Joan Rivers’ life and legacy stand unparalleled in the world of comedy. The New York-born comedian broke barriers and achieved numerous firsts in show business history. As E! Online aptly put it, “Without her carving out space for herself in comedy’s boy’s club out of sheer force of will and impeccable timing, it’s hard to imagine a world where all those other funny women would get the opportunity to do their thing. Hell, it’s hard to imagine what contemporary comedy, full stop, would look like without Rivers’ influence on the art form.” A biopic on Rivers is long overdue, and although one was in development with Kathryn Hahn set to star, legal issues concerning the rights to Rivers’ life story halted the project. If a Joan Rivers biopic ever comes to fruition, here are five actresses who could do justice to the legendary comedian’s life.
Christine Baranski
Christine Baranski’s striking resemblance to Joan Rivers and her impressive acting credentials make her an ideal candidate for the role. The 69-year-old actress has showcased her talent in various films and TV projects, most notably as Diane Lockhart in The Good Wife and its sequel, The Good Fight. Baranski has also appeared in popular TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and Psych, and will star in the upcoming HBO series The Gilded Age created by Downton Abbey showrunner Julian Fellowes. Her film credits include Mamma Mia! and its sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Although Baranski lacks biopic experience, her decades of acting prowess make her a strong contender for the role of Joan Rivers.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman’s exceptional ability to portray real-life personalities on screen is undeniable. She has played numerous historical figures in biopics, capturing their quirks and mannerisms with precision. Kidman’s portrayal of writer Virginia Woolf in The Hours earned her an Oscar nomination, and her recent role as Lucille Ball in Being The Ricardos is already generating Academy Awards buzz. Other biopics featuring Kidman include Bombshell as Gretchen Carlson, Grace of Monaco as Grace Kelly, and Queen of the Dessert as Gertrude Bell. With her proven biopic credentials, Joan Rivers’ legacy would be in capable hands if Kidman were to take on the role.
Sally Hawkins
Despite being an English actress, Sally Hawkins’ versatility and range make her a strong contender for the role of Joan Rivers. Hawkins has demonstrated her acting prowess in family-friendly comedies like Paddington and Paddington 2, as well as art films like Spencer. She has also taken on biopic roles, portraying folk artist Maud Lewis in Maudie and actress Rebecca West in the TV movie H.G. Wells: War with the World. Although mastering Rivers’ distinct New York accent may be a challenge, Hawkins’ talent and experience make her a promising choice.
Renee Zellweger
Renee Zellweger’s impressive acting career and biopic experience make her a top contender for a potential Joan Rivers biopic. The multi-award-winning actress has earned two Oscars and numerous other accolades for her performances. Zellweger’s first Oscar came from Cold Mountain, and her second was for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the biopic Judy. She is also known for her role as Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago, which earned her an Oscar nomination. Zellweger has played other real-life characters, such as Beatrix Potter in Miss Potter, Novalyne Price in The Whole Wide World, and Ellen Gulden in One True Thing. She is set to play convicted murderer Pam Hupp in the limited series The Thing About Pam, which she is also producing.
Jennifer Lawrence
If a Joan Rivers biopic focuses on her early life, Jennifer Lawrence would be the perfect choice. The 31-year-old actress has already achieved remarkable success, starring in The Hunger Games trilogy, X-Men, American Hustle, Passengers, and Don’t Look Up. Lawrence won an Academy Award for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and earned another nomination for her portrayal of self-made millionaire Joy Mangano in the biopic Joy. After a brief hiatus from acting, Lawrence returned to the screen in Don’t Look Up alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, and others. She is set to appear in and produce the upcoming drama film Red, White and Water. With her proven ability to steer a biopic towards Oscars success, Lawrence would be an excellent choice to play a young Joan Rivers.
