Stand-up comedian and Las Vegas show headliner, Diane Ford, died on April 30, 2024, in Sarasota, Florida at 68 years old, following a battle with cancer. Her nephew, Wes Roberts, confirmed the news of her passing. Ford was acclaimed in the comedy circuit for her razor-sharp humor and commanding stage presence.
Throughout her multi-decade career, Ford made significant contributions to television. She featured in HBO specials like “Women of the Night II” (1988) and “Command Performance” (1990), and starred in multiple episodes of “One Night Stand” in the early 1990s. She also graced the stage of A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and appeared 13 times on Fox’s “Comic Strip Live.” Her eight performances on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon helped raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ford was born on September 4, 1955, in Waseca, Minnesota. She faced adversity early in life when she lost both of her parents in a car accident at 14. This led to her living with various family members, in foster homes, and eventually in a Catholic girls’ boarding school. Reflecting on her experiences, she once noted, “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.”
Over her career, Ford was nominated 11 times for the American Comedy Awards’ Comedian of the Year. She was the star attraction of her own show, “Diane Ford’s Cosmopolitan Comedy,” at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. Apart from her tours, she also performed on Carnival cruises and at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.
Les McCurdy, co-owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, lauded Ford’s strength and autonomy. “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,” he said.
Comedian Tim Allen, who was a contemporary of Ford, also acknowledged her comedic prowess. In an interview, he stated that if he could invite three comedians to dinner, Diane Ford would be one of them. “She is a very funny comedienne,” said Allen, emphasizing her ability to keep people engaged and amused. Ford even wrote an episode of Allen’s TV show “Home Improvement” in 1994.
Ford’s humor often revolved around self-deprecation and her husband, John. Her nephew revealed that John relished being included in her performances. “I could always tell when the punchline was coming,” John stated. “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 members. Her legacy in the comedy circuit is influential and enduring. Her ability to transform personal suffering into laughter has left an indelible mark in the world of comedy.
Contributions in Ford’s memory may be directed to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida, a testament to her love for animals and dedication to philanthropic causes.