Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller was an American actress and comedian who is best known for her distinctive laugh, wild appearance, and humorous routines about marriage and household life. With a career spanning several decades, she became a prominent figure in stand-up comedy and television.

Personal and Family Life

Phyllis Diller, born Phyllis Ada Driver on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio, was raised in a large family. She attended the Sherwood Music Conservatory and Bluffton College, where she explored her passion for comedy while also being a dedicated mother to six children, one of whom passed away in infancy. Diller was married twice, first to Sherwood Anderson Diller, with whom she had six children, and later to Warde Donovan, a singer and actor.

Career

Diller initially wrote comedy routines while working as a housewife. Her big break came in 1955 when she performed at a nightclub in San Francisco, leading to numerous television appearances. She became a staple in the entertainment industry, collaborating with notable figures like Bob Hope and frequently appearing on popular shows. Diller was recognized for her unique comedic style and ability to break barriers for female comedians.

Death and Legacy

Phyllis Diller passed away on August 20, 2012, in Brentwood, California, due to heart failure at the age of 95. She left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in stand-up comedy, inspiring future generations of female comics. Diller’s work not only entertained millions but also opened doors for women in a male-dominated field.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Il silenzio dei prosciutti 1994-03-11 Old Secretary
Everything’s Jake 2000-09-25 Victoria Pond
A Bug’s Life 1998-11-25 Queen (voice)
The Nutcracker Prince 1990-11-21 Mousequeen (voice)
Splendor in the Grass 1961-10-10 Texas Guinan
I Am Comic 2010-01-10 Self
How to Live Forever 2011-05-13 Self
The Aristocrats 2005-07-29 Self
Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! 1966-06-08 Lily
Mad Monster Party? 1967-03-08 The Monster’s Mate (voice)
Looking for Lenny 2011-01-01 Self
Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face 2007-01-30 Self
The Boneyard 1991-06-12 Miss Poopinplatz
The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell 1968-05-08 Nurse Nellie Krause
Goodnight, We Love You 2004-01-01 Herself
Found Footage Festival Volume 4: Live in Tucson 2009-09-22 (archive footage)
On Location: Phyllis Diller 1977-03-11 Himself
Alice Through the Looking Glass 1987-01-01 The White Queen
The Nuttiest Nutcracker 1999-10-19 Sugar Plum Fairy (Voice)
Dr. Hackenstein 1989-01-25 Mrs. Trilling
The Fat Spy 1966-05-11 Camille Salamander
The Sunshine Boys 1975-11-06 Herself
Pink Motel 1982-10-31 Margaret
How to Have a Moneymaking Garage Sale 1987-10-20 Herself
Happily Ever After 1989-06-30 Mother Nature (voice)
Carol Channing: Larger Than Life 2012-01-20 Self
The Adding Machine 1969-09-23 Mrs. Zero
Unbeatable Harold 2006-01-01 Mrs. Clancy
Hanna-Barbera’s 50th 1989-07-17 Self
Titus 2000-03-20
Boy Meets World 1993-09-24
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius 2002-07-20 Granny Neutron (voice)
The View 1997-08-11 Self
Batman 1966-01-12 Scrubwoman
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno 1992-05-25 Herself
Cybill 1995-01-02
Cow and Chicken 1997-09-16
7th Heaven 1996-08-26 Gabrielle
Boston Legal 2004-10-03 Self
The Hollywood Palace