Phyllis Diller is 95 years old, well most of her is. America's best bad housewife started out in San Francisco's comedy scene in the 1950's performing at The Purple Onion. Phyllis' career really took off after Bob Hope had her on his television specials in the 1960's. Her self-deprecating jokes and cackle were her trademarks. Ms. Diller has also been a huge advocate of plastic surgery being one of the first women to admit to having a face lift. Known for her outrageous outfits,long cigarette holder and wild hair she talked about being a housewife and her husband Fang. Her cooking, cleaning and home making skills or lack there of were the basis of her act. She also made fun of her own body and apparent lack of sex appeal. "I wore a peak-a-boo blouse, they peaked and then they booed", "My Playtex Living Bra died". Phyllis never worked "blue" she was funny without vulgarity.
Phyllis was always a stand up main stay but also worked in movies and television as well. Her most successful movie was "Boy Did I Get a Wrong Number" with Bob Hope. She also played real life hostess Texas Guinan in "Splendor in the Grass". Her television roles included her short lived but hilarious sitcom based on Patrick Dennis' "The Pruitts of South Hampton" and the role of Mimi Bobeks's grandmother on "The Drew Carey Show". Phyllis's voice has been used in dozens of animated fils as well. She herself has been animated for a Scooby-Doo episode.
Phyllis Diller is not only a stand up comic she is also a classicaly trained concer pianist and play the harpsicord. After retiring from stand up she has spent time in her Brentwood home where she paints and gardens. If one is very lucky an invitation can be gotten to visit her home and purchase one of her paintings.
There are several record albums of her stage up act. "What's Left of Phyllis Diller" and "Are you ready for Phyllis Diller" are among them.
Happy Birthday Phyllis Diller!!!!!
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