Joan Rivers Tribute: A Star-Studded, Hilarious Celebration
Comedy legends gathered in Harlem to honor the late Joan Rivers with “A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute”, a one-night event taped during the 20th annual New York Comedy Festival in November 2024.
Not a Roast, But a Celebration (With Plenty of Jabs)
Though the promo photos feature comedians posing with a gold urn — including Melissa Rivers herself — the tribute was designed as a celebration, not a takedown.
“They do make fun of her, but it’s not a roast,” said Melissa Rivers, who organized the special. “It’s a celebration.”
Still, Joan wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Star-Studded Lineup Came Together Against the Odds
Despite packed schedules, top comedians flew in from across the country for the taping. Names like Chelsea Handler, Aubrey Plaza, Joel McHale, Jeff Ross, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Tracy Morgan, and Nikki Glaser filled the Apollo stage.
“It was a ‘meant to be’ kind of thing,” Melissa said proudly. The effort showed just how much Joan Rivers meant to the comedy community.
How Joan Would Tackle Cancel Culture Today
With cancel culture dominating conversations, many wonder how Joan’s sharp wit would land in 2025. Melissa believes her mother would have flipped the narrative.
“She would have found a way to make fun of cancel culture,” she said, comparing Joan’s resilience to Dave Chappelle. “She’d turn it on its head.”
Protecting Joan Rivers’ Legacy
Melissa continues to protect and promote her mother’s legacy. This summer, the National Comedy Center will unveil a Joan Rivers exhibition, featuring her iconic joke archive.
Although a limited TV series with Kathryn Hahn didn’t move forward, a biopic remains a possibility.
As for Joan’s actual ashes? They were reportedly lost after the tribute taped — a bizarre, almost fitting twist for the legendary comic who lived for a good punchline.
More…
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/05/13/joan-rivers-special-tv-tribute-melissa-rivers/83455866007
- https://people.com/joan-rivers-death-everything-to-know-8727325
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/article/melissa-rivers-got-famous-comedians-in-a-room-together-to-honor-her-mom-joan-just-dont-call-it-a-roast
