40 Facts About Chelsea Handler

Early Life and Family

Chelsea Handler's journey began in Livingston, New Jersey. Her family background and early experiences shaped her unique perspective and comedic style.

1. Birth and Family: Chelsea Joy Handler was born on February 25, 1975, to Rita, a Mormon mother from Germany, and Seymour Handler, a Jewish father. She is the youngest of six siblings.

2. Early Life: Growing up in a large family, Handler faced a significant tragedy when her oldest brother, Chet, died in a hiking accident when she was just nine years old.

3. Education: Handler did not follow a traditional educational path, opting to focus on her career in entertainment instead of pursuing a college degree.

4. Miss New Jersey Pageant: At 18, Handler competed in the Miss New Jersey pageant. Although she didn't win, this experience helped her develop confidence and stage presence.

Career Beginnings

Chelsea Handler's career took off when she moved to Los Angeles, where she transitioned from acting to stand-up comedy.

5. Career Beginnings: Handler moved to Los Angeles at 19 to pursue acting but soon found her calling in stand-up comedy, performing at various clubs around the city.

6. Girls Behaving Badly: In 2002, Handler starred in Oxygen's hidden-camera show Girls Behaving Badly, gaining fans with her brassy, self-deprecating style.

7. First Book: Handler published her first book, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands, in 2005. The book is a series of comedic short essays about her dating life.

Breakthrough with Television

Handler's big break came with her own television shows, which showcased her unique comedic voice.

8. The Chelsea Handler Show: In 2006, Handler got her own program on E!, The Chelsea Handler Show, featuring comedy sketches and segments of her live stand-up act.

9. Chelsea Lately: Handler's breakthrough came with Chelsea Lately, which premiered on E in 2007 and ran until 2014. The show was unique for its mix of low-grade and A-list celebrity guests.

10. After Lately: A sitcom based on the backstage goings-on of Chelsea Lately, titled After Lately, debuted on E in 2011, with Handler serving as an executive producer.

Expanding Her Horizons

Handler's career continued to evolve with various roles in TV shows, books, and even documentaries.

11. In the Motherhood: In 2007, Handler appeared in the online comedy series In the Motherhood, which was later adapted into a short-lived TV series in 2009.

12. The Practice: Handler showcased her versatility by guest-starring on the TV show The Practice in 2004.

13. Reno 911: She also appeared on Reno 911! in 2004, further demonstrating her comedic range.

14. The Bernie Mac Show: Handler guest-starred on The Bernie Mac Show in 2004, adding to her diverse television credits.

15. The Good Wife: In 2011, she appeared as herself on The Good Wife, highlighting her ability to make appearances in various TV shows.

Hosting and Documentaries

Handler's talents extended to hosting major events and creating thought-provoking documentaries.

16. MTV Video Music Awards: In 2010, Handler hosted the MTV Video Music Awards, following in the footsteps of comedians like Chris Rock and Jack Black.

17. Documentary Series: Handler released a four-part comedic documentary series titled Chelsea Does on Netflix in January 2016, exploring controversial subjects like marriage and racism.

18. Chelsea Talk Show: In May 2016, Handler premiered her Netflix original comedy talk show Chelsea, which aimed to be more serious than Chelsea Lately.

Literary Success

Handler's books have been a significant part of her career, with several reaching best-seller status.

19. Book Success: Handler has written six books that reached #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List, including My Horizontal Life and Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea.

20. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang: Released in 2010, Handler's third book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, became a best seller, and she went on a nationwide tour to promote it.

21. Uganda Be Kidding Me: In 2014, Handler published Uganda Be Kidding Me, chronicling her travel mishaps. The book was followed by a stand-up show titled Uganda Be Kidding Me: Live on Netflix.

22. Life Will Be the Death of Me: Handler's memoir Life Will Be the Death of Me, published in April 2019, focuses on her year of self-discovery and reached the top of The New York Times Bestsellers List.

Advocacy and Activism

Handler is known for her outspoken views and activism on various social issues.

23. Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea: In 2019, Handler released a documentary titled Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea, exploring the impact of white privilege on culture.

24. Grammy Nomination: Handler earned a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album for her 2020 HBO Max comedy special Evolution.

25. Revolution Comedy Special: In 2022, Handler returned to Netflix with her critically acclaimed comedy special Revolution.

26. Dear Chelsea Podcast: In 2021, Handler launched her iHeart Radio advice podcast Dear Chelsea, blending her comedic style with practical guidance.

27. Vaccinated and Horny Tour: Handler's Vaccinated and Horny Tour in 2021 saw her performing stand-up in over 90 cities across North America, winning “The Comedy Act of 2021” at the People’s Choice Awards.

Personal Life and Legacy

Handler's personal life and legacy in the entertainment industry are as intriguing as her career.

28. Activism and Advocacy: Handler is an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality, often intertwining her activism with her comedy.

29. Personal Life: Handler lives in Los Angeles with her older brother, Roy Handler, who also serves as her personal chef. She has stated she does not plan to have children.

30. Height and Nickname: Standing at 5’6” (1.68 m), Handler is often referred to as “The Sexy Handler” due to her confident and provocative stage presence.

31. Awards and Nominations: Handler has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, reflecting her significant impact on the entertainment industry.

Diverse TV Credits

Handler's television appearances and production work showcase her versatility and influence.

32. TV Credits: Handler has produced several TV shows, including Chelsea Lately, After Lately, The Josh Wolf Show, and Chelsea. She has also appeared in various TV series such as The Muppets and The Bernie Mac Show.

33. Documentary Work: In addition to Chelsea Does, Handler has worked on documentaries like We Still Rise (2018) and Hello, Privilege. It’s Me, Chelsea (2019).

34. Stand-up Specials: Handler has released several stand-up specials, including Uganda Be Kidding Me: Live (2014), Chelsea Handler: Evolution (2020), and Chelsea Handler: Revolution (2022).

35. Guest Hosting: In 2023, Handler guest-hosted four episodes of The Daily Show, demonstrating her versatility in hosting roles beyond her own talk shows.

Impact on Pop Culture

Handler's influence extends beyond her own work, making her a significant figure in contemporary entertainment.

36. Impact on Pop Culture: Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2012, Handler's significant impact on contemporary entertainment is undeniable.

37. Comedy Style: Known for her earthy, bawdy style of comedy, Handler's sarcastic and critical views on A-list celebrities have made her a household name.

38. Netflix Deal: Handler's deal with Netflix began with Chelsea Does in 2016 and continued with Chelsea, solidifying her relationship with the streaming giant.

39. Publishing Imprint: In 2010, Handler was given her own publishing imprint, Borderline Amazing/A Chelsea Handler Book, allowing her to produce and publish her own books.

40. Legacy: Chelsea Handler has paved the way for future female comedians and talk show hosts, leaving a lasting impact on the world of comedy and beyond.

Chelsea Handler's Impact

Chelsea Handler's journey from a small-town girl to a major force in entertainment is nothing short of inspiring. Her bold, brassy humor and fearless approach to tackling controversial topics have made her a standout figure in comedy. With hit shows like Chelsea Lately and Chelsea Does, along with best-selling books and successful stand-up specials, she's proven her versatility and staying power. Handler's activism and advocacy for social issues add another layer to her influence, making her not just a comedian but a significant cultural voice. Whether she's making us laugh or think, Chelsea Handler continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Her legacy is a testament to the power of authenticity, humor, and a relentless drive to push boundaries.