Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 – August 20, 2012) was an American stand-up comedian, actress, and author, known for her rapid-fire jokes and self-deprecating humour. Born in Lima, Ohio, she began working in journalism, radio and advertising before making her professional stand-up debut at The Purple Onion in San Francisco in 1955. She then went on to appear on national television, including You Bet Your Life, The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show. Diller later worked with Bob Hope, starred in various television series and films, and became a prolific voice actor. She is regarded as a pioneer of female stand-up comedy and inspired many later female comedians. This photograph of Diller was taken in Reno, Nevada, by the English photographer Allan Warren in 1973.

Photograph credit: Allan Warren; retouched by Yann Forget