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
Saint Joan (play) end of his 24-hour respite. The play ends with Joan ultimately despairing that mankind will never accept its saints: O God that madest this beautiful earth, when will it be ready to accept thy saints? How long, O Lord, how long? One historian at the time (1925) reacted to the play by arguing that it was highly inaccurate, especially in its depiction of medieval society. Shaw states that the characterization of Joan by most writers is "romanticized" to make her accusers come off as completely unscrupulous and villainous. More general interpretation of Joan's character is to describe her as a