|
 Journalists Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer, comedian Whoopi
Goldberg, tycoon Donald Trump, actress Sarah Jessica Parker and
comedian Kathy Griffin were among the celebrities who attended
the service at Temple Emanu-El, a landmark synagogue on New
York's Fifth Avenue where Rivers, 81, was a member of the
congregation.
Comedian Jeffrey Ross described it as "somber but funny" with
plenty of hearty laughs from Rivers' friends.
"Nothing was off limits. Comedians have a responsibility to
shine a light on the darkest things in the world, that's what
Joan did. People really addressed that today," he said after the
service.
Guests exited the funeral to the sound of bagpipes and some
mingled and hugged as many hundreds of fans, along with dozens
of reporters, photographers and television crews, waited behind
barricades to get a glimpse of Rivers' friends and family.
The Brooklyn-born comedian wrote in her 2012 book "I Hate
Everyone ... Starting With Me," about wanting her funeral to be
a big showbiz affair and that is what it was.
Journalist and talk show host Geraldo Rivera said he never saw a
funeral with more laughter.
"It really was so funny. Howard Stern opened with an X-rated
joke," he said about the radio and TV personality.
"Cindy Adams, the columnist, followed shortly after. The rabbi
was burying his head as the F-bombs were launched. And then Hugh
Jackman nailed it with a great Broadway song. So it was a real
New York show. It was exactly as Joan would have wanted it," he
added.
The comedian's only child, daughter Melissa, also spoke during
the service.
"Melissa was strong, witty, courageous - all the things that
Joan raised her to be," said surgeon, author and television
personality Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Radio and television host Billy Bush described the service as
"irreverent to say the least."
"Best funeral ever. Really. Joan Rivers would have loved it," he
tweeted.
The sharp-tongued, comedian died on Thursday at the New York
hospital to where she had been rushed a week earlier. She had
been put on life support after she stopped breathing during an
outpatient procedure at a medical clinic.
[to top of second column] |
Rivers' cause of death was still unknown pending further tests,
according to New York City Medical Examiner's Office.
The State Health Department was investigating the Yorkville
Endoscopy Center where Rivers was treated. It is reviewing
documents, medical records and interviewing staff and physicians at
the clinic which opened in 2013.
During a career that spanned more than 50 years, Rivers was known
for her raspy voice, numerous cosmetic procedures and the
catchphrase "Can we talk?"
No topic or person was off-limits for Rivers, who joked about
marriage and sex and was never apologetic about what she said.
She attributed her success to saying what everyone else was
thinking. Her influence reached far beyond her New York roots.
Tributes poured in from around the world.
Britain's Prince Charles described Rivers, who attended his 2005
wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall, as "an extraordinary woman with
an original and indefatigable spirit."
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that she
would be deeply missed.
Rivers originally wanted to be an actress. She started as a comedy
writer before doing stand-up. She worked her way up to regular guest
host for Johnny Carson on NBC's popular "The Tonight Show."
Carson and Rivers had a falling-out when she started her own
late-night talk show in 1986 on the rival Fox network. Her show was
canceled within a year due to low ratings. A few months later, her
husband and manager, Edgar Rosenberg, committed suicide.
Later in her career, Rivers and her daughter starred in the reality
TV show "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?", with Rivers living with
her grown child.
Most recently, Rivers was the host of cable television channel E!'s
"Fashion Police," commenting on the unfortunate red carpet choices
of Hollywood celebrities.
(Writing by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Rosalind Russell and Sandra
Maler)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
