Diane Ford, 68, a respected stand-up comedian and Las Vegas star, succumbed to cancer on April 30, 2024. The news of her passing was confirmed by her nephew, Wes Roberts, in Sarasota, Florida.
Ford’s legacy in comedy is notable, marked by her acute sense of humor and dominant stage charisma.
Throughout her career, Ford left an indelible imprint on television over several decades. Her appearances included HBO specials like “Women of the Night II” in 1988 and “Command Performance” in 1990. In the early ’90s, she was seen in multiple episodes of “One Night Stand.” She also graced the stage of A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and made 13 appearances on Fox’s “Comic Strip Live.” Her performances in the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon were noteworthy, contributing eight performances to fundraising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ford was born in Waseca, Minnesota on September 4, 1955. After losing both her parents to a car accident at the age of 14, she lived with different relatives, in foster homes, and finally at a Catholic girls’ boarding school. Ford once reflected, “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 Comedian of the Year award at the American Comedy Awards. She was the main act for the show, “Diane Ford’s Cosmopolitan Comedy,” at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. She also performed on Carnival cruises and at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota when she wasn’t touring.
Les McCurdy, co-owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, admired Ford’s strength 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,” McCurdy said.
Fellow comedian Tim Allen also praised Ford. He revealed in a magazine interview that he would invite Ford to dinner if he could choose three comedians. “She is a very funny comedienne,” said Allen, noting her ability to keep everyone grounded and entertained. Ford also contributed to Allen’s TV show “Home Improvement” by writing an episode in 1994.
Self-depreciation was a common theme in Ford’s humor, often involving her husband, John. Her nephew shared that John enjoyed being a part of her performances. “I could always tell when the punchline was coming,” John had mentioned. “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 ability to transform personal suffering into humor touched many hearts and secured her spot in the comedy industry.
Those wishing to honor Ford’s memory can donate to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida. This charitable gesture mirrors her love for animals and commitment to philanthropy.
