Joan Rivers
The voice on my voice mail was unmistakable. “Hello. This is Joan Rivers.” Only, of course, it sounded like “Riv-ahs.”
“Oh, Lord,” I thought.
It was 1999 and I had just written a little item about Ms. Rivers for my gossip column in the local newspaper here in Knoxville. She recently had appeared at Center Stage, the swanky fundraiser for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Apparently, the performance had gone a little too far for some in the audience, and several people had walked out.
That prompted Bob Koppel, the hospital’s president and CEO at the time (and also a friend of mine), to write a letter of apology to everyone who had attended. I had written about that apology letter.
Rivers was not amused. “You tell that man,” she said on the message, “that NO ONE has to apologize for Joan Rivers!”
I was not at the performance, so I can’t say for sure what upset some in the audience. One person told me that Rivers had “insulted God.” Given all the awful things going on in the world, I, for one, find it difficult to believe that God would be insulted by anything said in a comedy routine, but …
Joan Rivers
Back on my voice message, Rivers was just getting started. “I didn’t do anything to apologize for,” she said. “When you book Joan Rivers, you know what you’re getting. I’ve been around long enough that people know what to expect. And let me tell you, NO ONE has to apologize for Joan Rivers!”
Then she softened up a little. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I don’t blame you. You were just doing your job. I have a niece who is a reporter. I know you were just doing your job. But you tell that man that NO ONE has to apologize for Joan Rivers!” Click.
I loved Joan Rivers. I hate that I missed her performance in Knoxville. I guess that, after getting that message from her, I felt a special little connection to her. When she was rushed to the hospital August 28, I prayed for her recovery. I cried when I found out she had died.
Joan Rivers was one of a kind. She was a true pioneer at a time when women were not necessarily accepted in the mostly male world of comedy. She was outrageous and pushed the boundaries — especially when the subjects were celebrities, whom she considered to be fair game. But, you have to admit, she also made fun of herself and delivered plenty of cracks about her age, family and numerous cosmetic surgeries. I have to say she was right when she said you pretty much knew what to expect from a Joan Rivers show. Her comedy was not for the easily offended or faint of heart.
Joan Rivers and daughter Melissa Rivers.
She dubbed her followers on her fabulous, scandalous “Fashion Police” TV show as “Joan Rangers.” I am proud to be a Joan Ranger. And I agree with her. No one has to apologize for Joan Rivers.
Excellent, Cynthia! I love that story and I love that Joan Rivers was always true to herself. She was an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
She was a pioneer for women in comedy no doubt.. And she had a very sharp tongue.
Well done, Mox!
Thanks, Ellen and Cindy. Looks like you are Joan Rangers! I know Alan is.
Cynthia, I loved her, too. She said out loud all the things that most people only think in their heads. I wonder what she would have said about Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress?
She was one of a kind. I loved her.
Haha, Mickey! I only wish she were here to share her opinion! I can only imagine!
Annette: Yep.
Beautifully said, Cynthia. Thank you for posting. Tribute must be paid to women in our business who speak up, break boundaries and laugh at conforming. Joan Rivers was something of a monster, but a glorious one … I will miss her.
Carol: Thanks for saying that. It means a lot coming from you. You are an inspiration, as well.
That’s priceless, Mox.
Thanks, Leigh. Even though she was angry, I feel lucky to have had any interaction with her.
Oh, Cynthia, this is marvelous! As women, we have all learned something from Joan Rivers — whether you enjoyed her comedy or not, which I did! Thank you for saying it so well.
I love the fact she noted you had a job to do. She made her point but understood the role and function of the media. She was brutally funny – and I loved it. That is an anecdote to treasure.
Love, love, love this story! By the way, these days the “offensive” performance would be on You Tube, & the letter of apology would be on Facebook, prompting hundreds of comments.
Ranee: I agree that we all have learned something from her. It’s about being who you are, I think. With no apologies.
Maria: Yes, I have to say I appreciated her saying that, as well! I would not have wanted that wrath directed at me!
Gay: Ha! You are so right!
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