It is said that Phyllis Diller was a bored, middle-aged housewife when she decided to leap into show business. She did stand-up until she was noticed for her crazy laugh and frazzled hausfrau act and started guesting on TV shows in the 60’s. Bob Hope had her on 23 of his specials and numerous Vietnam USO shows. We happened to meet Phyllis at a party hosted by Zsa Zsa Gabor and her Prince at their home back when Zsa Zsa was healthy. Phyllis was friendly and very entertaining. She was a successful and pioneering female in a male-dominated business, and she outlived all her husbands and boyfriends.(Photo above from Bon Appetit magazine)
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Phyllis Diller was one of a kind. She was liberated, independent, and unapologetically funny. Her laugh alone always made me laugh. She will be missed.
If it weren’t for Phyllis women comics wouldn’t be here today! She was ground breaking. Not only a comic genius but a concert pianist and a painter as well. She will be missed.
A party with Zsa Zsa and Phyllis Diller? That must have been great!!!!!!! What a legend, and joking till the end.
Oh we loved her. I have seen her in concert, I don’t remember when but she was so funny
She did a lot of work in cartoon voices as well. All great. Flintstones up to A Bugs Life. R.I.P.
Always liked her, RIP
Thanks for all the laughs Ms. Diller, you truly were unique.
Self-deprecating to a fault, a typical Diller joke had her running after a garbage truck pulling away from her curb. “Am I too late for the trash?” she’d yell. The driver’s reply: “No, jump right in!” she did so many funny films and shows with Bob Hope.. accomplished pianist and singer..
she also invented th Babi Pangang-dress.
……but this wasn’t a success, folks!!
She was a gem
Her humor was ageless. May she rest in peace.
Some of her one-liners: (courtesy of her obituary in the Boston Globe)
“I was the world’s ugliest baby. When I was born, the doctor slapped everybody.”
“My vanity table is a Black & Decker workbench”
“They say housework can’t kill you, but why take the chance?”
“I have so many liver spots, I ought to come with a side of onions.”
I first saw her on the Groucho Marx show in the 50s. She was so much classier than Joan Rivers.
RIP…she finally joins Fang up in heaven.
She really was so funny in a much more innocent time. RIP dear Phyllis.