Joan Rivers quotes

Famous Joan Rivers Quotes

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Joan Rivers left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, but also demonstrated the art of reinvention and resilience throughout her life. In this post, we provide timeless Joan Rivers quotes for your daily dose of inspiration.

Early Life

Joan Rivers was born on June 8, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. She ultimately became a comedic powerhouse and a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy.

Rivers’ journey into comedy began as a young woman who had dreams of making it big in show business. She worked her way through the comedy circuit, struggling against the prevailing stereotypes that women couldn’t be funny.

Rivers faced numerous challenges but never let the obstacles deter her. Her tenacity and dedication paid off when she made her first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1965, a pivotal moment that catapulted her to fame.

A Unique Style of Humor

Joan Rivers’ comedy was characterized by her sharp and often controversial wit. She was unafraid to tackle taboo subjects, making her stand out in a male-dominated industry. Her humor was irreverent, and she had a knack for poking fun at herself and the world around her. Her one-liners and zingers were quick-witted and fearless, earning her a devoted following.

Rivers was known for her brash and self-deprecating style, which resonated with audiences. Her ability to turn personal experiences into relatable and humorous anecdotes made her a beloved figure. She often joked about her plastic surgery and her struggles with body image, showcasing her vulnerability and resilience.

One of Joan Rivers’ most enduring contributions to comedy was her ability to stay relevant and reinvent herself. She was not content to rest on her laurels but instead embraced change and adapted to evolving comedic tastes and formats.

In 1986, she became the first female late-night talk show host with “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers.” While the show had a short run, her groundbreaking achievement paved the way for other women in the late-night television landscape.

A Successful Author and Actor

Rivers also found success as a writer, authoring several best-selling books, including “Having a Baby Can Be a Scream” and “Bouncing Back: I’ve Survived Everything … and I Mean Everything … and You Can Too!” Her books often reflected her comedic voice, offering readers a mix of humor, insight, and personal experiences.

Beyond her stand-up comedy, Rivers was a versatile entertainer. She dabbled in acting, making appearances in both television and film. She lent her voice to animated series and participated in reality television shows, such as “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Her willingness to try new things and embrace change was a testament to her enduring relevance and adaptability.

One of the most iconic aspects of Joan Rivers’ career was her red carpet commentary. She hosted the “Fashion Police” series, where she, along with a panel of comedians and fashion experts, critiqued celebrities’ fashion choices at award shows. Her acerbic commentary and her catchphrase, “Who are you wearing?” became legendary and a staple of award show coverage.

Joan Rivers quotes
Rivers wins USO Woman of the Year Award.
Source: Wikipedia.

Rivers’ personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She faced personal challenges, including the suicide of her husband Edgar Rosenberg and her struggles with health issues. In 2014, Joan Rivers tragically passed away during a routine medical procedure. Her death left a void in the world of comedy, but her legacy lives on.

Joan Rivers – a Comedic Pioneer

In conclusion, Joan Rivers was a comedic pioneer who blazed a trail for women in stand-up comedy and late-night television. Her fearless and unapologetic humor, ability to reinvent herself, and dedication to her craft made her an enduring and beloved figure in the world of entertainment.

Joan Rivers’ legacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unrelenting passion in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Her impact on comedy and popular culture is immeasurable, and she remains an iconic and cherished figure in the history of comedy.


Famous Joan Rivers Quotes

Below we provide several inspirational Joan Rivers quotes from throughout her career. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

“Moving on is a gift you give yourself.”

– Joan Rivers

“People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.”

– Joan Rivers

“Comedians are the lucky ones because, if you’re funny, you can be 125 years old and they will still accept you.”

– Joan Rivers

“I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking.”

– Joan Rivers

“In life, the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none.”

– Joan Rivers

“If you laugh at it, you can deal with it.”

– Joan Rivers

“Life is a movie, and you’re the star. Give it a happy ending.”

– Joan Rivers

“Marriage isn’t in a contest to see who is most often right. Marriage requires being what the Japanese call ‘the wise bamboo,’ which means you bend so you don’t break.”

– Joan Rivers

“Nothing is yours permanently, so you better enjoy it while it’s happening.”

– Joan Rivers

“I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw that my bath toys were a toaster and a radio.”

– Joan Rivers

“If you can’t make fun of yourself, you don’t have any right to make fun of others.”

– Joan Rivers

“I wish I could tell you it gets better. It doesn’t get better. You get better.”

– Joan Rivers

Joan River Quotes – Final Words

Joan Rivers was a comedic powerhouse and a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy. Her remarkable career, spanning over five decades, showcased her unique wit, unfiltered humor, and unapologetic personality. We hope you enjoyed these Joan Rivers quotes.

Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.

Joseph Stein

I have always found that words of inspiration help me navigate through difficult times. I built this website to share inspirational quotes from famous people of all walks of life. Hopefully you will derive strength from these words of inspiration as well. Please enjoy.