Where Are They Now: Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers has always divided opinion. You either love her or hate her. One thing for certain is the longevity of her career. Starting in the late 1950’s, she has managed to stay in the public eye for 60 years. Plays, talk shows, Candid Camera. You name it, she’s done it.

Although more people talk about her seemingly never-ending plastic surgery than they do her work, Joan herself has never shied away from talking about her ever changing face.

Often referring to herself as Johnny Carson’s daughter, Joan was a regular guest presenter on the Tonight Show. Unfortunately, this came to an abrupt end in 1986, when Fox commissioned The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, thus putting her in direct competition with her mentor. The show itself didn’t last long. Rivers was fired by Fox in 1987, after issuing them an ultimatum regarding her then husband Edgar Rosenberg, the producer of the show. They were both let go and Edgar tragically committed suicide three months later.

Although she never actually appeared in person in 1987’s Spaceballs, her vocals can be heard as Dot Matrix, Princess Vespa’s faithful robot–in–waiting. She utters some of the most memorable lines in the film, including her own catchphrase ‘can we talk’?

In the mid 90’s Joan and her daughter Melissa began hosting the traditional pre-awards show on E! Entertainment Television. They also joined forces for another forthright show, Fashion Police, where the do’s and don’ts of celebrity clothing are discussed by the panel.

Her stand-up act is always on hand, when she’s not starring with Melissa once more in Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best, whilst she continues to release numerous books, her most recent being I Hate Everyone… Starting With Me. Her legion of fans would think otherwise.