To use her own words, Joan Rivers ‘succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking.’
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Comedienne, character, TV star, and legendary figure Joan Rivers who helped redefine the role of women and men long before the topic was in vogue, passed away today at 81.
Joan Rivers wasn’t just another stand-up comic who entertained the masses back in the 1960’s. She was a force and symbol of strength.
A mother surviving the trauma of living through the suicide in 1987 of Edward Rosenberg her husband of 27 years, Rivers went on to alternately amuse and sometimes annoy some of America’s favorite acting icons.
Life is very tough. If you don’t laugh, it’s tough.
Looking back at the 1960’s you won’t find many female stand ups … particularly those who spoke their mind with no worry for the consequences. Joan was non-formulaic. After becoming a household name from her many appearances on “The Tonight Show” starring Johnny Carson, Rivers went on to become a producer, TV host, actor, and entertainment force.
She is perhaps best remembered for her “red carpet” appearances along with daughter Melissa in “Fashion Police” on E! No questions were out of bounds. Interesting viewing for those who found this form of entertainment addicting.
In an August, 2014 “Vanity Fair Hollywood” piece, Julie Miller captured the essence of Joan’s philosophy when she quoted the star.
The plot of the [red carpet] is always the same. People get out of a car. They stop and take pictures. They go inside. The question is: How do you make the wheel a little bit different?
Joan Rivers answered her own question in spades with some of the most outrageously enjoyable “confrontations” with A-list stars as they stepped onto that carpet heading into awards ceremonies.
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The term trailblazer is a natural one to use to describe the life of a comedienne who dealt with a male-dominated industry, success, tragedy, and honesty as she became a favorite of so many—even those she lovingly insulted.
Looking back at her career one can’t help but be impressed with her commitment to satirical humor and the candor in how she talked about her life.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present.
Let’s talk empowerment for a moment. There are those who might question how empowered she could be if she felt the need for the legendary amount of plastic surgery she underwent. Why must a woman feel the need to do this?
I tend to look at it quite differently. As a strength. Joan Rivers knew that a youthful appearance whether rightly or wrongly is important in the entertainment field. But there is more. She believed that everyone has a right to feel good about the way they look.
Who are any of us to judge someone else’s choices! Just as her humor might not have been to everyone’s taste, Joan prevailed performing, cavorting, and entertaining in the manner in which she believed would entertain audiences. It did.
Joan Rivers was her own woman. She was empowered. Indirectly this informs our entire discussion of the changing role of men in the 21st Century. You might ask how?
Every action has a reaction or a consequence. As men view a woman unafraid to expose her personal life— she and daughter Melissa starred in the 1994 TV movie “Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story,”—it has an effect.
When men listen to a woman unashamedly discuss her cosmetic surgery, it gives cause to pause and contemplate.
I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.
My thought—wow a woman who puts it out there. What guys are taking professional risks as they explore their feelings, emotions and proclivities? More and more, but not enough.
It’s wonderful that we live in a society that in some respects is as MSNBC says “Leaning Forward,” but we still have a long way to go as each new generation deals with swiftly evolving mores.
We just learned that an LGBT organization will be marching in The Saint Patrick’s Day parade. It was a long time coming!
Yes, times are changing and along with this comes dealing with all that we have internalized since the day we were born.
Empowering—absolutely. Any individual who helps pave the way to introspection and new views and models of behavior whether you agree or not is someone who has made a significant contribution to the fabric of our society.
Joan Rivers, I salute you for all you have accomplished as both an entertainer and a thought inducer. You will be missed.
Photo—David Shankbone/Flickr
The red carpet insults were the highlight of her career. The way she skewered those pretentious show business phonies was brilliant.
She was a vile, unfunny zionist apologist who encouraged bitchiness and bullying over looks. Empowered my ass.
Dave, like many comedians, she started out very funny. Rosanne Bar was hilarious when she started her career and the early years of her TV show but then it appears her ego got in her way and truly became no so funny at all. Maybe the plastic surgery got to them?
Hi Tom,
No question fame often negatively impacts on stars. Joan was one of those comediennes you either loved or hated. I think her movement from pure comedy to the whole red carpet/insults thing was part of keeping her career alive.
I appreciate you reading and commenting on the article. Thanks. Dave
And you, sir, are an Islamo -Nazi sympathiser with a very poor sense of humor.