Childhood
Born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in 1933, Rivers grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
Early Beginnings
Rivers got her start in show busniness in theater and comedy clubs before scoring her first gig on The Tonight Show on Feb. 17, 1965.
Tonight Show Star
Rivers became a staple on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show through the '60s and '70s. In 1986, the pioneering female comic was given her own late night talk show, The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers.
What a Pro
While standing in for Carson, Rivers interviewed countless stars, including a very young Oprah Winfrey!
Joan's Pride and Joy
On Jan. 20, 1968, Rivers and her husband Edgar Rosenberg welcome daughter Melissa Rivers.
Loving Mother
Rivers cares for a very young Melissa in 1970.
Brave Face
Although Rivers was known for her biting humor and constant laughter, in May 1987, her life was shocked with tragedy. Rivers' husband Edgar committed suicide in Philadelphia.
Pretty in Pink
Rivers was adored by many in the comedy world, even by colorful characters like Miss Piggy.
Emmy Winner
Rivers won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1990 for her talk show.
Famous Friends
Rivers was a longtime friend of Donald Trump. She even won season eight of his show The Apprentice in 2009!
Deck the Halls
Rivers, an hysterically outspoken Jew, shares a laugh with Dolly Parton at a Christmas party in December 1988.
Do-Gooder
Rivers is pictured here with Brooke Shields at the Fourth Annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala on Nov. 4, 1991.
Best Friends
Rivers and Melissa shared a truly spectacular bond. Here, the mom-daughter duo are each other's red carpet dates at the Oscars
Passion for Fashion
Rivers was outspoken about her love of fashion. Here, Rivers poses with Michael Kors at the Fifi Awards on June 5, 2001.
Stand-Up Icon
Rivers never forgot where she got her start. Even in her 80s, she performed countless stand-up comedy shows.
Feather Frenzy
Rivers makes another big fashion statement on the Emmys red carpet in 2003.
On the A-List
Even though Rivers was known for trashing the fashions of Hollywood's biggest stars, even A-list celebs like Nicole Kidman had a soft spot in their heart for the legend.
Red Carpet Ready
Rivers poses with Julie Andrews and Antonio Banderas at the New York premiere of Shrek 2.
Fashion Police Family
Rivers, along with Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne and George Kotsiopoulos, kicked off E!'s brand new weekly Fashion Police show in Sept. 2010.
Gorgeous & Green
Rivers was a staple at the annual Global Green Oscar party.
Food Fight!
Rivers wasn't just about biting jabs and X-rated jokes. She also loved physical comedy! Here, she pulls a food fight stunt at a QVC party in Beverly Hills.
Move Over, Miley!
The constant comedian, Rivers dressed as Miley Cyrus at the VMAs for her 2013 Halloween costume!
Fierce Fashionista
Even in her 80s, Rivers was one stylish diva.
A Mother Remembered
Melissa, Rivers' only daughter, announced her mother's death on Sept 4, 2014. "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother," Melissa said. "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."