Key answer at a glance
Phyllis Diller was 95 years old when she died. She passed away on August 20, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. This status_clarifier presents verified details, dates, and context about her age at death and related biographic milestones, based on authoritative records and reputable news reports from the time.
Phyllis Diller status and age at death
Comedian Phyllis Diller died at age 95 on August 20, 2012. The cause was multiple organ failure attributed to age-related conditions. Her death was publicly confirmed by family spokesperson and news outlets, who noted her long career as a trailblazing female comic and her distinctly self-deprecating stage persona that helped redefine stand-up in the mid-20th century.
Biographic timeline relevant to her age at death
A concise timeline frames her age milestones and professional turning points, explaining how each step contributed to a legacy that remained relevant long after her death.
Early career and breakthrough (1950s–1960s)
Diller broke through with her signature laugh and eccentric stage character in the late 1950s. Age 40s during this phase, she cultivated a persona that emphasized playful defiance of expectations for women in comedy, helping secure her spot in the field well into later decades.
Sustained relevance (1970s–1990s)
Through her 60s and 70s, Diller maintained visibility via television, film cameos, and albums. By her 80s she had transitioned more toward nostalgic and observational material, which broadened her appeal across generations and solidified her status as a cultural elder in comedy.
Later years and legacy (2000s–death at 95)
During her 90s, Diller continued to make selected public appearances, interviews, and light acting work. Her death at 95 was widely reported, with tributes emphasizing both her professional pioneering and her personal philosophy of aging with humor and resilience.
Verified details at a glance
The table below summarizes key, source-backed attributes relating to Phyllis Diller at her death. These facts are drawn from publicly available death records, obituaries, and authoritative biographies published around the time of her passing.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Phyllis Diller | Public records, obituaries |
| Date of birth | July 17, 1917 | Biographies, news archives |
| Date of death | August 20, 2012 | Obituaries, official filings |
| Age at death | 95 years old | Cross-referenced reports |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, United States | News reports, family statement |
| Cause of death | Multiple organ failure, age-related conditions | Obituaries, spokesperson |
Context on cause of death and age
Multiple organ failure related to age was listed as the immediate cause. Public health and aging literature note that such conditions are more common in later life, consistent with Diller dying at 95. While individual genetics and environment play roles, her age itself is the primary correlate of the conditions cited.