Comedian Joan Rivers passed away today. At 81-years-old, Rivers’s career in entertainment literally spanned generations. Starting in the 1950’s, she brought her signature razor-sharp wit to some of the most famous stages in television history. She wrote jokes for the original “Candid Camera” before becoming the beloved regular guest host of Johnny Carson’s iconic “Tonight Show,” a role that broke barriers for woman in television and in comedy with her shameless and unapologetic humor. Her ruthless style made her a staple of red carpet interviews and earned her a whole new generation of fans as the host of E!’s cutting “Fashion Police.”
Even into her 80’s Rivers remained embraced the cutting edge of entertainment. Rivers hosted her own popular web series “In Bed With Joan” where the comedy icon got down and dirty with celebrity guests. Those guests included familiar web stars like from Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart to Tyler Oakley and Billy Eichner.
When the news broke today there was an out pouring of grief and support from the web’s biggest stars.
Rest in peace, @Joan_Rivers. You’ve done it all and paved the path for so many to come. pic.twitter.com/T0UDtg9lgq
— Hannah Hart (@harto) September 4, 2014
I don’t agree with everything Joan Rivers has said, but I will always respect her as a groundbreaking and fearless comedian. RIP — Timothy DeLaGhetto (@Traphik) September 4, 2014
Love you @Joan_Rivers – one of my all time faves and inspirations. No one will ever come close.
— Michael Buckley (@buckhollywood) September 4, 2014
so sad to hear the news about joan rivers. my prayers and thoughts go out to her loved ones <3 #RIPJoanRivers — Ricky Dillon (@RickyPDillon) September 4, 2014
Say what you want about Joan Rivers… but 75% of the time, that woman said what everyone else was thinking #RIP pic.twitter.com/62lXiJyIuO
— Kingsley (@kingsleyyy) September 4, 2014
Heartbroken about Joan. She was as generous as she was hilarious. She had the biggest balls of all of ’em & I’m really gonna miss her. — mamrie hart (@mametown) September 4, 2014