On June 8th, the late Joan Rivers would have turned 90.
In a conversation with Fox News Digital, her daughter, Melissa Rivers, revealed that the iconic, flamboyant comedian would have preferred a subdued celebration.
"She would not have favored a grand celebration," shared Melissa. Her vision of her mother's ideal celebration would include an intimate gathering of friends and family, including her son, Cooper. Although a modest observance was anticipated, Melissa acknowledged they would have commemorated the day somehow, yet not in an extravagant manner.
The day is not devoid of grandeur, though. An accolade honoring the late comedian is on the horizon that warrants a grand celebration. The National Comedy Center museum is inducting Joan Rivers, dedicating an exhibit to celebrate her life's work and immense contributions to comedy.
Feeling honored and exhilarated about this tribute, Melissa noted the importance of such an institution in preserving her mother's archive, ensuring their survival for future generations. The induction carries an ironic touch, as Joan headlined the comedy festival of the National Comedy Center in 2011, the same event that announced the museum's conception. The museum focuses on the craft of comedy, a nod to Joan's incredible contributions. With its interactive component, the induction and exhibit are set to launch in 2025.
The National Comedy Center executive director, Journey Gunderson, stated that Joan was a "master of evolution" who constantly reached new heights of success in an industry that rarely favored her. Gunderson noted that Rivers' legacy is not just vital for women in comedy. Still, it also inspires any artist who uses humor to reflect the human condition.
Known for cataloging her career meticulously, Rivers collected everything from her jokes to photos and letters. Fans had a sneak peek into her filing system in the 2010 documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work." Her card catalog, boasting an estimated 69,000 quips, helped her avoid repetition and occasionally invited trouble.
In addressing the current cancel culture in comedy, Melissa said her mother would likely find it frustrating. She mentioned the parallel between her mother and Dave Chappelle, who both have a knack for controversy. Chappelle, however, faced backlash for his jokes deemed transphobic in his Netflix special "The Closer," leading to the cancellation of several live shows.
Melissa mentioned another comedian, Kevin Hart, who faced criticism for tweets and stand-up jokes considered homophobic. Hart eventually stepped down from hosting the Oscars in 2019 after multiple apologies. Reflecting on these incidents, Melissa believed that some people rightfully need to be canceled while others do not.
Melissa stated that her mother underwent significant evolution throughout her career, beginning as a club comedian and later appearing on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Rivers also hosted her talk show, "The Late Show with Joan Rivers," and a daytime talk show, "The Joan Rivers Show," for which she won a Daytime Emmy. Joan's legacy extends to her popular red-carpet interviews and fashion critiques, showcased in "Fashion Police" on E!
Despite their shared fame, Melissa fondly remembered her mother as a mother, noting that her mom's vulnerability and sensitivity, rarely seen on stage, might surprise many. She also mentioned how her mother retained her late husband's name in their home phone, a testament to Joan's real-life persona.
In an emotional reflection, Melissa talked about her close bond with her mother, ensuring that their love was well-known to each other, leaving no unfinished business or unsaid words. This aspect provided her solace over the years, contrasting starkly with her relationship with her father.
The iconic comedian Joan Rivers, who would have celebrated her 90th birthday on June 8th, is about to be honored fittingly. An upcoming tribute in the form of an exhibit dedicated to her work will soon grace the National Comedy Center museum. This announcement comes directly from her daughter, Melissa Rivers, during an interview with Fox News Digital.
"She would not have wanted a big bash," said Melissa, reflecting on how her mother might have preferred to celebrate her 90th birthday. Instead, Melissa surmises that a small gathering with close friends and family, including herself and her son, Cooper, would have been more to her mother's liking.
Regarding the forthcoming honor, Melissa expressed her appreciation and excitement for her late mother's induction into the National Comedy Center. Rivers stated, "It's a wonderful place to properly store the archives so that they are preserved." She also highlighted the intriguing twist of fate - her mother had headlined the comedy festival in 2011, where they announced plans for this museum.
The induction and exhibit, which will be available to the public in 2025, coincide with what would have been Joan Rivers' 90th birthday. The exhibit promises an interactive component, allowing fans to delve into the meticulous archives maintained by Joan throughout her career. This collection will include her jokes, photographs, letters, and more.
The National Comedy Center Executive Director, Journey Gunderson, stated, "She is not only a role model for women in comedy, but for all artists who desire to wield comedy's expressive power to communicate something vital about the human condition."
Joan Rivers was an acclaimed comedian who never held back from voicing her thoughts on celebrities and fashion alike. Despite her often controversial stance, Joan remained untouched by 'cancel culture.' When Melissa was asked about her mother's take on the current comedic climate, she suggested Joan would have found it exasperating.
"I think she would be happy that it's swinging back towards the middle from such extremes," Melissa said. Given her mother's tendency to push boundaries, Melissa hoped Joan would have been "grandfathered in" and not forced to adhere to strict political correctness. Using the case of Dave Chappelle, who faced backlash over alleged transphobic jokes in his 2021 Netflix special "The Closer," Melissa pointed out that some figures in comedy have managed to maintain their stance despite societal pressure.
Similarly, she cited Kevin Hart as another comedian who faced controversy. Hart had been reprimanded for homophobic comments from past tweets and stand-up routines when he was slated to host the Oscars in 2019. The situation escalated to the point where Hart apologized and stepped down as host.
Melissa defended Hart by saying, "The material was taken out of context because at the time that [the jokes] was okay." She added that people, including comedians, evolve as her mother did throughout her career.
Starting as a club comedian in the mid-20th century, Joan Rivers carved a path for herself. She transitioned from guest spots on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" to being the first woman to host her talk show, "The Late Show with Joan Rivers," in 1986. She further etched her name in television history by hosting "The Joan Rivers Show" from 1989 to 1993, for which she won a Daytime Emmy. Joan's career continued to evolve as she took on the red-carpet interviewer and fashion critic role, hosting "Fashion Police" on E! until shortly before her death in 2014.
Despite her glittering career, Melissa Rivers asserted that her mother's public persona vastly differed from the person she knew at home. Melissa mentioned her mother was kind, caring, and even somewhat shy off-stage, describing her as a 'homebody' who loved cooking and an attentive grandmother to her son, Cooper. She praised Joan's ability to keep her private life separate from her comedic career, a trait Melissa has strived to emulate.
"Despite her public persona, she was a very private person. She'd always tell me that public people should have private lives," Melissa said. "She loved her job, but she loved her life more."
The forthcoming exhibit promises to showcase all these different facets of Joan Rivers. Her career memorabilia will include personal items like never-before-seen family photos, her director's chair from "The Joan Rivers Show," and some of her favorite costumes from her stand-up performances.
The National Comedy Center's tribute will be more than a mere celebration of Joan Rivers as a comedian. It aims to delve into the depths of a complex personality, revealing the woman behind the comedy, the private life behind the public persona, and the legendary figure behind the jokes.
Melissa Rivers believes the exhibit will ensure that her mother's legacy and influence in the comedy world will continue to inspire the new generation of comedians and humorists.
"Mom believed in the power of comedy," she concluded. "She believed it was a tool to break down barriers, create connections, and highlight absurdities. I think she would be thrilled to know that her work continues to inspire and entertain people."
The world waits in anticipation as this exhibit, designed to embody the legacy of Joan Rivers, is set to open in 2025. It will serve as a testament to a trailblazing woman who forever changed the comedy landscape. Through laughter and punchlines, she left her indelible mark on millions of hearts worldwide - a legacy that continues to resonate even after her passing.
So, here's to Joan Rivers on her 90th birthday - a pioneering comedian, loving mother, and a legend in her own right. As we look forward to this tribute to her life and work, let's remember her just as she would have wanted - with a smile on our faces and laughter in our hearts.
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