Crowds of Joan Rivers' fans have gathered in New York ahead of her private funeral.
The 81-year-old comedian died earlier this week, days after suffering a heart attack during a minor procedure in hospital.
Born in 1933 in New York Rivers went on to be a hugely successful actress and stand-up comic.
Her body will be taken to Los Angeles to be buried following the ceremony.
Joan was known for her frank, witty and often snarky humour:
