In her own words: Joan Rivers on God, life and death

Comedian and actor Joan Rivers passed away at the age of 81 yesterday, after a lengthy stay in hospital.

Having risen to fame on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the 1960s, Rivers soon became a household name and was well known for her outspoken nature. Indeed, she famously once remarked: "I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking."

Her one-liners are legendary, and we've rounded up some of the best of the lot – including some of Rivers' thoughts on life after death.

1. "I don't exercise. If God wanted us to bend over, he'd put diamonds on the floor."
2. "With all the plastic surgery I've had I'm worried that when I die, God won't recognise me."
3. "I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door - or I'll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present."
4. "The fashion magazines are suggesting that women wear clothes that are 'age appropriate.' For me that would be a shroud."
5. "At my funeral, I want Meryl Streep crying in five different accents."
6. "On my bucket list, my number one is: wake up. I'm not afraid of death. My father was a doctor, so I was around death all my life, I was very used to it...because he was a sh***y doctor."
7. "We all mourn in our own way. I mourn with a great steak."
8. "I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die, they'll donate my body to Tupperware."
9. "I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive. Things are happening."
10. "The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll consider it."