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Phyllis Robinson

1921 – 2010

American advertising executive

CopywriterLyricist
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About Phyllis Robinson

Lived 1921 – 2010 (aged 89). Phyllis Robinson was an American copywriter and lyricist, known for Doyle Dane Bernbach.

Phyllis Kenner Robinson (née Kenner, October 22, 1921 – December 31, 2010) was an advertising executive and copywriter who helped create numerous notable ad campaigns. She was a foundation employee of the US agency Doyle Dane Bernbach from 1949 and was instrumental in that agency's success and growth over the next twenty years.

Career Born in New York City, in 1942 Robinson earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in from Barnard College; included Robinson and the art director Bob Gage with whom she was teamed and would enjoy much creative success.

Robinson was Doyle Dane Bernbach's first chief copywriter. At DDB, she supervised a team that would produce a number of notable people in advertising, including Mary Wells Lawrence and Paula Green.

Robinson worked on memorable campaigns for numerous clients, including Ohrbach's, Henry S. Levy and Sons – "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's Real Jewish Rye", El Al Airlines, and Polaroid with a long running campaign featuring actors James Garner and Mariette Hartley.

Later, she also worked in theater, co-writing the lyrics for Cry for Us All. She also wrote the books, lyrics, and music for a 1995 musical based on Bernard Malamud's short story Angel Levine.

Personal life In 1944, she married Richard G. Robinson, and they had a daughter. Robinson quit full-time work at DDB in 1962 to raise her daughter, but continued to consult to the agency working three days a week through to 1968. Richard died in 2005.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Copywriter, lyricist
Nationality
Known for
Doyle Dane Bernbach
Education
Barnard College
Also known as
Phyllis Kenner Robinson

People in Phyllis Robinson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Phyllis Robinson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Phyllis Robinson?

American advertising executive (1921–2010)

When was Phyllis Robinson born?

Phyllis Robinson was born on 22 October 1921 in New York City.

When did Phyllis Robinson die?

Phyllis Robinson died on 31 December 2010 in New York City.

What was Phyllis Robinson's occupation?

Phyllis Robinson was a copywriter and lyricist.

What was Phyllis Robinson known for?

Phyllis Robinson was known for Doyle Dane Bernbach.

What nationality was Phyllis Robinson?

Phyllis Robinson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Phyllis Robinson

· Wikidata: Q7188618

· DBpedia: Phyllis Robinson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Phyllis Robinson. https://biography.guide/phyllis-robinson/

MLA: "Phyllis Robinson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/phyllis-robinson/.

Chicago: "Phyllis Robinson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/phyllis-robinson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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