Melissa Rivers: An Open Book
If there’s one thing you need to know about Melissa Rivers, it’s that she’s lived a life as public as it is personal. As the only child of the legendary comedian Joan Rivers and her producer husband Edgar Rosenberg, Melissa has always been a part of the spotlight. Growing up, her mom’s jokes often reflected the family dynamics, turning their home life into comedic gold.
Melissa’s journey into entertainment wasn’t exactly a straight line. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she dipped her toes into acting, appearing in popular '90s TV shows like "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Silk Stalkings." But it wasn’t until she found her authentic voice as a red carpet correspondent, reality TV star, author, and co-host of "Fashion Police" that she truly came into her own. Today, at 52, Melissa is a single mom to her 19-year-old son, Cooper, and continues to share her candid thoughts on life, love, and culture through her podcast, "Group Text With Melissa Rivers."
"I don’t shy away from anything," Melissa says with a laugh. "There’s not a topic I’m unwilling to tackle. Life’s messy, and I think we’re all just trying to figure it out together. That’s the beauty of it."
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Navigating Life’s Challenges
How did you manage during the pandemic?
Melissa admits that the pandemic hit her hard. As an only child and a single parent, she found herself isolated with her son, Cooper. "It was tough," she reflects. "I realized how small our family is—just the two of us. It was a lonely time, but it also made me appreciate what we do have. We’re a team, and that’s something special."
Did being quarantined with Cooper bring you closer?
Despite the challenges, Melissa says there was a silver lining. "Our relationship grew in ways I never expected," she shares. "We’ve always been close, but quarantine forced us to communicate better. We learned how to argue without holding grudges. It was a lesson in patience and understanding."
How is Cooper doing now that he’s in college?
Cooper’s college experience was cut short by the pandemic, which added another layer of complexity to their already challenging situation. "He was just starting to spread his wings," Melissa recalls. "It was hard for both of us. But he handled it with grace, and I’m so proud of him."
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Remembering Joan Rivers
It’s been six years since your mom, Joan, passed away. What would she think about the world today?
Melissa believes her mom would have a lot to say about today’s culture. "She would’ve been horrified by cancel culture," Melissa says. "And she’d be frustrated by how stifling it’s become for creativity. We need to find our laugh again. Humor is such a powerful tool for healing."
What do you miss most about her?
"The life she created," Melissa answers without hesitation. "Cooper and I often think about all the wonderful moments we shared with her. Whether it was traveling together or spending time at our home in Connecticut, she had a way of making even the simplest things magical."
Treasured Memories and Mementos
Melissa has kept several items that remind her of her mother. "I have two silver cups on my vanity," she explains. "One was Cooper’s baby cup, and the other was my mom’s toothbrush cup. Every morning, I look at it and think of her." She also treasures a drawing her mom did of her and Cooper on the beach, which she’s framed in her bathroom.
