All of us at The Ed Sullivan Show and SOFA Entertainment are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary comedian Joan Rivers. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joan got her start playing the café’s of Greenwich Village before becoming a staple of television in the 1960s. She made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show, first with Jack Parr, and then with longtime host Johnny Carson, becoming a staple of late night television.

Joan Rivers had a very special relationship to The Ed Sullivan Show. Not only did she make 19 appearances on the program, she also wrote lines for another beloved Sullivan Show figure, the little Italian mouse Topo Gigio. She became very close to Ed and his wife Sylvia and was one of his favorite guests.

Joan Rivers maintained an active career throughout her life. She was the go to fill-in host for Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, as well as hosting several talk shows of her own. Her prolific work on television endeared her to a new generation of fans who came to know her through her popular award show red carpet coverage with her daughter Melissa. She hosted and appeared in several reality shows as well as making a critically acclaimed appearance playing herself on the sitcom Louie, with comedian Louis CK.

Joan Rivers will be remembered as a pioneering entertainer and an inspirational comedian. Her memory will keep us laughing for years to come. Rest in peace Joan.