Introduction
Phyllis Diller was a legendary American comedian, actress, and author who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. She was known for her self-deprecating humor, outrageous costumes, and distinctive cackle. Her career spanned several decades, and she paved the way for female comedians to follow. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Phyllis Diller.
Early Life and Career
Phyllis Diller was born on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio. She was the only child of Perry and Frances Ada Driver. She attended college at the Sherwood Music Conservatory in Chicago, where she studied piano. After college, she worked as a copywriter for a radio station and later as a journalist. It wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she began her career in comedy.
First Comedy Performance
Diller’s first comedy performance was at the San Francisco nightclub, The Purple Onion, in 1955. She was a hit, and her career took off from there. She appeared on television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. She also starred in several movies, including Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! and The Sunshine Boys.
Family Life
Phyllis Diller was married and divorced twice. Her first marriage was to Sherwood Diller, with whom she had six children. Her second marriage was to Warde Donovan, a former actor, and they remained married until his death in 1984. Diller was also the mother of a daughter with schizophrenia, and she was a strong advocate for mental health awareness.
Phyllis Diller Quotes
Phyllis Diller was known for her quick wit and hilarious one-liners. Here are some of her most famous quotes:
“I’m eighteen years behind in my ironing.”
This quote perfectly captures Diller’s self-deprecating humor and her ability to find humor in everyday situations.
“I never made ‘Who’s Who,’ but I’m featured in ‘What’s That?'”
This quote highlights Diller’s ability to poke fun at herself and her career.
“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.”
This quote shows Diller’s relatability and her ability to connect with her audience.
Legacy and Death
Phyllis Diller passed away on August 20, 2012, at the age of 95. She left behind a legacy of laughter and paved the way for female comedians to follow. She was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and will always be remembered for her unique sense of humor and iconic cackle.
Cause of Death
Diller’s cause of death was listed as natural causes. She had suffered a heart attack three months prior to her death.
Children and Family
Phyllis Diller had six children with her first husband, Sherwood Diller. Her daughter, Sally, suffered from schizophrenia, and Diller was a strong advocate for mental health awareness. She also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
FAQ
Who was Phyllis Diller?
Phyllis Diller was an American actress, comedian, and author who was known for her eccentric appearance and self-deprecating humor. She was one of the first female stand-up comedians to achieve mainstream success in the United States.
What was Phyllis Diller’s legacy?
Phyllis Diller’s legacy is that she paved the way for female comedians and challenged traditional gender roles in the entertainment industry. She was also a trailblazer for women in business, as she managed her own career and was one of the first celebrities to endorse a line of products.
What are some famous quotes from Phyllis Diller?
– “I’m the woman who went to bed with a curl and woke up with a reservation.”
– “I never made ‘Who’s Who,’ but I’m featured in ‘What’s That?'”
– “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.”
Did Phyllis Diller have a family?
Yes, Phyllis Diller was married to Sherwood Anderson Diller from 1939 until his death in 1965. They had five children together. She also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
