Phyllis Diller Net Worth at Death
Phyllis Diller Net Worth at Death: How Much She Was Worth When She Passed Away
Introduction
Phyllis Diller net worth at death is a question many people wonder about when they think of the legendary comedian. By the time Phyllis Diller died on August 20, 2012, she had amassed a fortune from decades of comedy, acting, voice work, books, and real estate. In this article, we’ll examine what her net worth was estimated to be at her death, what contributed to it, and some context around her financial legacy.
Early Life & Career Highlights
- Phyllis Ada Driver, known professionally as Phyllis Diller, was born on July 17, 1917, in Lima, Ohio.
- She broke into stand-up comedy in the mid-1950s and became famous for her self-deprecating humor, exaggerated laugh, flamboyant costumes, and over-the-top wigs.
- Beyond stand-up, Diller appeared in many TV shows, films, voice acting roles, and also wrote books.
What Was Phyllis Diller Net Worth at Death?
- At the time of her death in 2012, Phyllis Diller net worth at death is commonly estimated around US$15 million to US$18 million. (2025/2026 Mabumbe)
- One source, Celebrity Net Worth, places it at about $18 million.
- Others give a slightly lower figure, near $15 million.
What Went Into That Net Worth
Income Streams
- Comedy Performances & Stand-up Tours
Her long career in club performances and stage shows brought in steady earnings. - Television and Film Roles
She appeared in numerous TV series, guest spots, and films. Some films were more high profile; others were less so, but together they contributed significantly. - Books and Voice Work
She wrote books (humour, memoirs) and did voice acting, which gave both royalties and residuals. - Real Estate
One major asset was her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which is part of what boosted her net worth.
Liabilities, Expenses & Lifestyle
- Over a long career, costs such as production, agent fees, homes, taxes, and upkeep reduce gross earnings to net worth.
- Phyllis Diller was known for spending on her style (wigs, costumes, etc.) and had multiple plastic surgeries; those lifestyle and health‐related costs are part of what she managed in her financial life.
Comparison & Legacy
- Compared to many of her contemporaries, having net worth of $15-18 million at death is solid, especially for someone whose peak earnings were decades ago.
- Her legacy isn’t just financial: she was one of the first women in comedy to gain widespread fame, and she paved the way for later comics like Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, and Roseanne Barr.
Conclusion
Phyllis Diller net worth at death reflects more than just money: it reflects a long, pioneering career in comedy, television, film, books, and real estate. The best estimates place her net worth in 2012 at around US$15-18 million, largely due to her diverse income sources and real estate holdings. What she left behind is far more than dollars — it was influence, laughter, and a path opened for women in comedy.
Here’s a FAQ section for your article on Phyllis Diller net worth at death, written in a natural, informative, and easy-to-read style.
FAQ: Phyllis Diller Net Worth at Death
Q1. What was Phyllis Diller’s net worth at the time of her death?
Phyllis Diller net worth at death was estimated between $15 million and $18 million, according to multiple sources.
Q2. When did Phyllis Diller die?
She passed away on August 20, 2012, at her home in Los Angeles, California.
Q3. How did Phyllis Diller make her money?
Her fortune came from stand-up comedy tours, television and film roles, book sales, voice acting, and real estate investments.
Q4. Did Phyllis Diller own valuable real estate?
Yes. One of her most notable assets was her Brentwood, Los Angeles home, which contributed significantly to her net worth.
Q5. Was she one of the wealthiest comedians of her time?
While not the wealthiest overall, having $15-18 million at death was considered very successful, especially for a woman in comedy during her era.
Q6. What is Phyllis Diller’s legacy beyond her net worth?
Her greatest legacy is being a trailblazer for women in stand-up comedy, inspiring later comedians like Joan Rivers and Ellen DeGeneres.
