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"The day I grab my crotch, it'll mean it's falling off."

That's one of the many gems (about Madonna) you'll get from veteran comedienne Phyllis Diller in this interview over at MSNBC. The 89 year-old, who I have always found to be very funny, "offically" retired four years ago, but she has a recurring role on Family Guy and still pops up in TV (Robot Chicken, The Bold and the Beautiful) and movies, like her appearance in The Aristocrats. But she's not doing any standup touring anymore (neither would you if you were pushing 90), and spends a lot of time painting.

In the interview, Diller also gives her opinion on a variety of topics, including O.J. Simpson ("what an ass"), Michael Richards ("he should have just crawled into a hole and shut up"), and the plastic surgery she's had in the past.

There's a documentary out of her final performance in 2002, and it's available on DVD.

[via Pop Candy]

Every generation produces its share of great comedians, but it's always nice to look back on history and remember those who helped pave the way for those who followed. Even if her comedy wasn't your cup of tea, you can't deny that Phyllis Diller was a pioneer, a woman who broke the mold and made it okay for women to forge their way in a faction of show business long dominated by men, and she did it with a tenacity and fearlessness that rivaled a majority of her male counterparts. She was cracking wise about being a housewife and mother long before comedians like Roseanne would tread the same path.

Today, Gregg Barson's film about Diller's final 2002 performance will be released on DVD. The film, titled Goodnight, We Love You, focuses on the days leading up to the performance, and includes reflections from comedy legends and younger comedians who worked with Diller, or were influenced by her comedy.

The DVD is also available through Netflix.