... and Her Escorts.

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.

May 3, 2009: Finalist on Celebrity Apprentice

On May 3, 2009, Joan Rivers became a finalist on season eight of Celebrity Apprentice.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

2015: Posthumous Grammy Award

In 2015, Joan Rivers posthumously received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for her book, Diary of a Mad Diva.

Diary of a Mad Diva

Check it on Amazon

2017: Ranked Among Best Stand-Up Comics

In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Joan Rivers sixth on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time. In October of the same year, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.