Biography
Phyllis Ada Diller (née Driver; July 17, 1917 – August 20, 2012) was an American stand-up comedian, actress, author, musician, and visual artist, renowned for her quirky stage persona, self-deprecating humor, distinctive wild hair and attire, and her signature exaggerated, cackling laugh.
Diller was among the first female comedians to gain widespread fame in the U.S., influencing figures such as Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, and Ellen DeGeneres. She garnered a significant gay fanbase and is regarded as a gay icon. Additionally, she was one of the earliest celebrities to openly support plastic surgery, earning recognition from the cosmetic surgery community.
Her film career spanned over 40 movies, starting with 1961’s Splendor in the Grass. Diller appeared in numerous television shows, including many guest appearances as well as her own brief sitcom and variety series. Notable credits include Night Gallery, The Muppet Show, The Love Boat, Cybill, Boston Legal, and 11 seasons on The Bold and the Beautiful. Her voice acting roles featured the monster’s wife in Mad Monster Party, the Queen in A Bug’s Life, Granny Neutron in The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and Thelma Griffin in Family Guy.
