Pauline Phillips

Date of Birth: July 4, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 16, 2013

Biography

Pauline Phillips, born Pauline Esther Friedman, was an iconic American journalist best known for her widely syndicated advice column “Dear Abby.” She was born on July 4, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa. Pauline and her identical twin sister, Esther Pauline Friedman, who later became known as Ann Landers, both pursued careers as advice columnists and became household names. Pauline began writing “Dear Abby” in 1956, after convincing the editor of the San Francisco Chronicle to allow her to take on an advice column. Her straightforward, witty, and empathetic responses quickly garnered a large following. Over her career, Phillips became one of the most influential voices in American culture, offering advice on a wide range of personal issues and creating a lasting legacy in the world of journalism. Pauline married Morton Phillips in 1939, and together they had two children. Despite facing competition from her sister’s column, Pauline’s “Dear Abby” became a cultural touchstone, read by millions daily. Her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, eventually took over the column as Pauline’s health began to decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. Pauline Phillips passed away on January 16, 2013, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, leaving behind a rich legacy of compassion, wisdom, and humor.

5 Interesting Facts about Pauline Phillips

1. Pauline Phillips and her twin sister, Esther, both became famous advice columnists, known respectively as “Dear Abby” and “Ann Landers.”

2. “Dear Abby” was first published in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1956 and quickly became one of the most widely syndicated columns in the world.

3. Pauline was known for her sharp wit and straightforward advice, often delivering her responses with a touch of humor.

4. She and her sister had a famous rivalry but reconciled later in life.

5. Pauline’s daughter, Jeanne Phillips, took over the “Dear Abby” column in 2000 when Pauline’s health began to decline.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pauline Phillips

1. “The best index to a person’s character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back.”

2. “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”

3. “It is almost impossible to throw dirt on someone without getting a little on yourself.”

4. “There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who walk into a room and say, ‘There you are!’ and those who say, ‘Here I am!’”

5. “Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Pauline Phillips’ highest net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Pauline Phillips had two children with her husband, Morton Phillips. Their daughter, Jeanne Phillips, succeeded her as the author of the “Dear Abby” column. They also had a son named Edward Jay Phillips.