TMZ reports that Phyllis Diller's health had been declining ever since a recent fall. She died Monday in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.
Diller, who began her career in 1952, will be remembered for many things — her wicked laugh and can't-be-tamed hair among them. She appeared in 23 films with Bob Hope, ran her own TV show, became a fixture in The New Scooby-Doo Movies, and even posed for Playboy. (Before you hit Google, know the photos were never released.)
But Diller's real legacy is the road she paved for today's female comedians.
a revolutionary woman who inspired me always has died today-but I know she was ready and wanted to go. Fly Free, friend. Phyllis Diller RIP
a revolutionary woman who inspired me always has died today-but I know she was ready and wanted to go. Fly Free, friend. Phyllis Diller RIP-- Roseanne Barr
We lost a comedy legend today. Phyllis Diller was the queen of the one-liners. She was a pioneer.
We lost a comedy legend today. Phyllis Diller was the queen of the
one-liners. She was a pioneer.-- Ellen DeGeneres
A true original has died. Phyllis Diller There was NOOne like her, no 1looked like her sounded like her. A FUNNY FUNNY. Classy& Smart RIP😢
A true original has died. Phyllis Diller
There was NOOne like her, no 1looked like her sounded like her. A FUNNY FUNNY. Classy& Smart
RIP😢-- Whoopi Goldberg
Here, we remember Diller for her unparalleled brand of nuttiness:
"It's a good thing that beauty is only skin deep, or I'd be rotten to the core."
"Housework can't kill you, but why take a chance?"
“His finest hour lasted a minute and a half.”
"My photographs don't do me justice — they just look like me."
"A bachelor is a guy who never made the same mistake once."
“Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.”
"I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them."
“Women want men, careers, money, children, friends, luxury, comfort, independence, freedom, respect, love, and a $3 pantyhose that won't run.”
“My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor.”
"Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home."