Joan Rivers Dies At The Age Of 81
By Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The queen of comedy made her mark with her raspy voice and quick wit that not only poked fun at celebrities but also at herself. At 81, Joan Rivers lived a long life in the public eye making people laugh for more than 50 years.
PHOTOS: Remembering Joan Rivers
"She started getting all the face lifts and so she made a lot of jokes about that," Susan Stevens of Chicago said.
At 81-years-old, Joan Rivers' career has come to an end.
READ: The Stars React To The Death Of Joan Rivers
"She was just brilliant and so innovative. You can never take that away from her and she had fun and she had a heart of gold," comedian Joe Piscopo.
Comedian Joe Piscopo has known Joan since he played her in drag on Saturday Night Live as the dueling Joan's. She was on his radio show just last month.
READ: Joan Rivers Remembered Fondly At QVC
"Hysterical. She was great on on the radio. She was great on TV. She's just great all around. And I'll tell you, it saddens me," Piscopo said.
Outside Helium Comedy Club in Center City Philadelphia, comedian Brad Trackman talked about how he opened for Rivers on the standup stage when her opener had cancelled.
"She was a real pioneer. A really funny lady," Trackman said.
And that's what kept audiences laughing for more than 50 years.
WATCH: Ukee Washington Speaks With Joan Rivers In 2009
In 2009, CBS 3 Anchor Ukee Washington caught up with Rivers in Philadelphia.
"How many times do you go into a neighborhood and see one of those big houses and you go, 'Who are these people? How'd they get so rich?' Or I stop cars, which I've been doing today, a big limo pulls by and I go, 'Who is that? How'd they get so rich?' So I ask them," she said.
For continuing coverage on the passing of Joan Rivers, visit: CBS New York and CBS Los Angeles.
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