On April 30, 2024, the comedy world mourned the loss of Diane Ford, a celebrated stand-up comedian and headliner in Las Vegas. At the age of 68, Ford succumbed to cancer in Sarasota, Florida, as confirmed by her nephew, Wes Roberts.
Ford’s sharp wit and powerful stage presence left an indelible mark on the world of comedy.
Ford’s influence on comedy extended to television, with a career that spanned several decades. She graced HBO specials such as “Women of the Night II” and “Command Performance” in the late ’80s and early ’90s, respectively. Ford also featured in multiple episodes of “One Night Stand” and made appearances on A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and Fox’s “Comic Strip Live.” Her eight performances on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon significantly contributed to fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ford was born on September 4, 1955, in Waseca, Minnesota, and had a difficult childhood marked by the loss of both parents in a car accident when she was 14. This forced her into various foster homes and eventually a Catholic girls’ boarding school. 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.”
Throughout her career, Ford was nominated 11 times for the Comedian of the Year at the American Comedy Awards. She had her own show, “Diane Ford’s Cosmopolitan Comedy,” at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. As well as performing on Carnival cruises, Ford was a regular at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.
Les McCurdy, co-owner of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, spoke highly of 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 fellow comedian, also appreciated her talent. In a magazine interview, he named Ford as one of three comedians he would invite to dinner, stating, “She is a very funny comedienne.” Ford’s talent extended to writing, with a 1994 episode of Allen’s TV show “Home Improvement” to her credit.
Ford’s self-deprecating humor often included her husband, John, who enjoyed being part of her performances. According to John, “I could always tell when the punchline was coming. I enjoyed watching the audience react, often with drinks coming out of their noses at the perfect moment!”
Surviving Ford are her husband, John, stepsons Rhett and Travis, her grandsons, and other close family members. Her legacy in comedy lives on through her unique ability to transform personal pain into laughter, a talent that deeply touched her audiences and carved her a solid place in the comedy industry.
In memory of Ford, donations can be made to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida, reflecting her love for animals and her dedication to charitable causes.
