Did Joan Rivers ever acknowledge how she was influenced by Phyllis Diller?

Cafe Society
1

I saw Phyllis Diller when I was a young kid. She specialized in the comic put down. Usually of herself. Her hair, her face, voice were all part of her schtick.

She was a star at least a decade before Joan Rivers started. Joan had a similar act and I always wondered if she ever acknowledged Phyllis Diller’s influence.

Phyllis Diller in her prime.

Anyone else see the similarities in material?

Great line by Phyllis Diller.
If I was put together by mother nature, God is a litterbug.

2

Yes - http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/joan-rivers-on-how-phyllis-diller-paved-the-way-for-women-in-comedy/2012/08/24/12e15348-ebbf-11e1-b811-09036bcb182b_story.html

3

I didn’t realize Joan had been a writer for Phyllis. That article is quite interesting. Phyllis died in Aug 2012. Joan in Sept 2014. Two great legends that will never be replaced.

4

Phyllis Diller’s father was born during the Civil War? I did not know that!

5

I recently read Phyllis Diller’s autobiography, “like a Lampshade In a Whorehouse”.

Pretty intense