NBC’s “Dead Funny” special honors Joan Rivers’s life and work with Nikki Glaser, Aubrey Plaza, and others. Melissa Rivers reflects on her mother’s humor and the profound loss she feels.
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Who is honoring Joan Rivers’s legendary career?
Screened at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, Dead Funny: An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers airs on NBC on May 13.
Funny people like Nikki Glaser, Aubrey Plaza, and Chelsea Handler will make fun of, riff on, and remember Joan, just the way she would have wanted.
What Was So New About Joan’s Humor?
Her humor is rough, very sharp, and always brave. Her humor transcended boundaries and fostered unity among individuals.
Joan wrote a meta joke for the event, which executive director Melissa Rivers shared.
It said, “Now that I am dead, I guess someone will finally honor me.” It was Joan, as always.
Why does it matter now that she is dead?
Melissa told jokes about Joan’s rare ability to appeal to people from both sides of the aisle.
“She would say, ‘Take a deep breath,'” she said, pointing out how powerful humor can be in today’s tense world.
How does Melissa really remember her mom?
She remembers her mom in a way that is both bittersweet and poignant. Melissa’s recent wedding was saddened by Joan’s absence.
“She would have hated our casual vibe!” “Overwhelming happiness… and overwhelming sadness,” she said.
Last thought
A fun night that shows Joan’s wit still connects us. Dead Funny is not just a tribute; it is a call to laugh out loud like she did.
