Legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller died at 9:30 a.m. this morning in Los Angeles surrounded by family. She was 95.
She had recently fallen, hurting her wrist and hip, and although her health had been declining ever since, her rep says it had nothing to do with her death.
Diller began her career in 1952, creating a stage persona of a wild-haired, eccentrically dressed housewife. Her signature was her unusual laugh.
The consummate entertainer rose to fame making self-deprecating jokes about her age and appearance, her terrible cooking, and a husband named “Fang,” while smoking a cigarette in a long holder.
Manager Mitt Suchin released a statement: “The world lost a true trailblazer, a gracious and kind woman, beloved by all. She died peacefully in her sleep and with a smile on her face.”
Photo: WENN