Phyllis Diller

Studied at Chicago's Sherwood Music Conservatory for three years before eloping with Sherwood Anderson Diller in 1939.

Received her first national exposure as a contestant on the Groucho Marx show "You Bet Your Life" (1950). She appeared on 30 January 1958 (Season 7, Episode 19).

Breakthrough came in March, 1955, age 37, with debut at San Francisco's Purple Onion club, and career was launched with subsequent appearance on Jack Paar's show. Later got major boost from Bob Hope, who saw Diller in a Washington, D.C. club. She went on to appear in 3 of Hope's movies and 23 of his TV specials.

The cigarette with holder that she was famous for using in her stand-up routines in the 1960s and 1970s was only a prop for the act. She is a life-long non-smoker.

In the mid-1960s, the trademark quirky dresses that she wore during performances were designed by Gloria Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska. Phyllis jokingly referred to Johnson as 'Omar of Omaha,' as tent dresses were in vogue at the time.

Diller's career was highlighted in "The Slapstick Queens" by James Robert Parish, published by A. S. Barnes in 1973.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 137-139. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387

Earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.

Had 10-year affair with "the love of my life", lawyer Robert Hastings before his death on May 23, 1996.

In 1999 she suffered serious heart attack, although not expected to live, Diller recovered well enough to return to the stage for a couple of years.

As of 2000, had appeared as a piano soloist with 100 symphony orchestras across the United States, including performances in Dallas, Denver, Annapolis, Houston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cincinnati.

Announced her retirement from nightclub/stage tours at age 84 in May, 2002. Had pacemaker implanted at age 81. Lives in Brentwood section of Los Angeles, California.

Retired from stand-up routine in 2002, due to ill health: She was 84 at the time! Continued to lend her voice to animated characters in movies.

She had a total of six children, though only three are still living as at July 2006, including youngest son Perry Diller who has appeared in at least two TV documentaries on his mother.

Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is at 7003 Hollywood Blvd.