A Tribute to Phyllis Diller (1917-2012)

For over six decades, Ms. Phyllis Diller had made audiences laugh everywhere and was a comedic icon and a trailblazer for women comedians. (Photo by Zap2It.com)

By: Jacob Elyachar

We have lost a comedic icon today.

According to reports from TMZ, NBC News and the Los Angeles Times, legendary comedian Phyllis Diller passed away at age 95.   For multiple decades, Diller has entertained millions of people around the world through her comedic style and flair.

Ms. Diller’s entertainment career began in 1952 when she filmed a 15-minute series called “Phyllis Dllis, the Homely Friendmaker” and then followed up with appearing on a local show in San Francisco called the Belfast Pop Club.   However, she slowly moved her way into the world of stand-up comedy.

Her first gig as a stand-up comedian was at The Purple Onion on March 7, 1955 and continued to perform at the venue for 87 consecutive weeks.    However, her career began to rise as she teamed with legendary collaborator Bob Hope for 23 television specials and for three films as well.

She was incredibly busy during the multiple 1960s/1970s, as Ms. Diller appeared had her own specials and lent her skills and talents to multiple projects including guest appearances on children’s television shows including The New Scooby Doo Movies and the Muppet Show.

However for many people who grew up during the 1990s and 2000s, Ms. Diller worked on other television and movies including voicing the Queen in the Disney-PIXAR hit film: A Bug’s Life in 1998, guest starred in a diverse group of television shows including the Drew Carey Show, 7^th Heaven, Boston Legal and Family Guy, where she voiced Peter Griffin’s mother, Thelma

Without Ms. Diller’s comedy, we would not have seen the talents of comediennes including Roseanne, Ellen DeGeneres, Chelsea Handler and countless others.    Jacobelyacharjournalist.com sends its thoughts and prayers to Ms. Diller’s friends, family and colleagues.

Ms. Diller, thank you for gracing us with your wit, passion and class that you showed us over the years.   We will miss you.

To see Ms. Diller try to audition for the Spice Girls on a television show, click here: http://youtu.be/LGD7TNnDeSQ

To watch a clip that features Ms. Diller’s voice work on Family Guy, click here: http://youtu.be/G2392ntWnWg