Sad news today, TMZ is reporting that Phyllis Diller, the legendary comedian whose career spanned decades and entire evolution of modern comedy, has died. She was 95. According to TMZ, Diller had recently fallen and experienced several instances of bad health. Starting in the 1950s, Diller had appeared in nearly everything, from the original Batman series to Love, American Style to Blossom, and A Bug's Life. She also starred in her own show in the 1960s. In the 1970s, she was a constant presence on the dais of Dean Martin's roasts.
Here's a video from her on The Ed Sullivan Show from 1969:
Update: 4:25 p.m.: Obituaries are being posted:
- "Phyllis Diller, Sassy Doyenne of Rapid-Fire Comedy, Dies at 95"--The New York Times
- "Comedy queen Phyllis Diller dies at 95"--USA Today.
Joan Rivers, went to Twitter to voice her sadness:
I'm beyond saddened by the death of Phyllis Diller. We were friends - Melissa and I had a wonderful time with her at lunch just a month ago.
— Joan Rivers (@Joan_Rivers) August 20, 2012
The only tragedy is that Phyllis Diller was the last from an era that insisted a woman had to look funny in order to be funny.
— Joan Rivers (@Joan_Rivers) August 20, 2012
Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments
or send an email to the author at
aabadsantos at theatlantic dot com.
You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Alexander Abad-Santos



User Comments
Please type your comment and click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be prompted to log in or register