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 Trumpauer Mulholland True Story of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland" (2013). The Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation is dedicated to educating youth about the Civil Rights Movement and how to become activists in their own communities. Joan also travels several times a year to screen her documentary and later interact with students via a Q&A panel. In 2015 she had 45 planned events, which included Q&A's, college visits, and special appearances at libraries around the United States. For example, on May 13, she had a Q&A with the Naples, Florida community at Barron Collier High School, and her last events for 2015 included two showings