Chelsea Handler Celebrates 50 with Skis, New Book, and Bold Comedy

LOS ANGELES, California — Comedian Chelsea Handler made a splash as she celebrated her 50th birthday with an unconventional gathering of over 20 women on Idaho’s Soldier Mountain this March. Riding the slopes in her signature bikini and sharing the event with her followers on social media, Handler marked the occasion that combined adventure with professional success.

Coinciding with her birthday, Handler released her seventh book, “I’ll Have What She’s Having,” which quickly soared to the top of The New York Times bestseller list, marking her sixth book to achieve No. 1 status. “I wanted to make sure that even if it wasn’t No. 1, that I would be grateful and gracious,” Handler explained. “To find out that it was No. 1 when I had accepted that it may not be was the best news.”

On this milestone day, Handler engaged in several high-profile press activities, with talk shows celebrating her birthday featuring live audiences singing “Happy Birthday” and cake waiting in greenrooms. “This is a really manipulative way to spend your birthday if you need attention,” she joked.

Handler shows no signs of slowing down. This Tuesday, she will release her new Netflix comedy special, “The Feeling,” which shares thematic elements with her recent book. Among the standout stories in both the book and the special, she reflects on her near encounter with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is currently running for mayor. “I’m all for giving people a second chance,” she said regarding his candidacy.

Delving into her childhood in New Jersey, Handler shared insights into her early years and evolving self-identity. “Who were you before the world really besmirched you? When you were untouched and unscathed?” she mused, capturing a sentiment that resonates throughout her work.

Handler celebrates her independence, emphasizing pride in her choice to remain single and child-free. “I’m valuable without a husband,” she asserted. “I’m a queen with or without a husband, and so are all women. I firmly believe that.” Jenny Mollen, an actor and writer, echoed her sentiment, acknowledging Handler’s role in inspiring her own career.

Despite her success, Handler remains relatable, admitting to a sexual awakening in her 50s. “When you hit your 50s, you start caring a lot less about what people think,” she reflected, while humorously speculating about her romantic future after a recent breakup with comedian Jo Koy.

As she promotes her book and comedy special, Handler continues to host the Critics’ Choice Awards, describing the experience as “the perfect evening” that includes drinking and laughing with A-list celebrities. On stage, she joked about the challenges women face in late-night television, underscoring the entertainment industry’s gender imbalance.

Handler’s influence extends to several rising female comedians, such as “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder, who considers Handler a mentor. Fortune Feimster, who worked with Handler on “Chelsea Lately,” shared her gratitude for Handler’s support during her early career.

In a pursuit to connect with audiences, Handler is also preparing for a Las Vegas residency, performing monthly until 2027 at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan, a venue where her comedic presence has reportedly brought good luck at the tables. “I’ve made that casino lucky,” she said, inviting fans to join her for shows.

With various projects underway, Handler emphasizes the importance of human connection in her work. “I love people, I love interpersonal affairs,” she noted, hinting at the depths explored in her podcast, “Dear Chelsea.” She revels in the discussions that allow her to connect with her audience on a personal level.

While Handler has had her share of doubts about her past, she remains hopeful for the future. “Women are not going anywhere,” she stated, tying her outlook to societal movements, such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. “Our government right now is a death cough of white supremacy. I’m not losing hope. This is a moment in time,” she concluded, emphasizing perseverance amidst challenges.