While Joan Rivers was known for her quick, sarcastic and blunt wit and humor, the late comedy legend and fashion critic, most recently seen on TV as host of E!'s Fashion Police, also made a name for herself as an attentive interviewer.
The comedienne, who died on Thursday at age 81, was the first "permanent" guest host of The Tonight Show, taking over the role when Johnny Carson was absent and appearing more than 70 times on the program between 1965 and 1986, including while she was pregnant with her only child, daughter Melissa Rivers. Joan also made history by becoming the first female host of a late-night talk program on a major TV network. Her series, The Late Show, aired for two years on FOX.
In the 2012 E! True Hollywood Story: Joan and Melissa Rivers special, the second THS episode to focus on Joan, the comedienne talked about her expertise in interviewing people.
"I'm interested in what people have to say," she said, wearing a hot pink jacket—one of her favorite outerwear colors. "I'm a very good dinner guest because I really will turn to you ... if you scratch anybody's surface, there's always something fascinating there."
"Even the stupidest, most boring person," she added.
And Joan has even dined with world leaders. She attended the 1983 White House State dinner, hosted by then-President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy Reagan and which also included the King of Nepal. The First Lady was so taken with the comedienne that she invited her to perform at a women's luncheon. Months later, she appeared on Joan's talk show.
This week, she called the comedienne her "dear friend" and one of the "kindest and funniest people" she's ever known.
In 1983, Joan talked to The New York Times about some of her favorite Tonight Show guests and joked that she really loves the "bitchy ladies," naming actresses Victoria Principal, Betty White, Jacqueline Bisset and Joan Collins.
The latter star, best known for playing queen of mean Alexis on the '80s series Dynasty, paid tribute to Rivers on her Twitter page following news of her death and also recently shared a Throwback Thursday pic of the two on The Tonight Show.
#throwbackthursday I always had fun with @Joan_Rivers. Here on her TV show, Praying for you Joan? pic.twitter.com/EysUifoIpq
? Joan Collins (@joancollinsobe) September 4, 2014No question that#JoanRivers Was the funniest woman in the world, I loved her anti Political correctness And her rapidfire wit RIP my friend
? Joan Collins (@joancollinsobe) September 5, 2014In her interview with The New York Times, Joan also said she enjoyed interviewing "anybody who's witty, even a dog," adding, "I love comedians. They make your whole routine."
She named comics Richard Pryor and David Brenner, who are both deceased, as well as Bill Cosby among her favorites.
"When Bill Cosby walks out, you can sit back and relax because you know he's going to roll," she said.
In the 2012 E! True Hollywood Story special, Joan also revealed why she thinks she has had an "incredible career." Watch the video about to find out her business philosophy.