Will Ferrell says Joan Rivers made it possible for women to be "outrageous and strong."
The 'Anchorman' actor paid tribute to the 81-year-old star, who died on Thursday (04.09.14) after being taken off life support after she suffered a cardiac arrest during a routine operation on her vocal cords, and praised her for opening doors for female comics.
Recalling his earliest memories of the 'Fashion Police' host, the 47-year-old comedian told E! News: "I remember watching Joan on 'The Tonight Show' as a kid. We forget when 'The Tonight Show' was the only outlet for comedians. This audacious woman who kind of looked like someone you'd work with in an office would just say all these outrageous things."
He added: "We forget there were very few women in comedy when she started out and she just blazed this trail that's opened the door for it to be OK for women to be outrageous and strong and have an opinion."
'Bridesmaids' actress Kristen Wiig also spoke warmly about the late star, saying: "She definitely was someone who was outspoken and paved the way. I think people really appreciated how fearless she was. I mean, I did!"
Joan's daughter previously said her mother's "greatest joy in life was to make people laugh."
Melissa Rivers also admitted she was humbled by outpouring of kind messages and support from fans and friends, including Russell Crowe, Katy Perry, Barbara Walters, Cher, Sarah Silverman and Amy Poehler, in the wake of her mother's death.
Joan's private funeral will take place in New York City on Sunday (07.09.14).
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