Sun May 11 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Stars Roast and Remember Joan Rivers in Upcoming NBC Tribute

**NEW YORK, NY** – A star-studded comedy special celebrating the life and career of Joan Rivers will air on NBC on May 13th. “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute,” taped at the Apollo Theater last November, features a roster of A-list comedians including Melissa Rivers, Aubrey Plaza, Rita Wilson, Chelsea Handler, Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Jeff Ross, Matteo Lane, Michelle Buteau, Randy Rainbow, and Sandra Bernhard, paying tribute to the late comedic legend.

The special, executive produced by Melissa Rivers and Erich Bergen, includes stand-up performances honoring Rivers’ bold humor, along with excerpts from her own legendary joke collection. A particularly poignant moment involved comedians posing with an urn containing Rivers’ ashes.

Rita Wilson, reflecting on her experience, shared, “Even though you never knew what she was going to say, I was always very comfortable around Joan. Sometimes she was incredibly mean, and that’s what made her so funny.” Wilson also highlighted Rivers’ dedication and meticulous organization of her comedic material.

Comedian and former “Talk Soup” host Greg McHale praised Rivers’ pioneering spirit and unwavering resilience in the face of criticism: “She was obviously a pioneer… but she was also such a glamorous woman… and she didn’t give a s—, and that was pretty impressive.”

The tribute also serves as a fundraiser for God’s Love We Deliver, a charity Rivers supported during her lifetime. Melissa Rivers stated, “This is more than a tribute. It’s a reminder of the trail she blazed and the joy she brought to so many.”

An extended, uncensored version of the special will be available on Peacock streaming service on May 14th. “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute” premieres on NBC May 13th at 10 p.m. ET.

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