Joan Rivers is the inspiration behind "Miriam "Midge" Maisel" in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. While "Midge" is loosely based on the late comedian, not everyone has been thrilled by the choice.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel director, Amy Sherman-Palladino has stated to Vanity Fair that she is a huge Joan Rivers fan and was saddened by her passing in 2014. Even though Sherman-Palladino was inspired by Joan, not all of "Midge's" characteristics and stories are drawn from the late comedian.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Joan Rivers
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel depicts Joan Rivers through the character of "Miriam "Midge" Maisel" (Rachel Brosnahan). Like Joan, "Midge" is a trailblazer in the 1950s comedy world and both worked in a department store, however, the two do have some stark differences.
"Midge" for one is beyond happy to be a 1950s housewife, and when unforeseen circumstances are thrown her way after her husband cheats on her, "Midge" makes the most of the situation and discovers her other passion, stand-up comedy!
Will the real "Miriam Maisel" please stand up?
Joan Rivers, on the other hand, never felt like she truly belonged and was not as happy to live the 1950s housewife lifestyle. While both comedians touch on the taboo subjects of the time like gender inequality, Joan's comedy came from a different place than "Midge's" and she actively sought out the career.
By season three, "Midge" and Joan seem to have even more in common, as just like Joan, "Midge" is becoming a TV figure.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Joan Rivers Controversy
While The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has grown a huge fan following and won numerous awards, not everyone is thrilled with the idea that "Midge" is inspired by Joan Rivers. Joan's daughter, Melissa Rivers, has spoken out about the show using her late mother as inspiration.
Melissa, who admitted on Hollywood Raw Podcast to never watching the series, feels the series disrespects her mother. Melissa has said that it is still too soon after her mother's death and that when the series was being created none of those involved with the show reached out to her to talk about using her late mother as inspiration.
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According to Melissa, actress Jane Lynch who plays "Sophie Lennon", is the only one who ever acknowledged her late mother. Rachel Brosnahan has also talked to Metro UK about how much she researched on Joan for the part and how much she respects her, but it seems Melissa may have missed that interview.
Perhaps it is just a misunderstanding and the cast of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel can make it right for Joan's daughter still. Even amid the controversy, the series paints women comedians of the 1950s in a positive light and is loosely based on Joan Rivers.
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