Joan Rivers is an American television personality of humor, a host of popular shows, a business woman and socialite. For 60 years, this woman has amused millions of viewers. The stars of cinema and television openly did not like her because of harsh and sharp statements in their direction.
Youth
Joan Alexandra Molinsky was born in 1933 in Brooklyn. Her parents were Jewish immigrants with Russian roots. Mom, Beatrice, was of noble origin. Therefore, her family had to flee to America after 1917.
Meer Molinsky, from Odessa by origin, lived poorly. And went in search of a better life. In America, young people met and married. First, daughter Barbara Waxler was born, who later became a lawyer. Then came the youngest - Joan.
The girl’s father conducted medical practice privately in the town of Larchmont. It was there that Rivers spent her childhood years.
After leaving school, Joan studied for 4 years at a private college in Connecticut. Then she continued her education at the Women's Humanities College. There she received a bachelor of arts degree.
After graduation, Joan changed many jobs in search of his path. She worked as a seller in a fashion store, adjusted articles in an advertising agency, and even managed to be a guide in a large office center in New York.
Professional activity
The acting work of the Rivers originates from the play of the New York Theater "Floating Forest". The girl played on the same stage with Barbara Streisand, who then was still little known to anyone.
One day, Joan Rivers and a friend got on a small comedy show. Then the girl finally realized what exactly her vocation was - to make people laugh.
At first, Joan performed with comic numbers in various cafes and clubs. She was noticed and in 1965 was invited to participate in the famous show "Tonight", hosted by Johnny Carson. From this point on, the popularity of the Rivers has increased dramatically. She becomes a member of the television show "The Ed Sullivan Show", as well as other famous programs.
Films with Joan Rivers number in the tens. The first of them is a drama with Bert Lancaster "Swimmer", which was released in 1968.
In 1978, Joan decided to try herself as a director. For such an important step, she invited a longtime friend - Billy Crystal. It was he who played the main role in the film "Rabbit Test".
In 1986, the actress launches the "Joan Rivers Show" - her brainchild. Four years later, her efforts are rewarded with the prestigious Emmy.
The comedy "Mockery" with Joan Rivers and Jake Gyllenhaal at the box office appeared in 2009. Eddie Murphy also took part in the filming . The result is an easy, fun storyline with a logical conclusion.
Moving on with Joan Rivers infrequently. She devoted more and more time to television projects.
A family
Joan married James Sanger in 1955. However, she demanded a divorce after 4 months. The reason for this was the unwillingness of the newlywed to have children.
The second husband of the actress - Edgar Rosenberg - was the producer of the "Joan Rivers Show". When there was a conflict with Carson, the company management supported Johnny, and Edgar and Joan were fired. Rosenberg could not cope with his emotions and after 3 months committed suicide.
Melissa Rivers is the daughter of a famous mother. Together they took part in many shows. Mel also writes books. The last of them is dedicated to the biography of the "strong spirit of a woman" - her mother.
Joan Rivers died in early September 2014 during a vocal cord operation. She was 81 years old.
Interesting nuances
- The actress was the first of the female comedians who managed to perform on the stage of Carnegie Hall.
- The "Joan Rivers Show" closed after problems with the management of the FOX channel, where Johnny Carson's project was also broadcast. He and Rivers scandalized and did not communicate with each other anymore.
- The actress is the author of more than 10 literary works, mainly autobiographical. The first book - “Life and Hard Times by Heidi Abramovich” - appeared in 1984 and immediately became a success.
- Rivers repeatedly resorted to the help of plastic surgeons and never hid it.
- The actress was the creator of a collection of women's jewelry and the owner of several exclusive clothing boutiques. This business brought her and her daughter about 750 million dollars.
- In recent years, Joan has been particularly politically active, expressing her sympathy for Barack Obama.
- The actress took the pseudonym "Rivers" by the name of her first agent - Tony Rivers.