Have You Heard the One about...? Phyllis Diller's Gag File

This exhibition explores the genius of actress and stand-up comic Phyllis Diller. Her comedic persona—complete with zany costumes and raucous laugh—pushed the boundaries and traditional values of her 1950s audience and broke the gender barrier present in stand-up comedy at the time. She paved the way for future generations of female comics. Objects on view include Diller's 48-drawer steel filing cabinet containing more than 50,000 jokes and gags, wig, wrist-length gloves, ankle boots, and bejeweled cigarette holder.