Phyllis Diller kicked your ass until the age of 95.

[John Battles]

Hey , long before not particularly funny comediennes like Rosie O'Donnel and Rosanne Barr came along ,  Phyllis Diller made a career out of her own percieved unattractiveness. Only difference is , she was aggressive AND funny. Coming on like a cross between a crazy cat lady and a drop-in at a psychedelic coctail party, Diller broke conventions CENTURIES before it was safe for women to do so in her field. Belle Barth , maybe early LaWanda Page , there were others , but Phyllis Diller broke the mold.

 I was fortunate enough to see her , about 35 years ago , at Six Flags over Texas (!!!). She was a riot. She was also one of the more accomplished Actor-Painters.

Diller , who survived to the age of 95 , was not survived by her imaginary husband , "Fang".

Required viewing : "Mad Monster Party".

[peskypesky]

loved her. she was the master of self-deprecating black humor. funny, funny lady.

[trashman]

good show John.  Thanks for posting.  Phyllis and Joan Rivers both kick ass.  If a "best women comedian" list doesn't have those two stop reading.  Joan likes anal sex because while engaged she can still check her email or read the paper.  Phyllis had such style and mastery.  I am one of the few people I know personally who appreciates the wit of these two so great to read a piece on here instead of CNN.

[John Battles]

I'll still take Phyllis over Joan , but , that's VERY funny.

[kopper]

She was also a regular on the stages in St. Louis' old Gaslight Square back in the late '50s/early '60s (one of the hippest entertainment districts in the country at the time). Always loved her.