Hollywood Remembers Joan Rivers

The death of comic icon Joan Rivers Thursday at the age of 81 set off a wave of tributes from her colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Rivers' daughter, Melissa, issued a statement which read, "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother."

The legendary comic was placed on life support after she went into cardiac arrest following a throat operation Aug. 28.

Amy Poehler ("Parks and Recreation") issued the following statement: "What a full life. Every woman in comedy is indebted to her. She was there at the beginning and funny to the end. RIP Joan"

David Letterman said, "Here's a woman, a real pioneer for other women looking for careers in stand-up comedy. And talk about guts—she would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable, just where you would have to swallow pretty hard… but it was hilarious… the force of her comedy was overpowering."

Ryan Seacrest: "Joan was a trailblazer in so many ways, and I greatly admired her talent and humor. She was a colleague and friend, as we worked together on E!, and she was also a treasured guest on my radio show many times. Regardless of the forum, Joan was full of funny, witty surprises and she had so much spirit. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa and her family."

Louis C.K. "I feel very lucky that I knew Joan Rivers and I feel very sad that she's gone.  She was a great comedian and a wonderful person.   I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy.  She was a controlled lightning bolt.  She was a prolific and unpredictable, joyful joke writer.   She loved comedy.  She loved the audience.  She was a great actress and should have done that more.    She loved living and working.  She was kind.  She was real.  She was brave. She was funny and you just wanted to be around her.  I looked up to her.  I learned from her.  I loved her. I liked her.  And I already miss her very much.  It really f--king sucks that she had to die all of a sudden."

Kathy Griffin was among the stars who took to Twitter to salute Rivers, tweeting, "A legend, a friend, a mentor, an icon, and wildly funny. One of a kind. RIP #JoanRivers @joan_rivers"

Jimmy Kimmel: "we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers - she was funny all the way to the end."

Seth Meyers: "RIP Joan Rivers. A force of nature."

Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family"): "I can't even comprehend the fact that I was @Joan_Rivers last best dressed on @e_FashionPolice. It was a dream come true. Thank you Joan."

Khloe Kardashian: "Rest in peace Joan!! You will be missed!"

Roseanne Barr: "RIP GODDESS: Hail Hail, a GENIUS has vacated this realm: Joan Rivers has died."

Katy Perry: "What's the point of wearing all these dumb costumes if Joan's not here to rip them apart