Joan Rivers' Incredible Career: Look Back at Her Best TV and Movie Roles

Comedienne, 81, played scripted version of herself and other characters, too, in variety of performances through the years

Joan Rivers will forever be remembered for her ability to make us laugh.

The legendary comedienne, who passed away Thursday at age 81, wasn't limited to one specific genre, either. While much of her career was spent entertaining audiences as herself, she also acted (sometimes as a scripted version of herself, and sometimes as other characters) in a number of TV and movie roles.

To celebrate Joan's incredible life and legacy, take a look back at some of her past performances.

In 2011, Joan guest starred on an episode of Louis C.K.'s Louie. When he started to whine about the struggles of a career in comedy, Joan told it to him straight. "Listen, I wish I could tell you it gets better, but it doesn't get better. You get better," she said. "I've gone up, I've gone down, I've been bankrupt, I've been broke. But you do it, and you do it because we love it more than anything else. That's why you're doing it."

Joan played Betty White's twin sister on a 2012 episode of Hot in Cleveland. Betty's character cracked a few jokes about plastic surgery, while Joan snapped back, "Me? What about you? Natural aging? Disgusting!"

Joan starred opposite Telma Hopkins in the 1990 comedy How to Murder a Millionaire.

In 1995, Joan guest starred opposite Sara Rue on the ABC Comedy Less Than Perfect.

She was also a recurring character on Arthur from 2008 to 2010, voicing the character of Bubbe.

Joan's role in the 1984 movie The Muppets Take Manhattan led to a longstanding feud between the comic and Miss Piggy. Eventually, the two divas patched things up. After hearing the news of Joan's death Thursday, Miss Piggy released this statement: "Moi is deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and fellow legend, Joan Rivers. From our first appearance together as battling make-up counter girls in "The Muppets Take Manhattan" to our recent appearances together on QVC (Joan called it "The Thrilla in Manolos"), we were always two of a kind.  I will miss her. Can we talk?  You bet we can, Joan! Forever and ever!"

In 1968, Joan made her movie debut with a role in The Swimmer, starring Burt Lancaster and Janice Rule.