PHYLLIS DILLER'S BROKEN BACK

A number of years back while working as a production coordinator on the television series "Tales From The Darkside" I had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with comedienne Phyllis Diller. Phyllis is one of those type of people you accidentally take for granted. Although she's been around since "before dirt was brown" as she'd say she is completely down to earth and unassuming. It was kind of weird for me because we'd be conversing as if we'd known each other forever and then it would suddenly dawn on me who and what a great comedic icon I was talking to. She's just that easy to be around.

On one of the days of the week long shoot I brought my young daughter to the set to watch the goings on. It didn't take Phyllis long to notice my daughter in the crowd and she immediately called a halt to the filming. I thought that Phyllis was going to throw a tantrum or something and I was in big trouble but instead she beckoned my daughter over to her and began making small talk with her. She then lifted my daughter onto her lap and began explaining to her what the various equipment was for. She even gave my daughter some of her lines and had her recite them in front of the camera. Phyllis then asked the cameraman who was operating the boom crane to allow my daughter to ride the camera crane with him. Every time that they would zoom in for a close up Phyllis would play to my daughter instead of to the camera.

I was blown away that someone of her stature would take the time out of a very busy and expensive television shoot to connect with a young child. My daughter who now has four children of her own still cherishes that day. I hadn't realized just how many years had gone by since then until I read that Phyllis was preparing to celebrate her 90th birthday.

I have been searching the internet with no success to find an e-mail address, web site, fan club etc., for Phyllis so that I can send my regards, well wishes, and happy birthday wishes to her. If any of you know how to contact her let me know. Meanwhile I'd just like to say:

Phyllis you are a class act and a total sweetheart! Please get well soon doll so you can make us laugh some more! and last but not least: Happy Birthday Darling, you don't look a day over 105.