Joan Rivers Joan Rivers Joan Alexandra Molinsky (June 8, 1933 – September 4, 2014), 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 or sharply acerbic, especially toward celebrities and politicians. Rivers rose to prominence in 1965 as a guest on "The Tonight Show". Hosted by her mentor, Johnny Carson, the show established Rivers' comedic style. In 1986, with her own rival program, "The Late Show with Joan Rivers", Rivers became the first woman to host a late night network television talk show. She subsequently hosted
Joan Abelove Angeles Times". Her second book, "Saying It Out Loud", is about a Jewish girl coming to terms with her mother's death from brain cancer. Joan Abelove participates in a critique group with Gail Carson Levine, writer of "Ella Enchanted" and "Writing Magic", a guide for child authors who wish to make their stories better. She now lives in New York City with her husband and son. Joan Abelove Joan Abelove (born 1945) is an American writer of young adult novels. She attended Barnard College and has a PhD in cultural anthropology from the City University of New York. She spent