D’yan Forest enjoys swimming, golfing, and performing a 10-minute comedy set at Gotham Comedy Club which brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
D’yan Forest, the world’s oldest female comedian, recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a one-woman comedy show at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan. The event drew over 100 attendees and marked a significant milestone in her career. According to Guinness World Records, she holds the title of the oldest female comedian globally.
Ms. Forest’s comedic style often includes humor about her age, using it as a humorous opener to connect with her audience. She jokes about her age at the beginning of her shows, setting a lighthearted tone for the performance. This approach has proven to be a hit with audiences, regardless of their demographics.
Before transitioning to comedy, D’yan Forest was involved in cabaret performances, where she sang in French while playing the piano. However, after the events of September 11, 2001, she noticed a decline in attendance at her shows. In response to this shift in audience preferences, she decided to explore comedy as a new avenue for her talents. In 2003, she began working with a comedy coach and quickly started performing short sets at various venues across Manhattan, including well-known comedy clubs like Comic Strip Live and Carolines on Broadway.
Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Ms. Forest moved to a one-bedroom apartment in the West Village of New York City in 1966 following a divorce and a period of performing in Paris. She chronicled her life experiences in her self-published memoir, titled “I Did It My Ways,” which offers a glimpse into her journey as an artist and entertainer.
A typical day for D’yan Forest starts early, with her waking up naturally around 7 a.m. Despite her desire to sleep longer, she finds herself feeling tired due to her age. She used to make coffee on the stove but now uses an electric coffee maker due to a gas outage in her building. Her morning routine includes reading The New York Times, a cherished ritual that she enjoys, savoring the act of turning the pages and staying informed.
As a seasoned performer with decades of experience in the entertainment industry, D’yan Forest continues to captivate audiences with her wit and charm. Her resilience and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances have allowed her to reinvent herself and find success in the world of comedy, making her an inspiration to aspiring comedians and artists of all ages.
Source: The NY Times
