GRAMMY-nominated comedian Joan Rivers died Sept. 4 after suffering cardiac arrest. She was 81. Born Joan Molinsky in New York, Rivers came to prominence in 1965 as a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," on which she later became the first permanent guest host in 1983. Known for her catchphrase "Can we talk?" Rivers biting commentary on celebrities and her personal life opened doors for other female comedians. In 1965 she released her debut comedy album, Joan Rivers Presents Mr. Phyllis And Other Funny Stories and subsequently authored a string of books, including the 1974 bestseller Having A Baby Can Be A Scream. In 1983 she released the album What Becomes A Semi-Legend Most?, which earned her a GRAMMY nomination for Best Comedy Album. Rivers recently served as co-host of the E! series "Fashion Police."
