Person Biography:
Phil Ford was a renowned comedian who spent seven decades in the entertainment industry. Born on June 21, 1919, in San Francisco, he began his career at the age of 12 playing clarinet in a big band. After serving in World War II, where he led the military band and saw action, Ford returned to show business, performing as a song-and-dance man and musician.
Ford's career took off in the 1950s when he met his future wife, Mimi Hines, a teenage singer-comedienne, in Alaska. They formed a successful duo, known for their clean and innocuous routines, which made them a staple on television variety shows, including "The Tonight Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show."
Ford and Hines also appeared in the Broadway musical "Funny Girl" in 1965, with Mimi stepping in for Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice. The duo also starred in the film "Saturday Night in Apple Valley" in 1965.
As the Vietnam War era approached, Ford and Hines' comedy routines did not resonate with the younger generation, leading to a decline in their careers and ultimately, their divorce in 1972. Despite this, they remained good friends and reunited on stage and in musical shows several times over the years.
Ford continued to perform in supper clubs and Vegas book shows, even starring in the musical "Sugar" in 1983. He remained a resident of Las Vegas for over four decades and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85.
