While appearing as a regular on the syndicated TV variety show "Braun & Company" in Cincinnati, Mark was asked to open for Phyllis Diller at the Beef and Boards Dinner Theater there, as well as in Indianapolis.  That was the beginning of a 18 year show business relationship. Each time Ms. Diller needed an opening act, Mark got the call. He appeared with Ms. Diller across the country at such clubs as: Caesar's Palace in Atlantic City, The Claridge Atlantic City, The Vapors in Hot Springs Arkansas, The Papermill Playhouse in Milford New Jersey, Club Ibis in New York City, Fiesta Dinner Playhouse in San Antonio Texas, and the McComb Center in Mt. Clemens Michigan. Ms. Diller has always referred to Mark as "her protégé" and the two stay in contact on a regular basis. Mark credits Ms. Diller for his comedic timing, as he learned how to edit from watching her work. Her advice of "if you can say it in three words, don't use four" is a lesson Mark uses every time he performs.