Phyllis Ada Diller, born on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio, was a pioneering American comedian, actress, and author who shattered gender barriers in stand-up comedy. Known for her wild hair, eccentric style, and self-deprecating humor, she rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with appearances on shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and her own television specials. Diller’s career highlights include releasing comedy albums, writing books, and being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975. Her notable achievements also encompass influencing generations of comedians and advocating for women’s roles in entertainment. The quotes featured here, sourced from her books, interviews, and comedy routines, focus on themes of life, offering witty insights into its challenges and joys. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes about life, drawn from various points in her career.
15 Phyllis Diller Quotes
1. “Life is a do-it-yourself project. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.” (Book, “Phyllis Diller’s Housekeeping Hints,” 1966)
2. “Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.” (Interview, Good Housekeeping, 1970)
3. “I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.” (Comedy Special, “Phyllis Diller: Not Just Another Pretty Face,” 2004)
4. “Housework can’t kill you, but why take a chance?” (Book, “Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse,” 2005)
5. “The reason women don’t play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1982)
6. “Life is a party. You might as well dress for it.” (Comedy Album, “Are You Ready for Phyllis Diller?,” 1961)
7. “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” (Interview, Ladies’ Home Journal, n.d.)
8. “I’ve been asked to say a couple of words about my husband. How about ‘good riddance’?” (Comedy Routine, Live Performance, 1975)
9. “Life is too short to stuff a mushroom.” (Book, “The Joys of Aging,” 1981)
10. “Never refer to your age in terms of years; say you’re as old as you look.” (Interview, People Magazine, 1990)
11. “The best contraceptive for old people is nudity.” (Comedy Special, HBO, 1986)
12. “Life is a game—play it to win, but don’t forget to laugh along the way.” (Autobiography, “Like a Lampshade in a Whorehouse,” 2005)
13. “I buried a lot of my ironing in the backyard.” (Interview, The Washington Post, 1968)
14. “Aging is just a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” (Comedy Album, “The Wit and Wisdom of Phyllis Diller,” 1970)
15. “Life’s too important to take seriously.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 2000)
Through these quotes, Phyllis Diller showcases her sharp wit and resilient spirit, transforming life’s ordinary struggles and absurdities into sources of laughter and wisdom. They reveal a woman who faced personal and professional challenges with humor, emphasizing that levity can lighten even the heaviest burdens. Diller’s insights encourage us to embrace imperfections and find joy in the everyday. What do these quotes mean to you, or which one resonates most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.