It’s been reported that iconic comic PHYLLIS DILLER died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Southern California. A true pioneer in the field of stand-up comedy, she paved the way for such later comediennes as JOAN RIVERS, ELAYNE BOOSLER, ROSIE O’DONNELL and ROSEANNE despite her constant protestations that it was MOMS MABLEY and JEAN CARROLL who paved the way for her. A veteran of stage, screen and television, DILLER’S eccentric sense of fashion and wildly recognizable laugh belied the fact that she was a woman of great taste who painted and played classical piano.

During our last interview, DILLER took a stroll down memory lane and recounted making her move into show biz and the reactions she got from friends and family. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

DILLER also took some time to acknowledge her place in the world of stand-up. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

A truly great performer who will be remembered as much as she’ll be missed…

PHYLLIS DILLER 1917 - 2012