Phyllis Diller: An Appreciation

So, I was watching The View yesterday and Phyllis Diller was a guest. I have to say, I have never really seen her stand-up. I really only know her as a "personality" and her guest spots on "Scooby Doo". But, listening to her talk, I realized that not only did she pave the way for comics, she is still sharp and keeping up with the scene.

They showed some clips of on "The Jack Parr Show". And let me be honest, her jokes and delivery were great. In fact, she could get on stage with her jokes now and be as fresh as many "lady" comics out there. It was amazing to see a woman who started her career at 37, just do it. She talked about how it was easier to market herself back then because she was a solo act and a woman and that made her a novelty.

She talked comedy with Rosie and Joy. They all three lamented the fact that currently, there is a lot of people and fewer spots on comedy than ever before. Diller said she thinks that it's tough being a woman comic now because you have to be cute, funny, and basically willing to sell out. She said that it makes her sad how much looks have taken over comedy.

Diller also talked about some of the women who came up with her like Totie Fields and Moms Maberly. She talked about getting her start. She also talked about how important it is to make a persona and never use real names of family on stage. She said her marriages (2) lasted because she never used real names. "You keep that at home," Diller said.

I was so glad to have seen this. Her wisdom and humor gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope she did the same to other women watching as well.