Joan Rivers, a fearless jack-of-all-trades, filled many roles in her lifetime - she was a stand-up comedian, a best-selling author, a reality star, a YouTube celebrity and an Emmy-winning TV host. With her witty, and often blunt remarks, she made her presence known on every platform in the entertainment world.
But, aside from her many roles, Rivers was an inspiration for women to follow their dreams in a once male-dominated industry. Born Joan Alexandra Molinsky in 1933, Rivers defied her parents' wishes and pursued a career as an actress and comedian in the 1950s, a decade where female performers were a rarity. She never once looked back.
"Think it's been easy? I have gone up, I've gone down; I've been bankrupt, I've been broke. But you do it. And you do it because ... because we love it more than anything else," Rivers stated on Louis C.K.'s FX show "Louie," according to NPR.
Her attitude was admired by many, and her impact will be long-lasting. Fellow comedians took to Twitter to share their respect and admiration for Rivers. Below are their messages:
My friend Joan Rivers has passed away once again to quote Billy Crystal... There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan
A legend, a friend, a mentor, an icon, and wildly funny. One of a kind. RIP #JoanRivers @joan_rivers pic.twitter.com/jnAC5G4AQo
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) September 4, 2014
RIP Joan Rivers. A real comic to the very end. — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 4, 2014
RIP the mighty Joan Rivers. Funny & fearless. Truly one of a kind.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 4, 2014
Joan Rivers was the first female comedian I was aware of as a child. Thanks for showing us it can be done. — Sara Schaefer (@saraschaefer1) September 4, 2014
Joan, thank you for your fearlessness, it will never be replaced. #RIP. #JoanRivers
— Sarah Colonna (@sarahcolonna) September 4, 2014
we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers - she was funny all the way to the end — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 4, 2014
So funny and irrepressible. Rest in peace, Joan Rivers.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) September 4, 2014
I always liked Joan Rivers in a general way. But when I saw her do standup in a small club I was truly blown away. Force of nature. RIP. — David Wain (@davidwain) September 4, 2014
RIP Joan Rivers. People don't know what a pioneer she was. Check out her documentary. Beautiful and heart breaking. Be at peace, Joan.
— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) September 4, 2014
I'm sure Joan Rivers would love every sick joke that's being made about her passing. Never met her, but spent my lifetime inspired by her. — Doug Benson (@DougBenson) September 4, 2014
