Phyllis Diller - Outrageous Modesty
Comedy has changed.
Iconic and groundbreaking comedienne Phyllis Diller represented the beginnings of women's television and variety standup comedy. Compared to the chic feminine standards of the time, her flamboyant outfits and self-effacing humor were hilariously shocking. But unlike those who followed, and certainly unlike comedians of today, her put-downs were only directed toward herself (and her fictional husband "Fang.") She delightfully exposed herself to her own mocking and riducule, and was able to poke fun at her wacky style while endearing herself to her audience. They rooted for her, rather than joining her take-downs. They laughed with and for her, rather than at her. Diller spoke in every woman's inner voice - the one that tells us our legs are too skinny, our hair is a mess, and gave us the opportunity to laugh at ourselves, to let it go. She was unquestionably one of a kind.
