Diane Ford, the renowned stand-up comedian and Las Vegas headliner, passed away on April 30, 2024 at the age of 68, after battling cancer. Her nephew, Wes Roberts, confirmed her death in Sarasota, Florida. Ford left a significant mark on the comedy world, known for her sharp wit and commanding stage presence.
Ford’s career spanned several decades, during which she made a notable impact on television. She appeared in HBO specials such as “Women of the Night II” in 1988 and “Command Performance” in 1990. Ford also featured in multiple episodes of “One Night Stand” in the early ’90s. Additionally, she performed on A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and made 13 appearances on Fox’s “Comic Strip Live.” Her contributions to the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon were significant, with eight performances that helped raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Born on September 4, 1955, in Waseca, Minnesota, Ford experienced a challenging childhood. At the age of 14, she lost both parents in a car accident. This tragedy led her to live with various relatives, in foster homes, and eventually at a Catholic girls’ boarding school. Reflecting on her life, Ford once shared, “Many comedians have experienced personal tragedies. Much of their humor stems from this pain. If you can find a way to turn it into laughter, it helps to ease the burden.”
Ford received 11 nominations at the American Comedy Awards for Comedian of the Year throughout her career. She headlined her own show, “Diane Ford’s Cosmopolitan Comedy,” at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. When she wasn’t on tour, her performances extended to Carnival cruises and McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota.
Les McCurdy, co-owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, praised Ford’s resilience and independence. “I was so impressed with her strength as an independent woman. In the 1980s, she thrived in a predominantly male industry. She wasn’t intimidated by anyone and maintained a strong, assertive presence, allowing others only limited access. Essentially, she was a tough, no-nonsense figure.”
Tim Allen, a contemporary of Ford, also recognized her talent. In a magazine interview, he mentioned that if he could invite three comedians to dinner, one of them would be Diane Ford. “She is a very funny comedienne,” Allen said, highlighting her ability to keep everyone grounded and entertained. In 1994 Ford wrote an episode of Allen”s TV show “Home Improvement”.
Ford’s humor was often self-deprecating, frequently involving her husband, John. Her nephew mentioned that John loved being part of her performances. “I could always tell when the punchline was coming,” John said. “I enjoyed watching the audience react, often with drinks coming out of their noses at the perfect moment!”
Ford is survived by her husband, John, stepsons Rhett and Travis, her grandsons, and other close family. Her legacy in comedy remains strong. Her ability to turn personal pain into laughter touched many lives and cemented her place in the comedy world.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, reflecting her love for animals and commitment to charitable causes.