Melissa Rivers

Melissa Warburg Rosenberg, known professionally as Melissa Rivers, is an American television host and actress born on January 20, 1968, in New York City. She is the only child of comedian Joan Rivers and producer Edgar Rosenberg. She is best known for her television hosting roles, red carpet coverage, producing work, and acting appearances.

Rivers grew up primarily in Los Angeles, California, attending the John Thomas Dye School, Marlborough School, and The Buckley School. She began taking dance lessons at eight years old and expanded to private lessons at twelve. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. Her father committed suicide during her second year of college, and in 1990 she adopted her mother's stage surname professionally.

As an actress, Rivers appeared in television series such as Beverly Hills 90210, Silk Stalkings, and The Comeback. In 1994, she and her mother portrayed themselves in the television docudrama Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story. She also appeared in the 1998 television movie Men in White and the 1999 comedy film The Big Tease.

Rivers began interviewing celebrities on red carpet pre-shows for nationally televised awards broadcasts in the early 1990s. As a producer and host for the E! Network, she presented specials such as Oh Baby! Melissa’s Guide to Pregnancy and Oh Toddler! Surviving the Early Years. She hosted E! red carpet coverage with her mother until 2003, when they signed a deal with the TV Guide Channel. Rivers later joined Fashion Police as a co-host in August 2015.

In 2013, Rivers co-created and co-produced the YouTube series In Bed with Joan, featuring celebrity interviews. She and her mother were honored by the Ride of Fame that same year with a dedicated tour bus. Rivers also expanded into podcasting, launching Melissa Rivers’ Group Text in 2019 and "Women Our Age" in 2025.

Rivers has participated in multiple charitable initiatives. In 2003, she appeared in a PETA anti-fur campaign. She raised funds for charities through broadcasts including Celebrity Family Feud, Celebrity Apprentice, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and she served as Co-Chairman of the board of directors for Didi Hirsch Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Rivers married horse trainer John Endicott in December 1998, and they divorced in 2003. They have a son, Edgar Cooper Endicott, who featured in the reality show Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?. In March 2025, Rivers married attorney Steve Mitchel. Her home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire in January 2025.