Phil Ford (comedian)
| Phil Ford | |
|---|---|
 Publicity photo of Hines and Ford. | |
| Born |
June 21, 1919 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died |
June 15, 2005 (aged 85) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Occupation | Comedian, musician, vaudeville |
| Spouse(s) | |
Phil Ford (June 21, 1919 – June 15, 2005) was a vaudeville performer, musician, and comedian, whose career spanned over seven decades.
Life and career
Ford was born in San Francisco, California.
He started in show business at the age of 12, playing clarinet in a big band. He later attended the University of California at Berkeley and joined the Army during World War II. He served as a military band leader while in the Army.
After the war, he continued his career in music and comedy.
He met his future wife, singer and dancer Mimi Hines in 1952, hiring her after his former female partner broke her ankle. They were married in 1954, his second marriage. Thus began the comedy and music team of Ford and Hines.
In 1958, they appeared on Jack Paar's "Tonight Show", which launched a succession of guest appearances on TV variety shows. They appeared as guests on the shows of Johnny Carson, Ed Sullivan, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin.
Phil was the writer of all of their comedy routines.
When Mimi was offered the role of Fanny Brice in the hit musical "Funny Girl" in 1965 (which was being vacated by Barbra Steisand), Ford was given the part of Eddie to enhance the marquee value.
They also made one film together, Saturday Night in Apple Valley in 1965.
Hines and Ford divorced in 1972.
Ford died in his sleep at age 85 in Las Vegas, where he had lived the last half of his life.