Legendary comedian and actress Phyllis Diller, one of the pioneering faces of female comedy, died earlier today in her Los Angeles home according to her manager of 33 years, Milt Suchin.
Diller began her career as a local TV personality on her first show Phyllis Diller: The Homely Friendmaker. Shortly after, she began working with notable comedians in the 1960s, including Bob Hope. Afterwards, she started working on her own shows, including The Phyllis Diller Show and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller show, as well as appearing on numerous other broadcasts at the time.
In her later years, Diller fell under unfortunate health. In 1999, Diller suffered a heart attack forcing her to have a pacemaker implanted. Several years later after an accident, Diller had to get her previous pacemaker replaced, forcing her to retire officially from stand-up comedy. Still, in her later years, Diller was a recognizable figure, appearing on talk shows and documentaries even into her 90’s.
“The world has lost a true trailblazer, a gracious and kind woman, beloved by all,” Suchin said in a release. She had passed in her sleep. She was 95.
Watch Phyllis Diller speaking to ‘The View’ panel below:
