Phyllis Diller - Madonna of the Geritol set
"I didn't know any woman could do this until I met Phyllis Diller."-Roseanne
"She is an inspiration to all women."-Bonnie Hunt
"Really strong, comedic women of the 60's were all glamorous and beautiful ... then there was Phyllis Diller. That's how I knew there was hope for me."-Alison Arngrim
Among the many topics discussed on Sunday June 21st at the Magic Castle's Inner Circle gathering featuring the comedic icon Phyllis Diller, was how she was one of the long and impressive list of Dolly's such as Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Pearl Bailey and Ethel Merman to perform at the St James Theatre in Jerry Herman's HELLO DOLLY! "David Merrick wanted either George Burns or Jack Benny to do Dolly in drag, but couldn't get them so he settled for me," says Ms. Diller, whom everyone referred to as Madam. "Can you imagine? It would still be running on Broadway today!"
The evening, produced by Matt Patton with host B. Harlan Boll, offered the patrons a rare first hand glimpse into the life of the legend. The audience gleaned many pearls of wisdom such as "Don't show off ... Entertain," when asked for advise on working in stand up. Beginning a career on stage later in life than most entertainers, she reminisced about her start in San Francisco at the Purple Onion. What did that first night teach her? "Prepare a second show," she says. "Those who saw the first one came back for the second show in the same night and heard the same jokes." What was supposed to be a short engagement to fill in for the clubs regular performer, but turned into a record breaking extended stay and she has never been idle since. When asked which of her films were her favorite, she said "All of them." Questions about longevity and praise for her genius came from noted attendees such as Florence Henderson and Tippi Hedren (Whom, Madam referred to as the best dressed ladies representing their generation). Another Dolly Levi alum, Joanne Worley, offered a nostalgic question which was rewarded with one of Ms. Diller's trademark and authentic laughs, while former #1 TV Bitch, Alison Arngrim gave loving tribute to a mentor. YouTube comic sensation Mrs. Hughes (www.mrshughes.com) gushed with a genuine statement of admiration from the table she shared with Ms. Henderson - having also recently shared the same stage as the opening act to Florence Henderson's one woman show "All The Lives of Me," currently touring the nation. Inquiries both personal and professional were discussed, from the infamous husband Fang, to that famous wardrobe of gowns, gloves, wigs and cigarette holder. Of particular interest to the gathering was her career as a concert pianist, having performed with over 100 symphonies.
Part of the evening's highlights included a gallery of fascinating artwork by the Madam herself. These remarkable pieces not only caused serious debate and interpretation amongst the guests, but were also snapped up by eager shoppers longing to have a little bit of Diller in their own homes.
Despite her self-imposed retirement at 85, Ms. Diller has shown no sign of slowing down. In just the last five years, she has penned books, lent her highly recognizable voice to many animated feature
films, appeared in videos, and is currently appearing on a new Webisode opposite LauraLee Bell called Family Dinner (click here to watch). "I don't understand how any of this technology works," says Diller, "They just told me where to be and I showed up and did what I was told ... Hell, I didn't know about screwing at first either, but it was the same idea."
Photo Credits: Hocus Pocus Focus
