Tippi Hedren, Phyllis Diller and Alison Arngrim Photo

From: Photo Flash: 'An Evening with Phyllis Diller' At The Magic Castle

Among the many topics discussed on Sunday June 21st at the Magic Castle's Inner Circle gathering featuring the comedic icon Phyllis Diller, was how she was one of the long and impressive list of Dolly's such as Carol Channing, Ginger Rogers, Pearl Bailey and Ethel Merman to perform at the St James Theatre in Jerry Herman's HELLO DOLLY! 'David Merrick wanted either George Burns or Jack Benny to do Dolly in drag, but couldn't get them so he settled for me,' says Ms. Diller, whom everyone referred to as Madam. 'Can you imagine? It would still be running on Broadway today!'