Los Angeles, CA (September 4, 2014)---SAG-AFTRA released the following statement on behalf of president Ken Howard:

“It's such a sad day. She was a remarkable woman. I'll never forget seeing her at Upstairs at the Downstairs in New York many years ago. She didn’t simply break the glass ceiling for female comics – she blew it up while blazing a trail for every comedienne who followed,” said SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard. “She knew the secret to happiness was to make people laugh. Whether she was hosting a talk show, performing stand up or reinventing the red carpet and fashion reporting, Joan was a tireless entertainer, a true performer and a caring philanthropist to the end. Our deepest sympathies and profound condolences go to Joan's family and to everyone who smiled at, with and because of her.”

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