Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers

Birth : 1933-06-08, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Death : 2014-09-04

History

Joan Alexandra Molinsky, known professionally as Joan Rivers, was an American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and television host. She was noted for her often controversial comedic persona—heavily self-deprecating and sharply acerbic, especially towards celebrities and politicians.

Profile

Joan Rivers

Movies

The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up
Self (archive footage)
In this comedy special, Jon Stewart, John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler and Dave Chappelle honor George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams and Richard Pryor.
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It
Self (archive footage)
Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become one of a select group who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Over a seventy year career, she has paved the way for Hispanic-American performers by refusing to be pigeonholed into one-dimensional stereotypes.
Disclosure
Self (archive footage)
An investigation of how Hollywood's fabled stories have deeply influenced how Americans feel about transgender people, and how transgender people have been taught to feel about themselves.
Beastie Boys Story
Self (archive footage)
Here’s a little story they’re about to tell… Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.
Love, Sweat and Tears
Herself
Dr. Pamela Dee is on a mission to "Save The Menopausal Vaginas of America!" Her goal is to de-stigmatize Menopause and start the "Menopause Romance Revolution."
Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?
Grandma Doyle
Bella Thorne, Madison Pettis and Ryan Ochoa lead an ensemble cast in this spook-tacular adventure with new ghosts, new thrills, and the return of some old friends. Max (Ochoa) only has eyes for Cammy (Thorne), the smart, popular redhead at school. When Max finally scores a date with Cammy on Halloween, Phears, an evil ghost with plans on taking over the world, unleashes his ghouls and things go haywire. With the help of his ghostly pals, Tara and Nicky, can Max thwart Phears' evil plot, help reunite his ghost friends with their long-lost parents and still make his date with Cammy on Halloween? R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend? is a frightful family delight!
Women Aren't Funny
Herself
Comedian Bonnie McFarlane dons her investigative journalist's hat to find out once and for all if women are funny and report her unbiased findings in what some are calling the most important documentary of our generation.
The Story of the Swimmer
Self
A documentary about the making of the cult film The Swimmer (1968).
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
Self
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise journeys through Brooks’ early years in the creative beginnings of live television — with Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows — to the film genres he so successfully satirized in Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, and Spaceballs — to the groundbreaking Broadway musical version of his first film, The Producers. The documentary also delves into his professional and personal ups and downs — his childhood, his first wife and subsequent 41-year marriage to Anne Bancroft — capturing a never-before-heard sense of reflection and confession.
Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's
Self
It's the most mythic of all American emporiums - and the scene of many an ultimate fashion fantasy. Now audiences get a rarified chance to peek behind the backroom doors and into the reality of the fascinating inner workings and fabulous untold stories from Bergdorf Goodman's iconic history in Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's.
Moms Mabley
Self
A feature documentary about Jackie "Moms" Mabley, an African-American stand-up comic and show-biz pioneer who emerged from the Chitlin' Circuit of African-American Vaudeville to become a mainstream star. Once billed as "The Funniest Woman in the World," Mabley pushed the boundaries of comedy by tackling topics such as gender, sex, and racism and performed up until her death in 1975. A true passion project for first-time director Whoopi Goldberg, the documentary shows Mabley's historical significance and profound influence as a performer vastly ahead of her time.
Iron Man 3
Herself
When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
Why We Laugh: Funny Women
Executive Producer
An uncensored look into the lives of the female stand-up comedian. Featuring interviews and live performance footage from some of today's most prominent female voices in stand-up comedy and entertainment, this revealing documentary sheds light on the legacy of the female comedian and the dedication, courage and passion that is required to be successful in the male dominated stand-up comedy business.
Why We Laugh: Funny Women
Herself
An uncensored look into the lives of the female stand-up comedian. Featuring interviews and live performance footage from some of today's most prominent female voices in stand-up comedy and entertainment, this revealing documentary sheds light on the legacy of the female comedian and the dedication, courage and passion that is required to be successful in the male dominated stand-up comedy business.
Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me
Writer
Grow up, check your sensitivity at the door and feel the comedic wrath of entertainment icon Joan Rivers. In this brand new live stand-up event Joan goes to great lengths to take on everyone with her trademark wit. With her infectious energy Joan owns the stage from start to finish, leaving the audience in stitches as everything and everybody who's somebody are fair game
Joan Rivers: Don't Start with Me
Self
Grow up, check your sensitivity at the door and feel the comedic wrath of entertainment icon Joan Rivers. In this brand new live stand-up event Joan goes to great lengths to take on everyone with her trademark wit. With her infectious energy Joan owns the stage from start to finish, leaving the audience in stitches as everything and everybody who's somebody are fair game
Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
Herself
Chronological look at the life and career of Johnny Carson (1925-2005), with commentary from an ex-wife and more than 30 fellow comedians, friends, employees, and biographers. The biography defines why Carson was an enduring star (his cool, his timing, his genuine laugh, his breadth of knowledge) and pursues his motivations and inner self (a loner with a drinking problem, a decent Midwesterner whose mother withheld approval, a quiet person who loved to entertain). The key to understanding him, argues the biography, is his love of magic.
Bob Ross: The Happy Painter
Herself (archive footage)
A behind-the-scenes look at the beloved public television personality's journey from humble beginnings to an American pop-culture icon. "The Happy Painter" reveals the public and private sides of Bob Ross through loving accounts from close friends and family, childhood photographs and rare archival footage. Interviewees recount his gentle, mild-mannered demeanor and unwavering dedication to wildlife, and disclose little-known facts about his hair, his fascination with fast cars and more. Film clips feature Bob Ross with mentor William Alexander and the rough-cut of the first "Joy of Painting" episode from 1982. Famous Bob Ross enthusiasts, including talk-show pioneer Phil Donahue, film stars Jane Seymour and Terrence Howard, chef Duff Goldman and country music favorites Brad Paisley and Jerrod Niemann, provide fascinating insights into the man, the artist and his legacy.
Tower Heist
Thanks
A luxury condo manager leads a staff of workers to seek payback on the Wall Street swindler who defrauded them. With only days until the billionaire gets away with the perfect crime, the unlikely crew of amateur thieves enlists the help of petty crook Slide to steal the $20 million they’re sure is hidden in the penthouse.
The Smurfs
Party Guest
When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours -- in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.
The Undefeated
Self (archive footage)
A documentary that chronicles Sarah Palin's pre-political life; her tenure as Governor of Alaska, and her time spent as John McCain's running mate.
Growing Up Barnard
Are women’s colleges a dying breed? In the past forty years over 75% of women’s colleges have closed or merged with their male counterparts. What will or should become of them in the next fifty years? Compelled by her family’s four-generation legacy at Barnard College, Daniella Kahane (BC ’05) explores the relevance of women’s colleges today, specifically through understanding the history of Barnard College and the changing role of women during the twentieth century.
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy
Self (archive footage)
For decades, Freddy Krueger has slashed his way through the dreams of countless youngsters, scaring up over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight terrifying, spectacular films.
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Herself
A documentary on the life and career of Joan Rivers, made as the comedienne turns 75 years old.
Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers
Herself - Roastee
It's the "Queen of Mean", Joan Rivers turn to step in to the celebrity hot seat for the latest installment of The Comedy Central Roast.
George Carlin : The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize
Self
The award is not intended to be given posthumously, but Carlin's death occurred between the announcement and the ceremony. Those there to honor Carlin included: Joan Rivers, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Lewis Black, Denis Leary, Margaret Cho, Garry Shandling, and Lily Tomlin.
We Are Most Amused
Herself
We Are Most Amused was a gala event held at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 12 November 2008 in honour of the 60th birthday of Charles, Prince of Wales, in aid of The Prince's Trust. Prince Charles attended the event with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and younger son Prince Harry. The show had a similar format to the Royal Variety Show and showcased a variety of comedy acts. The performance was televised by ITV to the public on 15 November 2008. Robin Williams made his first UK stage appearance in more than 25 years. Tickets were sold to the general public and the event sold out in one hour.
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project
Self
The documentary consists of tape of Don's show (never been filmed before), interviews with Don's contemporaries, (Steve Lawrence, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds, etc.), established comedians (Billy Crystal, Rosanna Barr, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, etc.) and young comedians (Jeff Atoll, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, etc.).
The Electric Company's Greatest Hits & Bits
Self
When "The Electric Company" made its television debut in October 1971, it was instantly clear that it would fulfill its mission of helping struggling and reluctant readers. With a ground-breaking and diverse cast, clever writing, innovative direction, and an original visual and musical style, the show was so effective that by the end of its first season, nearly a quarter of all US schools were using the show in the classroom. Generations of young people learned to read from the series, making it one of the most important and enduring shows in American television history. "The Electric Company's Greatest Hits and Bits" is a clip-filled celebration featuring many of the series' most popular segments (with Bill Cosby, Morgan Freeman, Rita Moreno and the rest of the multi-talented Electric Company cast), and includes new interviews with cast members Jim Boyd, Judy Graubart, Skip Hinnant, Tom Lehrer, Rita Moreno, and Joan Rivers, as well as with series creator Joan Ganz Cooney.
MY NAME IS JACKIE BEAT
Follows the life of one of today's most notorious bad-girl drag performers: Jackie Beat. Backstage we meet Kent Fuher, the man behind Jackie Beat, an incredibly talented performer whose life is ruled by constant doubts and insecurities. As Kent Fuher travels between New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Fire Island and then across the Atlantic to Berlin, he constantly questions his life and profession and slowly reveals his personal life.
Joan Rivers: Before Melissa Pulls the Plug
Writer
2006 special for the Bravo Network.
Joan Rivers: Before Melissa Pulls the Plug
Herself
2006 special for the Bravo Network.
Joan Rivers: (Still A) Live at the London Palladium
Writer
Filmed at her sellout farewell shows at the London Palladium, this hilarious DVD sees the acid-tongued veteran comedienne at her outrageous best, taking no prisoners in her quest for the killer gag.
Joan Rivers: (Still A) Live at the London Palladium
Herself
Filmed at her sellout farewell shows at the London Palladium, this hilarious DVD sees the acid-tongued veteran comedienne at her outrageous best, taking no prisoners in her quest for the killer gag.
John Candy: Comic Spirit
Self
A tribute to the late John Candy from the cast of Spaceballs.
Happy Birthday Oscar Wilde
Self
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Oscar Wilde's birth, 150 leading artists of the stage, screen and music worlds deliver 150 of the Irish scribe's most memorable quotes. Featured celebrities include Bono, Liam Neeson, Martin Sheen, Joan Rivers, Lily Tomlin, Tyne Daly, James Cromwell, Stewart Copeland, Julianna Margulies, Allison Janney, Ed Asner, Roma Downey, Harvey Fierstein, Hector Elizondo and Rosie Perez.
First Daughter
Joan Rivers
Samantha MacKenzie, the daughter of the president of the United States, arrives at college with a group of Secret Service agents. Samantha, however, resents their presence and decides she wants to attend school just like a normal student. Her father agrees to recall the agents but secretly assigns James, an undercover agent, to pose as a student. They fall in love, but their romance is jeopardized when Samantha learns James' true identity.
Shrek 2
Joan Rivers (voice)
Shrek, Fiona and Donkey set off to Far, Far Away to meet Fiona's mother and father. But not everyone is happy. Shrek and the King find it hard to get along, and there's tension in the marriage. The fairy godmother discovers that Shrek has married Fiona instead of her Son Prince Charming and sets about destroying their marriage.
Cleavage
"Cleavage" is an uplifting and informative journey to the most eye-catching destination on earth: The space between a woman's breasts. Cleavage is what happens when breasts collide--a merger that at once fascinates, scandalizes, and mesmerizes. Cleavage makes movie & pop stars, enriches surgeons, tempts politicians, and dominates fashion. When breasts are lifted and pushed together, all of society rubbernecks.
The Making and Meaning of 'We Are Family'
Self
Featuring inverviews from: Afrika Bambaataa, Ashford & Simpson, Jackson Browne, Kim Burell, Taylor Dayne, Carmen Electra, Faith Evans, Roberta Flack, Joel Gray, Kc & the Sunshine Band, Eartha Kitt, Patti Labelle, Queen Latifah and more?
E! True Hollywood Story: Joan Rivers
Self
Spoof documentary about the comedy icon.
Whispers: An Elephant's Tale
Spike (voice)
A nameless baby elephant-steer was just getting used to life in the herd, when poachers kill his mother, so he runs and gets lost. He's found by a grouchy female, Groove, the sister of an alpha-female, who walks off disgusted with life in her herd. Not exactly wholehearted, she still takes the orphan under her wing, 'til we find your herd', but fails to find his herd, or a new home with males—who find him disrespectful and mouthy—or her own herd, which nicknames the kid Whispers since his trumpeting is so weak. Meanwhile the fear of poachers and (in the movie) lions drives them north over the great river, a long and dangerous journey...
Intern
Dolly Bellows
A young, underappreciated intern at the ultra-hip magazine Skirt must learn to deal with kissy-face phoniness, model tantrums and bulimic editors, while trying to steal the heart of a dashing British art director from the grips of a supermodel.
Goosed
Blanche
Jennifer Tilly plays a woman who's told by her psychic that the man of her dreams is a doctor named Steve.
Knitwits Revisited
Becky
KnitWits Revisited brings us back to the KnitWits' knitting store.
Knitwits
Becky
Saturday afternoon in a knitting store in New York City.
Napoleon
Mother Penguin (voice)
The adventures of Golden Retriever pup Napoleon and his friend, the parrot Birdo Lucci.
Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story
Joan Rivers
After the loss of her husband, comedienne Joan Rivers and her daughter Melissa must discover a way to heal there broken relationship and provide each other the strength to start again.
Serial Mom
Herself
She's the perfect all-American parent: a great cook and homemaker, a devoted recycler, and a woman who'll literally kill to keep her family happy.
Joan Rivers: Abroad in London
Herself
Joan delivers her biting tongue to the Queen and her country.
Joan Rivers: Abroad in London
Writer
Joan delivers her biting tongue to the Queen and her country.
How to Murder a Millionaire
Irma
A Beverly Hills housewife suspects that her husband of thirty years is trying to kill her.
Night Of 100 Stars III
Self
A celebrity benefit for The Actors' Fund of America, featuring music, songs, dance and comedy.
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
Pee-wee Herman and pals are celebrating Christmas in the Playhouse in their own creative ways: Pee-wee makes a list for Santa Claus 1 1/2 miles long, teaches Little Richard how to ice skate, goes for a sleigh ride with Magic Johnson, commands Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello to make Christmas cards, receives a long phone call from Dinah Shore, even has more musical fun with k.d. lang, the Del Rubio Triplettes and Charo! Finally, Big Red arrives and announces that Pee-wee's Christmas list was so big, he didn't have enough presents for all the children of the world. Will Pee-wee follow his own advice and help others?
Spaceballs
Dot Matrix (voice)
When the nefarious Dark Helmet hatches a plan to snatch Princess Vespa and steal her planet's air, space-bum-for-hire Lone Starr and his clueless sidekick fly to the rescue. Along the way, they meet Yogurt, who puts Lone Starr wise to the power of "The Schwartz." Can he master it in time to save the day?
Les Patterson Saves the World
President Rivers (uncredited)
Fat middle aged 24/7 drunkard Les Patterson represents Australia at the UN where his fart literally incinerates an Arab ambassador. Patterson is reassigned to the Middle East so he can be tortured to death by the country he insulted. Patterson's arrival is the prefect distract of a coup and he is spared. At a bar Patterson meets a bio weapons scientist who's developed a horrific disease for the KGB whom plan to distribute it to the Pentagon via toilet seats. Patterson of course is far too drunk to understand anything happening and teams up with Dane Edna to save the world.
WrestleMania II
Ring Announcer
Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper in a Boxing match Battle Royal featuring superstars and athletes from the WWF and NFL Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
Fictional character, Heidi Abromowitz, is the butt of everyone's jokes.
The Muppets Take Manhattan
Perfume Saleswoman
When the Muppets graduate from Danhurst College, they take their song-filled senior revue to New York City, only to learn that it isn't easy to find a producer who's willing to back a show starring a frog and a pig. Of course, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy won't take no for an answer, launching a search for someone to take them to Broadway.
An Audience with Joan Rivers
The shockingly controversial, outrageous, and wickedly funny comedienne performing live in front of a celebrity audience.
Garry Shandling: Alone in Vegas
Self
This 60-minute video is 100% Shandling, which is either good or bad news depending upon who's watching. Shandling's "average guy stuck in the farce called life" persona works quite well within the framework of the tape. Casual fans, however, might prefer the Johnny Carson-baiting Shandling of the much-later cable series It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show. Like those two projects, Alone in Vegas began as a Showtime cable special--Shandling's first, in fact.
Lily: Sold Out
Herself
After taking her successful Broadway show to Las Vegas, Lily Tomlin is faced with a tough decision: soften her act for mass appeal, or keep her material the way she originally intended?
Rabbit Test
Second Nurse
Lionel's life turns around after a one-night stand on top of a pinball table... he becomes the world's first pregnant man!
Rabbit Test
Writer
Lionel's life turns around after a one-night stand on top of a pinball table... he becomes the world's first pregnant man!
Rabbit Test
Director
Lionel's life turns around after a one-night stand on top of a pinball table... he becomes the world's first pregnant man!
The Girl Most Likely to...
Writer
An ugly girl undergoes plastic surgery and becomes beautiful. She then takes revenge on all the people who mistreated her when she was ugly.
The Swimmer
Joan
Well-off ad man Ned Merrill is visiting a friend when he notices the abundance of backyard pools that populate their upscale suburb. Ned suddenly decides that he'd like to travel the eight miles back to his own home by simply swimming across every pool in town. Soon, Ned's journey becomes harrowing; at each house, he is somehow confronted with a reminder of his romantic, domestic and economic failures.
Hootenanny a Go-Go
Herself
A square rich boy wants to make it with a pretty folk singer, so he buys the coffee house where she and a bunch of other beatniks perform. Features performances by The Goldebriars, The Free Wheelers, and a very young Joan Rivers doing a stand-up routine.