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A superstar send-off, just as Rivers requested

September 11, 2014 10:00
Guests gather at Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El for Joan Rivers's funeral service

By

Orlando Radice,

Orlando Radice

1 min read

Perhaps the best description of Joan Rivers's funeral came from the late, great comedian herself.

Ms Rivers, who died last week aged 81, wrote in 2012 how she wanted her send-off to be "a huge showbiz affair... I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don't want some rabbi rambling on. I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents."

She largely got her wish. Mourners in Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El included radio host Howard Stern, actress Sarah Jessica Parker, mogul Donald Trump, comedian Kathy Griffin and film star Whoopi Goldberg - though no Meryl Streep.

Howard Stern delivered the eulogy, describing Ms Rivers as "the best friend in the world… a big sister… a crazy aunt at a barmitzvah."