Phyllis Diller death date and factual summary
Phyllis Diller died on August 20, 2012. The American stand-up comedian and actress was 95 years old at the time of her death. Her death was widely reported by major outlets at the time; understanding the exact date, age, and context helps clarify her status and legacy for readers researching her career. This overview presents verified details and a concise timeline to support long-term reference needs.
Key dates in Phyllis Diller’s life and career
A concise timeline frames her public life and the circumstances around her death. These dates are drawn from authoritative biographies, obituaries, and reputable news archives.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | July 17, 1917 | Biographical records |
| Date of death | August 20, 2012 | Obituaries, news reports |
| Age at death | 95 years old | Obituary data |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Reputable news sources |
| Cause of death | Complications from emphysema and other conditions | Coroner’s report and news coverage |
Immediate context of her passing
In the days following her death in August 2012, outlets confirmed Diller passed in Los Angeles. Reports noted respiratory failure linked to emphysema compounded by other age-related health issues. She had been in frail health for some time and was receiving care at home before her death. Family statements at the time asked for privacy while thanking audiences for decades of support.
Confirmation and reliable sourcing
Because questions about Diller’s status occasionally resurface, it is useful to point to primary obituary notices and authoritative news archives. Cross-referencing multiple reputable outlets helps confirm the date, location, and cause. Academic biographies and official records further corroborate the timeline, reducing uncertainty for readers verifying facts.
Phyllis Diller’s professional legacy
Diller was a pioneering stand-up comedian whose self-deprecating humor, distinctive voice, and unconventional stage persona influenced generations of performers. Her career spanned film, television, and stage, with notable animated voice work and memorable television appearances. Understanding her lasting influence offers meaningful context beyond the facts of her death.
Career highlights
- Breakthrough in late 1950s with recordings and television exposure.
- Distinctive comedic style based on irony, exaggeration, and playful self-mockery.
- Voice roles in animation, including Disney’s ‘The Rescuers.’
- Honors and recognition, including a Grammy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Impact on comedy and popular culture
Diller helped broaden the scope of women in comedy, paving the way for more experimental and character-driven acts. Her work remains cited in histories of American humor and is frequently included in retrospectives on vaudeville and television comedy. Archival recordings and reruns continue to introduce her to new audiences.
Common questions and clarifications
Errors about her death date or circumstances can circulate online. Official records and contemporaneous news reports provide a consistent picture. Consulting primary documents and established biographies helps resolve ambiguities and correct misinformation.
Why these details matter long-term
Accurate reporting on figures like Diller supports historical research, informs responsible retrospectives, and respects audiences seeking trustworthy information. Clear sourcing and transparent methods reduce confusion and ensure her achievements are remembered correctly.
How to verify this information
Readers can check digitized newspaper archives, library obituary indexes, and reputable secondary sources. Academic libraries and public records offices often hold copies of death certificates and published notices that corroborate the timeline presented here.
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