When you search for a name as common as Laura Hayes, things get messy fast. You’re likely looking for the comedy powerhouse—the legendary "Queen of Comedy" who shared the stage with Sommore and Mo'Nique. Or maybe you're thinking of the talented food writer or even a local figure you once knew. Because there have been several recent obituaries for women sharing the same name, rumors have started to swirl.
So, let’s clear the air: As of early 2026, the famous comedian and actress Laura Hayes is very much alive.
She’s actually been quite busy. If you grew up watching Martin or caught her on BET’s ComicView, you know she’s a force of nature. Recently, she’s leaned into her legacy, doing long-form interviews that dive into her journey from being a former felon to becoming a comedy icon. She hasn’t disappeared; she’s just evolved.
Why the "Is Laura Hayes Still Alive" Rumors Started
Confusion is usually born out of a mix of coincidental timing and the way search engines handle death notices. In the last year or so, a few notable women named Laura Hayes have passed away, and their obituaries have climbed the search rankings.
- Laura O. "Tiny" Hayes: A beloved woman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away in August 2025. Because she was a prominent figure in her community, her obituary was widely shared, leading many to wonder if "Tiny" was the comedian they knew from TV.
- Laura A. Hayes: Another woman by the same name, a dedicated community volunteer from Evanston, Illinois, passed away in late 2025 at the age of 74.
- Laura Christine Hayes: A younger woman with this name passed away in 2023, which also triggered a wave of "Is she gone?" searches.
When these tragic events happen, Google's algorithms sometimes surface the word "Obituary" next to the name "Laura Hayes." If you aren't looking closely at the photos or the biographies, it’s easy to panic. But the Laura Hayes who made us laugh on The Parkers and Meet the Browns is still here.
The Comedian: Where is She Now?
Honestly, Miss Laura Hayes (as many fans call her) has stayed remarkably consistent. She’s always been open about her past, often referring to her journey as "Felon to Funny." That’s not just a catchy slogan; it’s her life story. She spent time in prison before the comedy world found her, and that grit is exactly why her stand-up feels so real.
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In 2024 and 2025, she appeared in several retrospective interviews and "Queens of Comedy" reunions. She’s been active on the podcast circuit, talking about the "Power of the Sisterhood" and how the comedy landscape has shifted since the 90s.
She hasn't retired. She’s just more selective. You won't see her doing a 50-city tour every year, but she still shows up for the culture. She’s been vocal about the importance of mental health and staying grounded in an industry that can be incredibly fickle.
Deciphering the "Other" Laura Hayes Figures
Beyond the comedy world, there are a few other high-profile people with this name that might be popping up on your feed. It’s a good idea to know who’s who so you don’t get hit with more "death hoaxes."
- The Food Writer: Laura Hayes was the long-time food editor for the Washington City Paper. She's a heavy hitter in the D.C. culinary scene and later joined World Central Kitchen. She is active and continues to influence the food world.
- The Theatre Maker: There is a Laura Hayes based in Singapore who is a theatre-maker and academic. She recently staged a play called Dive in late 2024.
- The Brand Executive: In the UK, there’s a Laura Hayes who works as a senior celebrity and brand partnership executive. If you see her name linked to "Celebrity Traitors" or influencer marketing, that’s her.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake fans make is assuming that "no news is bad news." We live in an era where if a celebrity isn't posting a TikTok every six hours, people assume they've passed away or moved to a remote island.
Laura Hayes (the comedian) has always been "kinda" private compared to the modern influencer. She belongs to a generation of performers who value the work more than the "clout." Her absence from the daily tabloid cycle doesn't mean she isn't active; it just means she’s living her life on her own terms.
Verifying Celebrity Status Safely
If you ever see a headline claiming a celebrity has died, do yourself a favor: check the source. "Breaking news" from a random Facebook page or a TikTok account with three followers is almost always a lie designed to get clicks.
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Real news about someone of Laura Hayes' stature would be covered by major outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or BET. If the only thing you see is a generic-looking "tribute" video on YouTube with AI-generated narration, it's fake.
Final Word on Laura Hayes' Current Status
The comedy legend is alive, well, and still as sharp-tongued as ever. She continues to be an inspiration for people who believe in second chances. If you want to support her, the best thing you can do is revisit her work. Go watch The Queens of Comedy or find her old Def Comedy Jam sets.
Actionable Next Steps
- Follow her official channels: To stay updated on her actual movements, look for verified social media accounts rather than relying on search engine "snippets."
- Check the dates: When looking at obituaries, always check the birth years and locations. Most of the confusion stems from mixing up our favorite comedian with private citizens who unfortunately shared her name.
- Support the legacy: Share her classic clips. The best way to combat "death rumors" is to keep a performer's work alive and trending for the right reasons.