On April 30, 2024, Diane Ford, a respected stand-up comedian and Las Vegas show headliner, died at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Wes Roberts, in Sarasota, Florida. Ford’s wit and commanding stage presence left a lasting impression on the world of comedy.
Over several decades, Ford’s career had a significant impact on television. She starred in HBO specials, including “Women of the Night II” in 1988 and “Command Performance” in 1990, as well as in multiple episodes of “One Night Stand” in the early 1990s. Ford’s performances were also seen on A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and Fox’s “Comic Strip Live,” where she appeared 13 times. A regular contributor to the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, she performed eight times to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Born September 4, 1955 in Waseca, Minnesota, Ford’s early life was marked by hardship. She lost her parents in a car accident at age 14, leading her to live with different relatives, in foster homes, and eventually at a Catholic girls’ boarding school. Contemplating her life, Ford once stated, “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 was nominated 11 times for Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards and headlined “Diane Ford’s Cosmopolitan Comedy” at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. When not touring, she performed on Carnival cruises and at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.
Les McCurdy, co-owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, reflected on Ford’s resilience and independent spirit. “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 peer of Ford, also acknowledged her talent. In an interview, he mentioned that if he could invite three comedians to dinner, one of them would be Ford. “She is a very funny comedienne,” Allen said, noting her ability to keep everyone grounded and entertained. Ford wrote an episode of Allen’s TV show “Home Improvement” in 1994.
Ford’s humor often involved self-deprecating jokes about her husband, John. According to her nephew, John enjoyed being part of her act. “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!”
John, her husband, stepsons Rhett and Travis, her grandsons, and other close family members survive Ford. Her legacy in comedy continues to be influential. Her ability to turn personal adversity into laughter resonated with many and ensured her rightful place in comedic history.
Donations in Ford’s memory can be made to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida, a testament to her love for animals and dedication to philanthropic efforts.
