Comedian Joan Rivers dies
September 4, 2014
Rivers died in New York on Thursday after she suffered cardiac arrest during an outpatient procedure, her daughter said in a statement.
"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed away peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends," Melissa Rivers said.
Rivers had been hospitalized last week after going into cardiac arrest at a Manhattan doctor's office following a routine procedure on her vocal cords. She was put on life support at Mount Sinai Hospital.
The Emmy award-winning comedian was best known for her acerbic style of humor. She was most recently the host of the E! television network show "Fashion Police," where she pulled no punches against badly dressed celebrities on the red carpet.
Rivers broke into the male-dominated comedy industry in the 1960s, alongside fellow female performers like Totie Fields and Phyllis Diller. Her big break came on "The Tonight Show" in 1965 when host Johnny Carson told her: "God, you're funny. You're going to be a star."
She went on to perform in night clubs and host a morning talk show. In 1983 she was named permanent guest host for Carson on "Tonight." Rivers went on to host her own late-night talk show on Fox in 1986, but the program lasted just one season and ended her relationship with Carson.
Three months after her show's cancellation, her husband of 23 years, who served as its producer, committed suicide. After struggling for several years, she returned to show business success, performing on Broadway, television, and releasing several comedy albums and books.
Most recently Rivers, boasting her own line of jewelry, appeared on reality television and featured in the 2010 documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work."
"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon," said daughter Melissa.
News of her death was followed by tributes from former colleagues in the industry:
dr/sb (AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa)