'Time' remembers Joan Rivers as an 'unladylike' leader in feminism

Joan Rivers was never short for words, but there were some she didn’t like being called. She told PBS in 2012, “It upsets me to say I’m a pioneer because I’m so current now, you know?”

The comedienne, who died Thursday, is remembered now for paving the way for funny women all over the world. In a touching tribute, Time looks back on Rivers’ life and career, from her “unladylike” desire for success that made her a feminist icon to the way she reinvented red-carpet coverage. Through her outrageous comments and willingness to always take it the next level, the landscape of female comedy would be completely different today. “Rivers blazed trails for other women in the comedic industry by bringing taboo topics like abortion to light onstage. Without her, there would be no Sarah Silverman or Chelsea Handler or Amy Schumer.”

Rivers was often criticized about some of the priorities she had in her life, especially when it had to do with her physical appearance. She once said, “Women should look good. Work on yourselves. Education? I spit on education. No man is ever going to put his hand up your dress looking for a library card.”

Click here to read the full Time tribute.