Phyllis Diller Net Worth

Phyllis Diller’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of a Comedy Icon

Introduction: The Queen of Comedy

Phyllis Diller, a name synonymous with groundbreaking comedy and self-deprecating humor, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Beyond her iconic look and unforgettable delivery, Diller was a shrewd businesswoman and a pioneer for female comedians. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of Phyllis Diller, exploring her journey from a homemaker to a comedy superstar.

At the time of her death on August 20, 2012, at the age of 95, Phyllis Diller had a net worth of $18 million. This figure reflects not only her successful career in stand-up, television, and film, but also her savvy investments, including a significant real estate holding: her Brentwood mansion.

Early Life and Education: Discovering a Gift

Born Phyllis Driver on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio, Phyllis Diller was the only child of Perry and Frances Driver. Raised in a Methodist household, she discovered her comedic talent during her time at Central High School. She pursued further education, studying piano for three years at the Sherwood Music Conservatory of Columbia College Chicago. While she initially considered a musical career, Diller eventually chose a different path, transferring to Bluffton College in Ohio, though she did not complete her degree.

Career Beginnings: From Radio to the Purple Onion

In the early 1950s, Diller moved to Alameda, California, and secured a job at KROW radio in Oakland. She also gained experience by filming several 15-minute comedy segments for Bay Area television and working as a copywriter at KSFO radio in San Francisco. Encouraged by her husband, Diller took the plunge into stand-up comedy in 1955. Her first professional show at the Purple Onion in San Francisco was a resounding success. This led to an 89-week booking at the same venue. Over time, Diller refined her act, cultivating a distinctive stage persona characterized by self-deprecating jokes, outlandish fashion, and her signature cackling laugh. This persona quickly became her trademark, setting her apart in a male-dominated industry.

Television Career: Conquering the Small Screen

Diller’s foray into national television began with an appearance on Groucho Marx’s quiz show, “You Bet Your Life,” in 1958. This exposure propelled her to stardom. She became a regular on shows like “Tonight Starring Jack Paar” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.” During the 1960s and 1970s, Diller was a staple on popular game shows such as “Match Game,” “Hollywood Squares,” and “Tattletales.” Her versatility shone through her numerous appearances on variety shows, including “The Bob Hope Show,” “The Andy Williams Show,” “The Dean Martin Show,” “The Hollywood Palace,” and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” From 1966 to 1967, Diller had her own sitcom, “The Pruitts of Southampton,” which was later renamed “The Phyllis Diller Show.”

In the 1980s, Diller continued to grace television screens with guest appearances on shows like “The Love Boat,” “As the World Turns,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Night Heat.” She remained a popular figure on game shows, with credits including “Body Language” and “Super Password.” The 1990s saw Diller taking on recurring roles on the sitcom “Blossom” and the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” In the later part of the decade, she lent her voice to episodes of several animated series, including “Animaniacs,” “King of the Hill,” “Cow and Chicken,” “I Am Weasel,” and “Hey Arnold!” Diller’s acting career continued into the new millennium, with notable appearances on shows like “Titus,” “7th Heaven,” and “Boston Legal.” She also voiced characters in animated shows such as “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron,” “Robot Chicken,” and “Family Guy.” Her adaptability and longevity in the industry were truly remarkable.

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Film Career: Making Her Mark in Hollywood

Diller’s film career began with her debut in Elia Kazan’s 1961 period film “Splendor in the Grass,” where she played actress and entrepreneur Texas Guinan. Throughout the 1960s, she often appeared in low-budget films, including “The Fat Spy,” “Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!,” “Eight on the Lam,” and “The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell,” the latter three of which co-starred Bob Hope. Diller also starred in “Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” and “The Adding Machine” and provided her voice for the stop-motion animated musical comedy “Mad Monster Party?.”

Diller’s presence on the big screen became less frequent in the 1970s and 1980s, with credits including “A Pleasure Doing Business,” “Pink Motel,” and “Doctor Hackenstein.” In the 1990s, she appeared in films like the direct-to-video horror film “The Boneyard,” the Hungarian comedy “The Perfect Man,” and the parody film “The Silence of the Hams.” Diller also lent her voice to several animated films, most notably Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life.” In the 2000s, Diller appeared in films such as “Everything’s Jake,” “The Aristocrats,” “Unbeatable Harold,” and “Forget About It.” Her filmography showcases her versatility and willingness to embrace a wide range of roles.

Books: Sharing Her Unique Perspective

Phyllis Diller’s wit extended beyond the stage and screen, as she penned several books that offered irreverent and sardonic takes on domestic life. Among her published works were “Phyllis Diller’s Housekeeping Hints,” “The Complete Mother,” and “The Joys of Aging & How to Avoid Them.” In 2006, later in her career, she released her autobiography, “Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse: My Life in Comedy,” co-written by Richard Buskin. These books provided further insight into her comedic genius and her perspective on life.

Personal Life and Death: A Life Well-Lived

During her time at Bluffton College, Diller met her first husband, Sherwood Diller. They married in 1939 and had six children before divorcing in 1965. She later married actor Warde Donovan, but the marriage was short-lived, ending after only three months due to Donovan’s struggles with bisexuality and alcoholism; however, they did reconcile and remained married until 1975. In 1985, Diller began a relationship with Robert P. Hastings, which lasted until his death in 1996.

In August 2012, Phyllis Diller passed away at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 95. She left behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering female comedian and an outspoken advocate for plastic surgery, which became part of her comedic persona. Diller’s impact on comedy is undeniable, and her influence continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Brentwood Mansion: Real Estate and Legacy

In 1965, Phyllis Diller purchased a 9,200-square-foot, 22-room mansion in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The property, located on S. Rockingham Avenue, was situated just a short drive from O.J. Simpson’s former Rockingham mansion. Following her death, Diller’s son listed the 1.2-acre property for sale for $12.6 million. The mansion eventually sold in December 2012 for $9.35 million. The new owner demolished the existing structure and built a new 12,000-square-foot mansion, which is now estimated to be worth $20-$30 million. This real estate decision further underscores Diller’s savvy financial acumen and her foresight in the world of property investment.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Phyllis Diller

Phyllis Diller’s life and career exemplify a unique blend of comedic genius, business acumen, and unwavering determination. From her humble beginnings to her status as a television and film icon, Diller broke barriers and inspired countless performers. Her net worth at the time of her death is a testament to her successful endeavors, especially the significant value of her Brentwood mansion. Phyllis Diller’s legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that laughter, resilience, and a distinctive style can create an unforgettable impact.