COMEDY ICON JOAN RIVERS TO BE CELEBRATED AT TRIBUTE EVENT
Joan Rivers Tribute to Headline the New York Comedy Festival’s 20th Anniversary
The legendary Joan Rivers, an unstoppable force in comedy, will be honored with Dead Funny - An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers Benefiting God’s Love We Deliver on Thursday, November 7th, at the iconic Apollo Theater. This night promises to be an unforgettable celebration, marking the official kick-off of the 20th Annual New York Comedy Festival and commemorating the 10th anniversary of Rivers' passing.
The tribute will bring together an all-star cast of comedians, including Michelle Buteau, Rachel Brosnahan, Nikki Glaser, Matteo Lane, and Randy Rainbow, with more big names to be announced. Executive producers Melissa Rivers and Erich Bergen have curated a lineup guaranteed to honor Joan’s sharp wit, fearless humor, and enduring legacy.
A Night for Laughter and Giving Back
Proceeds from the event will benefit God’s Love We Deliver, a cause that was near and dear to Joan Rivers' heart. This nonprofit organization provides medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for people battling life-altering illnesses. For nearly 40 years, God’s Love has delivered millions of free meals to clients in need, with a goal of nearly 5 million deliveries in 2024 alone.
Joan was an active supporter and board member of God’s Love for over 25 years. Known for her boundless generosity, she contributed significantly through fundraising, volunteer work, and her unmistakable humor. In her honor, the bakery at God’s Love We Deliver’s SoHo headquarters was aptly named The Joan Rivers Bakery.
Melissa Rivers Remembers Her Mother’s Legacy
Reflecting on her mother’s dedication to both comedy and charity, Melissa Rivers said, “My mother always said, 'Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century.' This event will be hilarious, witty, and unapologetic with a little bit of humility. It’s like my mom’s spirit in party form.”
Joan’s legacy of laughter and compassion continues to inspire. David Ludwigson, President & CEO of God’s Love We Deliver, added, “Joan brought love, compassion, and humor to everything she did for us, and we are honored to celebrate her longtime support with this show. Joan is forever in our hearts.”
A Comedy Festival Icon
The New York Comedy Festival, founded by Caroline Hirsch, has long been a home to top-tier comedic talent. Hirsch expressed the importance of Rivers’ influence, saying, “Joan Rivers was a pioneer, a fearless performer who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. It is with immense honor that we open this year’s festival with a tribute to her legacy, benefiting a cause she cared so deeply about.”
Get Your Tickets
Fans can sign up for early access to tickets at glwd.org/joan, with general sales beginning Friday, September 27th through Ticketmaster. Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate one of comedy’s greatest icons while supporting an incredible cause.
Follow along with event updates on social media @godslovenyc and with the hashtag #JoanRiversIsDeadFunny.
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