Contacts with Phyllis Diller (or agent, etc.)
If nothing else, this is outside the realm of typical requests. I am from a blended family adoption, but knew my birth father, Leonard Karzmar, very little. He died in 1965, literally signing himself out of a hospital room to finish contracts for a TV series starring Phyllis Diller, originally titled "The Pruitts of Southampton" and later the "Phyllis Diller Show." Unfortunately, he was found dead in his hotel room a few days later.
She is about the only person, whom I know to be alive, that worked with him, and I would hope to get some perspective on my father. It's sad Shari Lewis is gone, as he dated her for a time, but I lost out on the opportunity to become Lambchop's half-brother. :-)
If LinkedIn comes up with a contact here, I will be utterly shocked, but pleased to be shocked.
Good Answers (3)
Mary Ellen M.
Worldwide Marketing Communications, Apple
Best Answers in: Conference Venues (1), Public Relations (1)
Hi Howard -
What an amazing story. According to my sources, Ms. Diller is represented by at least three agencies, depending upon the type of work involved (voice-over, live performance booking, film & tv).
I'd like to respect Ms. Diller's privacy, yet provide you with some contact information - so I will send a second, private reply to you. Keep in mind that these are professional agents and may not field calls of a more personal nature. My hope is that they will be kind, and be able to point you in the right direction (a Publicist, Personal Secretary / Assistant, or Fan Club liaison).
At least it's a starting point. Look for my private email and good luck.
- Mary Ellen Mason
Clarification added April 23, 2007:
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Greg B.
Marketing/PR/public affairs strategist - I turn complex business and policy issues into compelling stories and campaigns
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Check out whorepresents.com (reads like "whore presents" but is "who represents"). It's not free (but not expensive, either) and it's the leading web database of celebrity agents, publicists, etc.
Good luck!
Peter B.
CTO, CMO, entrepreneur, creative, iOS developer
Best Answers in: Small Business (1), Starting Up (1)
Hi Howard:
best of luck in your quest. I did a little google-ing and here's what I found. This link specifies her address in Brentwood CA. I would recommend writing a letter, or sending a fedex requiring a signature.
Good luck,
