Birthday: July 17, 1917
Who is Phyllis Diller?
Diller was an American actress and stand-up comedian that was recognized for her trademark laugh, eccentric costume, wild hair and self-deprecating humor. She appeared is numerous television shows, film shows, and television talks.
Five Facts About Phyllis Diller
- She served as honorary mayor in Brentwood, California.
- She had several facelifts done, and this became a popular topic I her routines.
- She worked as a copywriter before her big breakthrough as a comedienne.
- She collected Waterford crystals for over 50 years.
- She had 5 hobbies: painting, reading, cooking, dancing and collecting colorful clothing.
Inspirational Quotes from Phyllis Diller
“It is a good thing that beauty is only skin deep, or I’d be rotten to the core.”
“Aim high, and you won’t shoot your foot off. I bury a lot of my ironing in the backyard.”
Phyllis Diller Biography
Early Life
Phyllis was born on July 17, 1917 to Perry Marcus Driver and Frances Ada in Lima, Ohio. She was the couples only child and she was given the name Phyllis Ada Driver. When she was born, the couple was rather old. The father was 55 years while the mother was 36 years.
Diller went to Lima’s Central High School and this is where she discovered she had the gift of humor. Although she was a quiet and dedicated student, Phyllis she made other students laugh after class hours.
After completing high school, Diller joined Sherwood Music Conservatory for three years to study the piano. She then went to Bluffton College to study history, literature, psychology and philosophy. She also became the editor of the school’s newspaper articles.
Her Husband and Children
In 1939, she met Sherwood Diller and the two got married. The couple had six children together, but one died in infancy. The family moved to Michigan during the World War II where Sherwood secured a job at the Willow Run Bomber Plant. Later, the family moved to California where Diller secured a secretary job at a television station in San Francisco.
Breakthrough Role
As Diller worked for the television station, the hosts, Don Sherwood and Willard Anderson, found her very hilarious. In 1955, they invited her in their show and her performance sparked the start of her national exposure. After this outstanding performance, Diller received an offer to make her debut at San Francisco’s The Purple Onion nightclub.
A natural laugh-getter, Diller wooed the audience with her comical costumes and hilarious one-liners. This success caused her to receive an engagement of more than a year and a half. It also led to her appearance on popular television series like Jack Benny, Red Skeleton and Jack Paar.
In the 1960s, she famously acted in Bob Hope’s comedy films like Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! of 1966, Eight on the Lam of 1967 and The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell (1968).
Diller appeared in many other television shows, movies and stand-up routines. She took her performances on the road at New York City’s Blue Angel. Between 1966 and 1967, Diller headlined, The Pruitts of Southampton, which was her own TV sitcom. She made appearances of famous television series and comedy specials like “Laugh-In (1977)”, “The Hollywood Squares” (1965), and the “Gong Show” (1976).
In her comedy routines, Diller assumed the stage personality of a typical housewife. In her routines, she spoke mostly about things that affect American Suburbia. Her monologues, Diller talked about her neighbors, pets, kids and her fictitious husband, “Fang”, who had become her favorite topic
Diller’s hilarious acts were highlighted by her dramatic costume, overdone makeup and animated facial expressions. She would also make a loud, cackling laugh during her performances.
Awards
In 1990, Diller received the Women’s International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award. In 1992, she was awarded the American Comedy Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2002, she received the Lucy Award which was awarded to women that have improved the perception of women through television in honor of Lucille Ball.
Personal Life and Death
Diller’s celebrity status took a toll on her 25-year old marriage and the two divorced in September of 1965. One month down the line, she got married to television host, singer and film actor Ward Donovan. The couple appeared in the movie “Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” (1968). The two divorced in 1975.
Other than acting and comedy, Diller was an author and wrote five books. She was also an accomplished solo pianist and performed in concerts throughout America.
In 1998, Diller’s eldest son, Peter, died of cancer. His death was followed closely by her daughter’s death who last the battle to stroke in 2002. The same year, Diller announced her retirement.
However, suffering a heart attack in 1999 did not completely show down the comedienne as she made an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in 2007. She also made plans to return to the scene in July during her 90th birthday. Diller later canceled due to back injury.
At the age of 95, Diller died at her Brentwood home in Los Angeles on August 20, 201. Her death was caused by a heart attack. He is survived by three children: Suzanne Sue Diller, Sally Diller, and Perry Diller, and seven grandchildren.
