Pauline Phillips

Description: (Newspaper columnist)

Pauline Phillips, best known by her pen name “Abigail Van Buren”, was an American advice columnist who authored the famous “Dear Abby” column. Her identical twin, Esther Lederer, who wrote under the pen name “Ann Landers”, was also a columnist. Pauline was one of the most popular and adored advice columnists and is credited with transforming a dull “lonely hearts” section into one of the wittiest features of the paper. Her writing infused a fresh mix of humour, compassion, and quirkiness that quickly made her a household name in America. Covering topics ranging from sex to religion, and politics to philosophy, her column churned delightful pieces of counsel. While her career flourished, her relationship with her sister took a nosedive. Phillips’ “Dear Abby” was a direct competition to Lederer’s “Ask Ann Landers”. This led to a very public falling out between the sisters and continued for over a decade. The feud only fuelled their popularity. However, in 1964, they put aside their differences and reconciled. She continued to charm readers with her advice for 46 years till she officially retired and passed the reins to her daughter Jeanne. Even today, Pauline is recognised as a force that helped shape America’s moral conscience for over four decades.

Overview

Birthday July 4, 1918 (Cancer)
Alternative names Pauline Esther Friedman, Abigail Van Buren, Pauline Esther Phillips, Popo Phillips
Died on January 16, 2013
Parents
Children Jeanne Phillips
Relatives Eppie Lederer

Did you know

When did Pauline Phillips start writing her advice column Dear Abby? Pauline Phillips started writing her advice column "Dear Abby" in 1956.
What was Pauline Phillips' inspiration for starting her advice column Dear Abby? Pauline Phillips was inspired to start her advice column "Dear Abby" by her twin sister Esther Lederer, who wrote the competing advice column "Ask Ann Landers".
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