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Joan Rivers, who sadly died today at age 81, started doing stand-up in the early 1960s, working comedy clubs in Greenwich Village until she got her first break on The Tonight Show. She never stopped performing, and she never lost her caustic touch, her electrifying energy, and the blunt bravery with which she confronted every topic, no matter how shocking or controversial. Delving through her many TV appearances over the years is just a delight; here's a clip from every decade of her professional career that shows just how much she endured as a comedic talent.
1967
Here's a 33-year-old Rivers performing on The Ed Sullivan Show, ripping into the ridiculous imbalanced burden placed on women to appeal to men. I defy you to watch this and not laugh out loud.
"When you finally go on the date, the girl has to be well dressed, her face has to look nice, the hair has to be in shape. The girl has to be the one that's bright, and pretty, intelligent, a good sport. 'Howard Johnsons again, hooray hooray!' It just kills me!"
1974
Joan's monologue on The Carol Burnett Show sees her fearlessly interacting with the audience and trying to pick out the first wives from the second wives. She also comes out demanding applause for her figure, saying she finally found a bra that emphasizes her chest.