Phyllis Diller: Death at 95, Died August 20 (b. 1917).
Comedy star Phyllis Diller died Monday. The stand-up comic, who often took shots at herself in her routines, was found dead in her Los Angeles home by her son. The whimsical comedienne, whose cause of death is thought to be from natural causes was 95. bob hope specials 23 diller,
Phyllis Diller: Death at 95
Fox News said on August 20 the comic's son Perry Diller found her lifeless body in her California home.
"She died peacefully in her sleep and with a smile on her face," said her longtime manager, Milton Suchin about the comedy pioneer. purple onion club,
Phyllis Diller died doing what defined her off the stage -- smiling. In fact, it was her indelible charm and wit that made her one of the most sought-after comedy stars of her time. purple onion diller 87,
From the '50s until 2002, she entertained audiences all over the country and is best known for her wow and crazy outfits, outrageous stage persona and Don King-style hair. However, it was her cackle and self-critic that won over her fans.
"I bury a lot of my ironing in the back yard," the "housewife from hell" once said about her character.
Phyllis Diller dead: The road to comedy
Diller's first husband, Sherwood, is credited with getting Phyllis into stand-up comedy. While she had a decent career in advertising, he told his 40-year-old wife she had a knack for making folks laugh. With five children under their care, she struggled over giving up a decent blue collar job.
However, after mulling over the idea, she relented and the rest is history for the groundbreaking comedienne. Phyllis Diller's death, while somber, is a time to celebrate her genius on stage.
Diller was described by critics after her first 1958 gig as "the weirdest, wildest yet." With her pencil-like legs, compliments of oversize shoes and the wild and zany hair, she managed to pull off a style of comedy that only men of the time were known to do. At a time when men ruled the comedy tarmac, she stepped in and gave a lifeline to women comics.
While Phyllis Diller has died, her legacy will continue on in the brilliant comedy she leaves behind and the path she forged for women entertainers.
Source: examiner
