Joan Rivers talks about Rosie O’Donnell’s new secretary, clueless interns, and about getting roasted

The Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers took place last night but will not air until Sunday, Aug. 9. She talked to TV Guide’s William Keck about the roast hosted by Kathy Griffin.

Here are a few tidbits:

Q. It’s hard to believe you’ve never been roasted before.

A. I don’t like roasts. It’s all the same “fuck, suck, piss,” so I said if we can get together a really great panel, then it would be fun. We have Carl Reiner, Brad Garrett, – who I adore – Lily Tomlin. We just got Don Rickles on tape. A really good group.

Q. Was anyone invited who said, “Not in a million years”?

A. No. The smart ones know it’s all showbiz silliness. The ones that would be offended – you wouldn’t want to ask them anyway because they’re stupid and wouldn’t know how to write a joke. Howard Stern would have been great but he couldn’t make it. And I would have loved to have Rosie [O’Donnell], but Rosie’s got a new secretary and now you can’t get through to save a 10-ytear friendship.”

Q. What do you hope your legacy will be?

A. I couldn’t care less. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. I went on Larry King Live to talk about Ed McMahon after he died, and this 24-year-old intern met me and said I was going to be on with Ed’s doctor., Dr. Severinsen. She was talking about Doc Severinsen! So enjoy it while they still know you!