Joan Rivers -- who made the world laugh for over 50 years with her jokes, put-downs and one-liners -- has died in NYC ... a week after her heart suddenly stopped beating during vocal cord surgery.
She was 81.
Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers took her mom off life support so she could pass comfortably in a private room.
Rivers is widely credited for opening doors for countless female comedians. She broke through in a big way during her appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.
Along with countless appearances in every possible comedic venue, Rivers replaced Linda Lavin in Neil Simon's hit play "Broadway Bound," for which she received rave reviews. She later wrote and starred in "Sally Marr and Her Escorts" on Broadway for which she was nominated for a Tony Award.
Early on Rivers became aware of her huge gay fan base. She recently told the Advocate:
“My gay fans have been wonderful from day one. I remember when I was working at the Duplex in Greenwich Village in New York at the beginning of my career and the only ones who would laugh at my jokes were the gay guys. I think if I had started out in straight clubs and bars I never would’ve gotten anywhere.”
“Even today,” she adds, “when I’m on tour I always know if I get eight gay men in the front row it’s going to be a great show. Maybe it’s just me and I know they’re going to laugh at what I’d laugh at, but when my gays are in the audience it’s always a good time.”
Rivers was a big supporter of God's Love We Deliver, a hospice program which helps feed people who are too sick to cook or shop for themselves. Many Thanksgivings Joan would spend the day personally delivering food to AIDS patients across NYC. Her win on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice brought in thousands for the charity.
The world has lost a great talent, a truly unique individual who paved her own road, and the LGBT community mourns the loss of a great ally.
RIP Joan Rivers.
Though her death is no laughing matter, Joan Rivers' life was nothing but... We will always love you. http://t.co/k48BNmw8jY
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 4, 2014
Joan Rivers. Synonymous with audacity, bravery, originality, brilliance, singularity, perseverance, hilarity. And yes, Joan, beauty.
— Andrea Martin (@iamandreamartin) September 4, 2014
We have lost a true legend. Thank you Joan for paving the way for broads like me. Sending love and prayers to @MelRivers and her family.
— Official Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) September 4, 2014
I am so sorry at the passing of Joan Rivers. She was a friend. She inspired me. She made me laugh since I was a kid, and I loved her so much
— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) September 4, 2014
Prayers to Melissa Rivers who had an incredible mom. Joan blazed a trail for so many women. She had me on the tonight show in 83' #legendary
— Vanessa Williams (@VWOfficial) September 4, 2014
We lost one of the true originals today. Joan Rivers. A force. You will be missed. Love Hugh & Deb. @Deborra_lee
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) September 4, 2014
Via TMZ
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