Pauline Phillips Biography

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.