Joan Rivers describes her contemporaries and herself as the first generation of American-born comedians. She speaks of their unique voices and inimitable styles, including the likes of George Carlin, Woody Allen, and Bill Cosby. Attributing much of her generation’s inspirations to the work of comedian Lenny Bruce, Rivers also traces back her and her peers’ comedic lineage, and describes their transition from political to personal comedy.
Conducted on November 16, 2006, this never before seen interview outtake is from the archives of the six-hour PBS comedy series MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: The Funny Business of America.
American Masters presents an In Memoriam tribute broadcast of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) on Tuesday, September 23, 10:30 p.m.-12 midnight on PBS (check local listings).
