Phyllis Diller biography

Phyllis Diller was an iconic American comedian and actress known for her unique style, self-deprecating humor, and trailblazing contributions to the world of comedy. She was born on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio, USA, and passed away on August 20, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Diller’s comedic talents left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and she was a beloved figure during her time. Here are some key points about Phyllis Diller:

1. Pioneering Stand-Up Comedy: Phyllis Diller is often credited as one of the first female stand-up comedians to achieve mainstream success. Her sharp wit, distinctive laugh, and willingness to embrace unconventional comedic material set her apart.
2. Self-Deprecating Humor: Diller’s comedy frequently involved making fun of her own appearance, particularly her eccentric hairstyles, outrageous wardrobe, and fictional husband “Fang.” Her ability to laugh at herself resonated with audiences.
3. Television Appearances: Diller made numerous guest appearances on television variety shows, talk shows, and sitcoms, becoming a familiar face on the small screen. She often shared the stage with other legendary comedians.
4. “Laugh-In” and Other Shows: Diller was a regular on the popular sketch comedy show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She also had her own comedy specials and appeared on programs like “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
5. Film Appearances: Phyllis Diller ventured into film, making appearances in various comedic roles. She appeared in movies like “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!” (1966) alongside Bob Hope and “Mad Monster Party?” (1967).
6. Voice Acting: Diller lent her voice to animated characters, including the character “The Monster’s Mate” in “Mad Monster Party?” and various guest roles in animated TV series.
7. Books and Autobiography: Diller wrote several books, including humorous essays and an autobiography titled “Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse.” She shared personal anecdotes and insights into her comedic journey.
8. Longevity: Diller’s career spanned several decades, and she continued to perform even into her later years, demonstrating her enduring popularity and dedication to making people laugh.
9. Influence: Phyllis Diller’s impact on comedy paved the way for future female comedians, and her contributions are celebrated by the comedic community.

Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021, and there may have been new developments or additional insights about Phyllis Diller since that time.

Trivia of Phyllis Diller

Certainly! Here are some trivia facts about the legendary comedian Phyllis Diller:

1. Early Career: Phyllis Diller did not start her stand-up comedy career until she was in her 30s, making her a late bloomer in the comedy world.
2. Comedic Persona: Diller’s outrageous stage persona often included her unique laugh, a distinctive cackling sound that became one of her trademarks.
3. Artistic Talents: Diller was a talented pianist, and she sometimes incorporated musical elements into her comedy routines.
4. Fashion Statements: Her eccentric wardrobe, which included wild wigs, large faux fur stoles, and equally bold dresses, became an integral part of her comedic image.
5. “Fang” and Her Fictional Husband: Diller often referenced her fictional husband “Fang” in her comedy routines. Fang was portrayed as less than competent and was the target of many of her humorous anecdotes.
6. Subversive Humor: Diller’s comedy was groundbreaking for its time, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations, and paved the way for many female comedians who followed.
7. Collaboration with Bob Hope: Phyllis Diller appeared in many of Bob Hope’s television specials as a guest comedian. Their comedic chemistry made for memorable moments in entertainment.
8. “Hello, Dolly!” Film Role: Diller played the role of Ernestina Money in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” (1969), starring Barbra Streisand. Her performance added a comedic touch to the film.
9. Voice Work: In addition to her on-screen appearances, Diller provided her voice for various animated projects, including “A Bug’s Life” (1998), where she voiced the character the Queen.
10. Honors: Phyllis Diller received numerous accolades during her career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and she was recognized by her peers and audiences for her significant contributions to comedy.
11. Art Collector: Diller had an interest in art and collected pieces by renowned artists, demonstrating her diverse interests beyond comedy.
12. Entrepreneur: Diller also ventured into the business world, creating her own line of merchandise, including wigs and a best-selling autobiography, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Please verify this information with more recent sources, as there may have been new developments or additional trivia about Phyllis Diller since my last knowledge update in September 2021.

Movies and webseries of Phyllis Diller

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Phyllis Diller was primarily known for her work in television, stand-up comedy, and occasional film appearances. There aren’t any significant web series featuring her that I’m aware of, as web series were not as prevalent during her active years in the entertainment industry. Here are some notable movies and a mention of her TV work:

Movies:

1. “Splendor in the Grass” (1961) – Phyllis Diller had a small role in this acclaimed drama directed by Elia Kazan, starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty.
2. “The Fat Spy” (1966) – Diller appeared in this comedy film, which was a campy spy spoof that featured Jayne Mansfield.
3. “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!” (1966) – She had a role in this comedy film alongside Bob Hope.
4. “Eight on the Lam” (1967) – Diller appeared in this family comedy film, which starred Bob Hope and was based on a novel by Donald Westlake.
5. “The Madwoman of Chaillot” (1969) – Diller was part of the ensemble cast in this adaptation of Jean Giraudoux’s play, starring Katharine Hepburn.

Television:

1. “The Phyllis Diller Show” (1966-1967) – She had her own sitcom, “The Phyllis Diller Show,” which ran for two seasons.
2. Various Guest Appearances: Phyllis Diller made guest appearances on numerous television shows, including variety shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”

Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021, and there may have been new developments, additional movies, or projects involving Phyllis Diller since that time. It’s a good idea to check more recent sources for the most up-to-date information on her filmography.