Object Details
- Description (Brief)
- This handbag was used by Phyllis Diller on Circus of the Stars in 1983. The complete costume consists of a hot pink dress with lime green polka dots, lime green bloomers, a hot pink headband, a handbag with a metal insert designed to hold fish, and two pairs of pantyhose. Diller also wore a lime green clown wig with the costume. During the 8th Circus of the Stars Phyllis Diller performed at Sea World with Clyde the seal and a 3,000 pound walrus named Schmedley.
- Airing between 1977 and 1994, Circus of the Stars was an annual CBS television special that showcased celebrities performing circus acts. Phyllis Diller appeared on 3 episodes of the program—in 1983, 1985, and 1994. NMAH also has the costume she wore for Circus of the Stars Goes to Disneyland in 1994 (Catalog Number 2003.0289.07).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Date made
- ca 1983
- Credit Line
- Gift of Phyllis Diller
- Physical Description
- steel (overall material)
- cotton (overall material)
- synthetic fibers (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 6 in x 9 1/2 in x 3 1/4 in; 15.24 cm x 24.13 cm x 8.255 cm
- Object Name
- handbag
