Latest news with #JoanRivers
Sunday World
19-05-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Deirdre Reynolds: Shake off the stigma and embrace life as a spinster
Term has been a slur too long, we want it back Hi, my name is Deirdre - and I am a spinster. Now, it's news to me that this is something I was meant to be mortified by. But a 'man on the internet' tells me otherwise, so I figured I'd better mull it over, anyway. Admittedly, when I wrote about how Ireland needs more child-free spaces on this page a couple of weeks ago, I knew I was sticking my head above the parapet - and risked having it sliced clean off. What I didn't know was that being an 'old maid', or even a relatively young one, would be the weapon of choice with which to do it. As a quick recap, while many argued that the adults-only policy deployed by a Tipperary café was 'anti-woman', I posited that it was a welcome respite for not only the childless, but many stressed-out, coffee-loving mams and dads too. Lots, including parents, agreed. But, as an apparent 'spinster', or maybe more egregiously, a 'childless woman', it was also suggested by others that I should 'jump in a hole and drink [my] coffee there'. To be honest, a hole sounds like the perfect place to enjoy my flat white in a bit of peace. At the risk of digging myself an even deeper one, I'm fine with being labelled a spinster too. Granted, for a long time in Ireland and beyond, it was a term used to denigrate women who were regarded as being left on the shelf, or as the Oxford English Dictionary plainly puts it, while acknowledging its more derogatory usages, 'an unmarried woman, typically an older woman beyond the usual age for marriage'. Clearly, it still is by some. Given that the 'usual age' for wedding for the first-time among Irish women has crept up to 35.8 years old, that makes for a hell of a lot of Millenial spinsters, and with first-time grooms averaging at 37.7, quite a few 'bachelors' too, though the equivalent male noun doesn't put the boot in quite as forcefully. The opposite, in fact, with a Westmeath Bachelor Festival still going strong up to last year. So … should we try to get a rival Spinster of the Year competition up and running? Or, at the very least, in the same manner that the 'c' word has been refashioned by feminists, attempt to reclaim the 875 year-old slur from the clutches of sexist trolls? Back in the 60s, Joan Rivers was one of the first stars to try, by shamelessly using it to describe her marital status at the time. And it's certainly no more embarrassing than modern celebrities like Emma Watson declaring themselves 'self-partnered', or going even further like, Kourtney Kardashian, by championing 'autosexuality' (being turned on by yourself), rather than simply say, 'I'm single'. Ahead of 'National Old Maid's Day' on June 4, then, let's shirk the stigma for once and for all. Already, more and more younger women are embracing other stereotypical hallmarks of spinsterhood, from being a 'cat mom' to going grey gracefully, so why not do it with pride? Because, let's be real, it's better to wind up a spinster than married to someone who still thinks it's an insult.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joan Rivers' tribute to bring out the stars including Aubrey Plaza
"I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive. Things are happening." ~ Joan Rivers A new comedy special will bring Joan Rivers back from the dead, at least for one night. NBC will honor the life and legacy of the late comic with "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute," an hour-long television special set to air May 13. It will be available to stream on the Peacock network later this month. "Given that I'm dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me," Rivers said in a letter she left for her daughter, Melissa Rivers. "Well, it's about time." The comedy special, which stars Delaware's own Aubrey Plaza and cameos from many famous comics, was filmed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on the opening night of the 2024 New York Comedy Festival, NBC said in a news release. You won't get far down the list of most influential comedians of the 20th century without landing on Joan Rivers. The comedy pioneer, died in 2014 at the age of 81. Here's what to know: Joan Rivers was a comedian and television personality who was a regular on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and made frequent appearances on other shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show." Rivers also served as host of daytime talk show "The Joan Rivers Show," for which she earned her first and only Emmy Award. She later hosted Fox's version of "The Tonight Show," dubbed "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers." Rivers is best known for her fashion commentary on E! Network's "Fashion Police" and "E!'s Live from the Red Carpet" telecasts before every major award show, from the Golden Globes to the Grammys. She discussed the dos and don'ts of celebrity fashion from 2010 up until her death in 2014. Rivers also famously coined the phrase, "Who are you wearing?" Rivers also was a Grammy Award winning performer, a Tony Award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, columnist, lecturer, radio host, jewelry designer, entrepreneur and the renowned creator of the modern-day red-carpet interview show. As first reported by Deadline, the tribute to Rivers next month will feature a long line of comedians including Aubrey Plaza, Tracy Morgan, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Chelsea Handler, Howie Mandel, Patton Oswalt and many more. With her sharp tongue and daring wit, Rivers didn't hold back, and neither will the tribute special. Other celebrities on the bill for "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute'' include Nikki Glaser, Bill Maher, Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Joel McHale, Jean Smart and Rita Wilson. Also featured in the special, which was recorded at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City last fall, will be Rivers' daughter, Melissa Rivers. According to NBC, "Performers will deliver a mix of classic Rivers zingers and modern stand-up, and there will be musical bits, as well.'' The group, including Chelsea Handler, will "pay homage to Rivers' razor-sharp humor and impact on pop culture" through standup, musical bits and tributes. They will also revisit "Rivers' legendary cabinet of jokes" but add their own personal spin to the material to make it timely and a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "Given that I'm dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me. Well, it's about time,' Rivers wrote in a letter she left for her daughter, Melissa Rivers, NBC reports. "This tribute is everything my mother would have wanted — hilarious, unfiltered and filled with people she respected (and roasted). And as usual, she was still the funniest person in the room," Melissa Rivers said in a statement. "It's incredibly moving to see so many iconic comedians come together to celebrate her legacy, especially the women whose careers she helped make possible by breaking down so many doors." Aubrey Plaza has been keeping a low profiile since the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died earlier this year at the age of 47. Plaza made her first public appearance since Baena's death on Feb. 16 when "Saturday Night Live" celebrated turning 50 that weekend. The Wilmington actor Plaza once interned for "SNL,'' served as a page for NBC and also hosted the show in 2023. Plaza, who stars in Marvel's "Agatha All Along,'' also appeared in previously recorded Super Bowl commercial for Ritz crackers. The award-winning actress has several films due out later this year including Ethan Coen's "Honey, Don't,'' and Zach Woods' "The Accompanist,'' starring Susan Sarandon. You can watch the Joan Rivers tribute on NBC on May 13 at 10 p.m. EST, and subscribers also will be able to stream an 'extended and uncensored version' of the special on Peacock on May 14. The longer version will include more artists to be announced. And on June 5, an encore presentation of the original special will air on E! You can learn more by visiting Delaware and Hollywood: What movies & TV shows were made in Delaware? If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 988. The United States' first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline988 will connect callers with trained mental health counselors. Text 'HOME' to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to watch 'Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute,' Aubrey Plaza
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When does 'Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute' come out? How to watch TV special
When does 'Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute' come out? How to watch TV special Show Caption Hide Caption Met Gala: Bad Bunny pays tribute to Puerto Rico with his Met Gala look Bad Bunny pays tribute to Puerto Rico with his 2025 Met Gala look. The Grammy-winning superstar announced a world tour on the same day. A new comedy special is bringing Joan Rivers back from the dead, at least for one night. NBC is honoring the life and legacy of the late comic with "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute," an hour-long television special set to air May 13. "Given that I'm dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me," Rivers said in a letter she left for her daughter, Melissa Rivers. "Well, it's about time." The comedy special, which features cameos from famous comics, was filmed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on the opening night of the 2024 New York Comedy Festival, NBC said in a news release. The group, including Chelsea Handler, will "pay homage to Rivers' razor-sharp humor and impact on pop culture" through standup, musical bits and tributes. They will also revisit "Rivers' legendary cabinet of jokes" but add their own personal spin to the material to make it timely and new. "This tribute is everything my mother would have wanted — hilarious, unfiltered and filled with people she respected (and roasted). And as usual, she was still the funniest person in the room," Melissa Rivers said in a statement. "It's incredibly moving to see so many iconic comedians come together to celebrate her legacy, especially the women whose careers she helped make possible by breaking down so many doors." Here's what to know about "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute," including how to tune in. Who was Joan Rivers? Joan Rivers was a comedian and television personality who was a regular on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and made frequent appearances on other shows, including "The Ed Sullivan Show." Rivers also served as host of daytime talk show "The Joan Rivers Show," for which she earned her first and only Emmy Award. She later hosted Fox's version of "The Tonight Show," dubbed "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers." Rivers is best known for her fashion commentary on E! Network's "Fashion Police" and "E!'s Live from the Red Carpet" telecasts before every major award show, from the Golden Globes to the Grammys. She discussed the dos and don'ts of celebrity fashion from 2010 up until her death in 2014. Rivers also famously coined the phrase, "Who are you wearing?" Rivers also received various accolades in her 50-year career. She was a Grammy Award winning performer, a Tony Award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, columnist, lecturer, radio host, jewelry designer, entrepreneur and the renowned creator of the modern-day red-carpet interview show. "An unparalleled legend in the entertainment industry, Rivers was more than just a comedian, she was a force of nature," NBC said in a news release. "... Rivers was also the first woman to break the glass ceiling of male-hosted late-night television." 'Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute' teaser How to watch 'Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute' "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute" airs May 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. An extended and uncensored version of the comedy special will debut on Peacock on May 14 and will feature additional comics, who will be announced later. An encore presentation will air June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on E!. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Melissa Rivers teases uncensored tribute to late mother Joan… and reveals comedian following in her footsteps
Melissa Rivers is paying tribute to her late mom, Joan Rivers, in the most fitting way - and she stopped by the offices to talk about the upcoming homage. On May 13, NBC is airing a tribute to Joan, who tragically passed away after undergoing a routine endoscopy in 2014. On May 14, the uncensored and extended cut is airing on Peacock. Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute is a comedy special that was taped at the Apollo Theater in Harlem last November during the 20th annual New York Comedy Festival. The show is a mix of stand-up comics and celebrities paying tribute to Joan, as well as jokes from her own sets. A-list comics including Chelsea Handler, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Aubrey Plaza, Rita Wilson, Jeff Ross, Tracy Morgan, and Matteo Lane, all appear in the special. Jeff Ross even does his own take on The Fashion Police, the E! show Melissa and her mom famously starred on together for many years, critiquing celebrity style. While it was difficult to get all of the A-listers in the same room, all of the star power that wasn't on tour (like Margaret Cho, Jim Gaffigan, and Sarah Silverman) showed up to pay tribute to the comedy icon. 'It was pretty close to just taking a dart and throwing it,' Melissa said about choosing a date where all of the biggest comics in the world could come together. 'We got very lucky that we found a day where such a huge amount of A-listers all happened to be available and willing to come to New York to do it.' The comics tell jokes and some who weren't able to be there in person give interviews. As for the one who reminds Melissa most of her mom, she said Nikki Glaser is the 'closest stylistically in her delivery.' Fans can expect more expanded sets from the uncensored version, as well as a major comedian who makes an appearance in the Peacock special that Melissa promises will 'blow everyone out of the water.' When it came to choosing the male comedians taking part in the special, Melissa wanted to make sure they had a connection with her mom - like Joel McHale, who starred on his own E! show, The Soup, at the same time The Fashion Police was airing. Melissa - who has been open about how her mom would have abhorred cancel culture - was looking for people who could tell heartfelt stories as part of the tribute, but it all came back to being funny. 'People were flying in and then flying back out to their club dates, and it was really touching,' Melissa said. Melissa hasn't just been busy producing this special. She married attorney Steve Mitchel in March, after saying she'd never tie the knot again. Melissa was previously married to John Endicott from 1998 to 2003, and they share son Cooper, 24. Melissa almost didn't give Steve a chance date after he wore a particularly terrible pair of shoes that Melissa described as 'weird,' but he later called 'really comfortable.' Those weren't her only misgivings. She confided in her therapist that she was 'really scared I'm going to get bored.' 'And he said, "Maybe being a little bit bored is good for you." And he is so right. Steve is not boring, but Steve is not drama. He calls when he says he's going to call. He shows up when he's supposed to show up,' Melissa raved. 'There is no game. It's easy. And getting actually married was very important to him,' she said, adding that she would have been fine living together and wearing rings. The wedding took place only eight weeks after they tragically lost their home in the Palisades fire, but they 'very quickly' had to make the decision to move forward. They ultimately decided they 'were going to want to go away and get out of this horror for at least a weekend.' The red carpet expert opted for a silver Stella McCartney dress and changed into a Brunello Cucinelli that she said 'was for me and my friends because it's a whole different vibe.' At the wedding, they paid tribute to Joan with little bee pins, which has a special meaning because her late father had once given her mom a diamond version. The bee went on to represent their family because the 'body is too big for the size of its wings,' so it shouldn't be able to fly but still can.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Melissa Rivers brutally reveals why the Met Gala needs fashion critics
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of late comedian Joan Rivers, is preparing for the ultimate tribute to her mom. On May 13, NBC is airing Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute, a comedy special that was taped at the Apollo Theater in Harlem last November during the 20th annual New York Comedy Festival. The show features some of the most famous stand-up comics, including Chelsea Handler, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Aubrey Plaza, and Rita Wilson, all highlighting Joan's epic, groundbreaking comedy. Ahead of the special, Melissa, 57, dropped by the office to talk about why the Fashion Police could never happen today, what she really thought about this year's Met Gala ensembles, and why fashion is simply not that serious. On Monday, celebrities hit the carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the annual Met Gala and leaned into the theme, which was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which explored Black dandyism from the 18th century to its revival during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on fashion today. The dress code was Tailored For You, which was a nod to menswear and suiting as seen in the exhibit at the Met. Viewers at home called the outfits 'underwhelming' and 'boring,' with many A-listers opting for basic black and white ensembles. But Melissa loved the theme and said 'it's time that we had a men's lead in the theme,' especially since 'everything comes down to good tailoring.' While the red carpet expert appreciated that 'the men did a great job,' Melissa also thought the theme 'was very confusing for the women, and a lot of the women looked like they could be looking great on any red carpet.' The New York City-born producer appreciated that Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monae, and Mindy Kaling all 'took the theme, got the memo and took it to the next level because it is the Met Gala,' but was disappointed in some of the other ensembles. 'Zendaya wore a spectacular white suit,' Melissa complimented, but said it could be 'a spectacular white suit on any red carpet,' because it 'didn't have the Met spin.' The star clarified she wasn't 'picking on Zendaya because she did nothing wrong,' adding that the Euphoria star 'is annoyingly perfect between the talent and the body and the looks and the styling,' joking 'it's aggravating at this point.' Melissa believes many of the female attendees did not make their looks Met Gala-worthy because of 'confusion' around the 'tailoring and suiting,' as well as how to 'elevate it.' While many fashion critics are attacked and even canceled for honestly critiquing looks, Melissa thinks the Met Gala 'is the one red carpet left where you can really give an opinion because it's meant to be over the top.' 'You are not going to see anything on the steps of the Met Gala that you will ever wear in your life.' 'It's a night of creativity and looking at fashion as art,' Melissa said. On The Fashion Police on E! which ran for 14 season, Melissa and her mom were never afraid to voice their opinions about what people wore - sometimes savagely - but today, journalists and critics are often attacked for sharing negative views about celebrities. Melissa, who has been open about what her mother would think about cancel culture, told that 'there could never be a Fashion Police again' because 'everyone's too scared.' Melissa and her iconic mother's approach to the wildly popular show was publicly saying what people would be telling their friends on the couch while watching red carpet coverage. 'Now we're in a place where everyone has to love it,' Melissa explained, adding that if they don't like an outfit, they have to go above and beyond to clarify they still like the actress or the designer so they don't offend anyone. In the end, Melissa said, 'We're talking about something very shallow. We're talking about fashion and yes, people do sartorial messaging and things like that, but we're talking about art.'
