Entertainment

Joan Rivers Dies at Age 81: Her Life in Pictures, From the 1960s to 2014

Beloved comedienne Joan Rivers has died at age 81. Her daughter Melissa Rivers confirmed the sad news on Sept. 4. The Queen of Comedy's career spans back well into the '60s, when she got her start as a writer on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. But these recently, Joan was best known for wowing us with her own fashion or crucifying celebrities for theirs. Take a look back at Joan's colorful career, outfits, and all the times she made audiences laugh over the years.

by Rosanne Salvatore

Joan Rivers, 1960s

It’s “Jim, Jake, & Joan”!

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Joan Rivers, 1967

Joan Rivers, writer for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Joan Rivers

A shot from her first album, "Mr. Phyllis & Other Funny Stories."

Image: Amazon

Joan Rivers, 'The Ed Sullivan Show'

A snap from this spitfire's infamous Ed Sullivan standup routine when she was just 34 years old.

Joan Rivers, 1971

Joan Rivers, aspiring comedienne.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Joan Rivers, 1980s

Yup, that’s Joan starring on the cover of her own Vinyl back in the ’80s. Rivers was nominated in 1984 for a Best Comedy Album Grammy for What Becomes A Semi-Legend Most?

Image: Amazon

Joan Rivers' Autograph, 1983

Joan Rivers’ John Hancock with her famous catchphrase, Can we talk?

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Joan Rivers, 2001

Never to be outdone, in any decade.

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Joan Rivers, 2002

This diva knew how to stand out at the 2002 Grammys.

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Joan Rivers, 2002

Always entertaining or enlightening a crowd.

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Joan Rivers, 2003

Just Melissa and Joan being Melissa and Joan at the 2003 Emmys.

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Joan Rivers, 2004

How could you not love her?

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Joan Rivers, 2004

Strutting her stuff at the 2004 Golden Globe Awards.

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Joan Rivers, 2004

Sorry Mariah Carey, Joan did it all first.

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Joan Rivers, 2005

Inseparable.

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Joan Rivers, 2005

Melissa, Joan, and the entire USC Marching band.

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Joan Rivers, 2006

Flawless.

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Joan Rivers, 2007

Simple is overrated.

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Joan Rivers, 2008

Just cracking jokes, obviously.

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Joan Rivers, 2009

Joan and some of her many impersonators.

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Joan Rivers, 2010

Fabulous at the Tribeca Film Festival.

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Joan Rivers, 2010

Selfies with the Queen of Comedy!

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Joan Rivers, 2011

Does this woman ever age?

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Joan Rivers, 2012

No, Joan, you are more fabulous.

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Joan Rivers, 2013

Adding some sparkle to people’s lives.

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Joan Rivers, 2014

Best marriage officiant ever?

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Joan Rivers, Fashion Police

Can Kris Jenner keep up with Joan Rivers?

Image: Brandon Hickmann/E!

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