The late Bea Arthur was, among other things, a comedic genius, feminist icon, and beloved American actress of stage and screen. But widely overlooked in the recent coverage of her passing is the fact that she was a active advocate for animal rights. She campaigned against the force-feeding of ducks in the foie gras trade, even accompanying the president of PETA to London, where she demanded that Harrod's discontinue their peddling pâté.

Times have changed in the comedy roasting business. It was only 20 years ago, in November of 1988, that women were allowed into the New York Friars Club before 4 PM, when the Club would host its roasts. Before then, Phyllis Diller once had to sneak onto the premises in drag to see a show.

Now Comedy Central has taken over the roasting business, or at least theirs are the most high-profile regular comedy roasts. And they announced today that they will be roasting one of the first seven women admitted to the Friars in 1988 - Joan Rivers. The Roast will take place July 26 and air Sunday, August 9 at 10 PM.