Phyllis Lazarow - A Life In Laughter, Song, And Style (1931 - 2025)

Born in the Bronx in 1931, Phyllis began her career as a singing comedienne, entertaining audiences throughout New York and the famed Catskills resort circuit — better known as the Borscht Belt. During that time, she shared stages with some of the greats — Sammy Davis Jr., Alan King, Buddy Hackett, and Henny Youngman — holding her own among comedy legends with her sharp wit, fearless timing, and radiant charm. She loved the stage, but even more, she loved people.

When she eventually traded show business for small business, she brought the same charisma and confidence to Hallandale Beach. Opening Phyllis Lazarow Salon was less a career change than a venue change — she simply swapped a spotlight for salon lights. Though she never touched a head of hair, she became the most famous salon owner in town. Phyllis’s secret? She knew beauty wasn’t just about how you looked — it was about how you felt.

For over two decades, she transformed a simple beauty salon into a stage filled with laughter, music, and warmth. Regulars came for their weekly appointments and left with their spirits lifted. Husbands who once waited in the car quickly learned to come inside — not for the gossip, but to hear Phyllis tell a joke, sing a song, or deliver a one-liner worthy of a comedy club.

Her humor was legendary, her kindness genuine, and her ability to connect with people unmatched. Phyllis had a way of making everyone feel like the star of the show — even when she was clearly the headliner.

Her daughter, Michele, followed in her entrepreneurial footsteps as the owner of Absolutely Fabulous, another Hallandale Beach favorite. And just like her mother, Michele couldn’t go anywhere without hearing, “Are you Phyllis’ daughter?” She even considered changing the name of her store from Absolutely Fabulous to Phyllis Lazarow’s Daughter.

Later, when Michele ran for City Commission in 2012, knocking on doors across the city, the same question followed — only this time, it came with instant support: “Are you Phyllis’ daughter? You’ve got my vote.” Michele proudly credits her mother’s reputation, warmth, and connection to the community for helping her win that first citywide election. Thirteen years later, she serves as the city’s Vice Mayor — proof that Phyllis’s legacy of humor, heart, and hometown love lives on.

Beyond the salon, Phyllis was a proud mother, devoted friend, community pillar and a loving wife. She believed life was meant to be lived out loud — preferably with good company, good stories, and a little lipstick.

Phyllis will be remembered for her laughter, her love, and her gift for turning ordinary moments into memories that still make us smile.