R.I.P. Phyllis Diller: July 17, 1917 to Aug. 20, 2012
08/20/12 02:54 PM
Phyllis Diller, who took self-deprecating humor to new highs (or lows if you prefer), died on Monday, Aug. 20th at the age of 95.
She was a staple stand-up act on a wide variety of prime-time variety hours and late night talk shows, making numerous appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Bob Hope specials and The Tonight Show among many. Diller's trademark jabs at her supposedly non-existent sex appeal helped to smooth the way for the likes of Joan Rivers, Minnie Pearl and Rodney Dangerfield. A high-pitched laugh punctuated many of her one-liners.
Diller also starred in ABC's short-lived mid-1960s sitcom, The Pruitts of Southampton.
Below is a clip from her first-ever television appearance, with Groucho Marx on You Bet Your Life. A latter day Diller also offers a little commentary on the experience.
Ed Bark
@unclebarkycom
She was a staple stand-up act on a wide variety of prime-time variety hours and late night talk shows, making numerous appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Bob Hope specials and The Tonight Show among many. Diller's trademark jabs at her supposedly non-existent sex appeal helped to smooth the way for the likes of Joan Rivers, Minnie Pearl and Rodney Dangerfield. A high-pitched laugh punctuated many of her one-liners.
Diller also starred in ABC's short-lived mid-1960s sitcom, The Pruitts of Southampton.
Below is a clip from her first-ever television appearance, with Groucho Marx on You Bet Your Life. A latter day Diller also offers a little commentary on the experience.
Ed Bark
@unclebarkycom