What was Joan Rivers’ Net Worth and Salary?
Joan Rivers, the New York-born comedian, actress, and television host, had a net worth of $150 million. She was known for her sharp wit and was one of the most famous comedians of all time before her death in 2014.
Starting her career in the late 50s, Rivers worked as an actress and comedienne in New York, with her first professional role opposite Barbra Streisand in an Off-Broadway production of “Driftwood”. She achieved great success as a stand-up comedian in the 60s and built a small empire from her comedy and writing work.
Rivers’ ambition and tenacity led to a career spanning over four decades in multiple media, including film, television, theater, and books. She made history as the first woman to host her own talk show and won numerous awards throughout her career. Additionally, she was a savvy entrepreneur, establishing several successful businesses.
Early Life and Education
Joan Alexandra Molinsky was born on June 8th of 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. Raised alongside one sister by Russian-Jewish parents, she became heavily involved in drama and theater from a young age. However, she struggled in school due to the fact that she was overweight, and this had an impact on her body image throughout her later life.
After graduating from high school, Joan attended Connecticut College before transferring to Barnard College in Manhattan. In 1955, she graduated with a B.A. in English literature and anthropology.
She spent a lot of time working odd jobs before she entered show business. At various points, she was working as a tour guide, a fashion consultant, and a writer for an advertising agency. When she linked up with an agent, he advised her to adopt a stage name, and she chose the last name “Rivers” (which was coincidentally the same last name as her agent).
Joan Rivers’ Career Highlights
Joan Rivers began her career in the late 50s with Broadway performances and appearances at comedy clubs in New York City. In the 60s, she made her breakthrough when she appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Throughout the 70s and 80s, she consolidated her presence on television with high-profile roles and appearances, while also focusing on stand-up comedy. In the late 80s, she got her own show, “The Joan Rivers Show,” and later won an Emmy. Shows such as these became a focus for Joan throughout the 90s. In the 2000s, she covered red carpet events for the TV Guide Channel and established herself as a voice actor with a number of roles in animated films and television shows.
Joan Rivers’ Troubled Marriages
Joan Rivers was briefly married in 1955, but her most high-profile marriage was in 1965 to Edgar Rosenberg. They had a daughter in 1968, but the marriage ended tragically when Rosenberg committed suicide in 1987, just four days after Rivers asked him for a divorce.
Rivers later revealed that their marriage was never on solid ground, and she endured considerable mistreatment from Rosenberg over their 22-year marriage. She also admitted to having several extra-marital affairs. Following her husband’s suicide, Rivers contemplated taking her own life.
Joan Rivers’ Death Due to Medical Malpractice
Joan Rivers never expected that a routine medical procedure on her throat in 2014 would end up taking her life. Unfortunately, she stopped breathing during the procedure, was successfully resuscitated, but then fell into a coma and eventually died in a hospital. The reason for her death was listed as brain damage from lack of oxygen.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the medical clinic made several mistakes that led to Joan’s death. They failed to notice her worsening condition, including a clear drop in blood pressure, and there was suspicion that the wrong dosage of anesthetic was administered. Additionally, it was suggested that Joan never consented to the procedure in the first place.
Joan’s daughter, Melissa, filed a malpractice lawsuit against the doctors who ran the clinic. The doctors took full responsibility for Joan’s death, and the suit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
Joan Rivers’ Lavish NYC Condo Sells for $28 Million
Joan Rivers left behind a luxurious four-bedroom condo in New York City featuring decor reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The triplex, located in a limestone mansion built in 1903, was designed by Horace Trumbauer and boasts restored ornate details, double-height entertainment rooms, and a ballroom and music room with 23′ ceilings. The dining room and terrace can accommodate dining and offer access to the outdoors. The second floor includes a mezzanine, master suite, and separate guest quarters with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, and an eat-in kitchen. The apartment sold for $28 million in 2020 after remaining unsold for some time after Joan Rivers’ passing.
Joan Rivers’ Connecticut Farm Sells for $4.5 Million
In 2000, Joan Rivers purchased an 84-acre farm in Litchfield County, Connecticut for $1.438 million. After extensive renovations, she initially listed the property for $6.5 million in 2009 but later lowered the price to $4.9 million before finally selling it for $4.5 million in 2013.
Joan Rivers’ Failed Real Estate Development Project
In the 80s, Joan Rivers invested over $19 million in a real estate development project in Bucks County, Pennsylvania aimed at creating a “mini Beverly Hills” to attract celebrities who were commuting between major cities. Unfortunately, the project failed due to various reasons.
Despite the failure, a 12,000-square-foot mansion was built for Joan Rivers and her husband at the time in Bucks County. However, she never moved in due to her husband’s suicide and the project’s failure. The property, complete with a pool and jacuzzi, was listed for $2.7 million in 2020 and stands out among the surrounding area’s average-priced homes.
