You won’t get far down the list of most influential comedians of the 20th century without landing on Joan Rivers.
The comedy pioneer, who died in 2014 at the age of 81, will be honored with an all-star tribute on both NBC and the Peacock network in May.
Among the A-list stars coming out to tip their hats to Rivers will be Delaware’s own Aubrey Plaza.
Here’s what to know:
Who will be part of the all-star tribute to Joan Rivers?
Aubrey Plaza attends the ”Dead Funny: An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers’ benefitting God’s Love We Deliver at The Victoria Theater on November 07, 2024 in New York City.
As first reported by Deadline, the tribute to Rivers next month will feature a long line of comedians including Plaza, Tracy Morgan, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Chelsea Handler, Howie Mandel, Patton Oswalt and many more.
With her sharp tongue and daring wit, Rivers didn’t hold back, and neither will the tribute special.
Other celebrities on the bill for “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute” include Nikki Glaser, Bill Maher, Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Joel McHale, Jean Smart and Rita Wilson.
Also featured in the special, which was recorded at the historic Apollo Theater in New York City last fall, will be Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers.
According to NBC, “Performers will deliver a mix of classic Rivers zingers and modern stand-up, and there will be musical bits, as well.”
“Given that I’m dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me. Well, it’s about time,” Rivers wrote in a letter she left for her daughter, Melissa Rivers, NBC reports.
When is the Joan Rivers tribute?
You can watch the Joan Rivers tribute on NBC on Tuesday, May 13, at 10 p.m. EST, and subscribers also will be able to stream an “extended and uncensored version” of the special on Peacock on Wednesday, May 14. The longer version will include more artists to be announced.
And on Thursday, June 5, an encore presentation of the original special will air on E!
You can learn more by visiting nbc.com/nbc-insider/everything-to-know-about-nbc-joan-rivers-special-tribute.
What’s new with Aubrey Plaza?
Wilmington-born actor Aubrey Plaza and director/writer Jeff Baena attend the GREY GOOSE Blue Door Hosts “Life After Beth” Party on Jan. 19, 2014, in Park City, Utah.
Plaza has been quiet since the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, who died earlier this year at the age of 47.
Baena was pronounced dead at his Los Angeles residence at around 10:39 a.m. on Jan. 3, according to the medical examiner’s case on his death. The cause of death was determined to be suicide, and no foul play was suspected.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” a statement on behalf of Plaza and the Baena family, issued Jan. 6, read. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
The Wilmington native was back in headlines recently because she’s one of 400 members of the entertainment industry, including Paul McCartney and Ben Stiller, who have signed an open letter in response to the Trump administration’s request for input on the AI Action Plan.
Aubrey Plaza makes first public appearance since death of Jeff Baena
Plaza made her first public appearance since Baena’s death on Feb. 16 when “Saturday Night Live” celebrated turning 50 that weekend. The Wilmington actor Plaza once interned for “SNL,” served as a page for NBC and also hosted the show in 2023.
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Wearing a tie-dyed shirt and black blazer, Plaza introduced Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who paid tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor and her iconic cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Plaza also was featured in an ad for Ritz crackers that was featured during the Super Bowl and had been filmed last year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 988. The United States’ first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline988 will connect callers with trained mental health counselors. Text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Aubrey Plaza among stars to pay tribute to Joan River in NBC special