No-holds-barred comedian Joan Rivers dies at age 81

A marquee put up in honor of comedian Joan Rivers is seen at The Laugh Factory comedy club in Los Angeles, California September 4, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

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"I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life," she said in a posting on Facebook.

Comedian Louis C.K. praised Rivers' talent and genius. "I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy. She was a controlled lightning bolt," he said in a statement.

Property mogul Donald Trump, who hosted the reality TV competition show "The Apprentice," which Rivers won in 2009, described her as "an amazing woman and a great friend."

"Her energy and talent were boundless. She will be greatly missed," he added on Twitter.

Joan Alexandra Molinsky was born on June 8, 1933, in Brooklyn and grew up there and in a nearby town, the daughter of a doctor and a housewife. The Barnard College graduate began pursuing an entertainment career with the last name Rivers, which she borrowed from her agent.

Her lengthy career included stand-up comedy, television, writing and an Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, "The Joan Rivers Show." But she originally wanted to be an actress.

She got into comedy after writing sketches for television's "The Ed Sullivan Show." A career in stand-up followed. She later worked as a regular guest host for Johnny Carson on NBC's "The Tonight Show."

When she started her own late-night talk show in 1986, on the rival Fox network, it caused a falling-out with Carson that lasted until he died in 2005. Rivers' show was canceled after seven months due to low ratings.

A few months later, her husband and manager, Edgar Rosenberg, committed suicide and Rivers fell into depression.

Later in her career, Rivers and her daughter starred in the reality TV show "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?", with Rivers living with her grown child.

Most recently, Rivers was the host of cable television channel E!'s "Fashion Police," commenting on the unfortunate red carpet choices of Hollywood celebrities.

Actress Anna Kendrick, a target of Rivers' barbed comments, said she will be truly missed.

"RIP Joan Rivers. Being publicly told that my dress is hideous will never feel quite as awesome," she tweeted.