Stand-up comedian D'yan Forest set for a performance at Joe's Pub in celebration of her 91st birthday
D'yan Forest: A Comedian Breaking Barriers at 91
D'yan Forest, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest working comedian, is set to celebrate her 91st birthday with a unique performance at Joe's Pub in Manhattan on July 31.
Born Diana Shulman in the suburbs of Boston, Forest has had a life filled with experiences that have shaped her into the performer she is today. She acknowledges the rise of Jewish hate globally and believes in the power of comedy to educate and enlighten people.
Forest's comedy is known for its sexy, risqué, and self-deprecating nature, earning her the nickname "the filthy Betty White." She has performed at various venues in New York City, including The Wild Project, Caroline's on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and a canoe shed on the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn.
Her new show, titled "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water," marks a departure from her usual routines as it addresses antisemitism, a topic she has not previously discussed. The show includes a parody of the song "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof, with lyrics that reflect her experiences as a Jewish woman in the world today.
Forest's career evolved from playing the ukulele and singing to stand-up comedy at the age of 70. She began her career by learning to play the ukulele at the age of 16 and also took piano lessons starting at age 5. After graduating college, she had dreams of settling in Paris, but her parents had other plans for her.
Forest moved to an apartment in the West Village, New York City, in 1966, where she still resides today. She took singing and acting lessons in the city and was a member of a singing and ukulele group. Her shows confront themes of identity, love, and belonging, blending humor with personal themes.
Forest's experiences in Paris are recounted in her self-published memoir, titled "I Did It My Ways." She spent a summer in France during her junior year at Middlebury College, an experience that was life-changing for her. She fell in love with the French culture, perfected her French language skills, and made many connections.
Forest often travels to France to perform in cabaret and comedy shows. She has appeared on various television shows, including Saturday Night Live, France's Got Talent, the Drew Barrymore Show, and Comedy Central.
Forest hopes to continue performing, playing golf, and traveling, but acknowledges that at her age, she takes each day as it comes. Her show at Joe's Pub on July 31 will not be the first time she has performed there for her birthday; she has celebrated three other birthdays performing at the venue, including her 90th.
To secure your tickets for D'yan Forest's show on July 31, visit publictheater.org/performances-jp/2025/d/d-yan-forest-a-gefilte-fish-out-of-water/.
[1] New York Times: D'yan Forest, the Oldest Working Comedian, Turns 91 [2] The Guardian: D'yan Forest: the oldest working comedian
- D'yan Forest's unique birthday performance at Joe's Pub in Manhattan, catering to her lifestyle of breaking barriers, promises to incorporate elements of entertainment, including a parody of a popular song and discussions on antisemitism, mirroring the career trajectory of celebrities who are not afraid to tackle challenging topics.
- Amidst her celebrated career, D'yan Forest's lifestyle exhibits a blend of entertainment and personal experiences, evidenced by her television appearances, theatrical performances, and self-published memoir, showcasing the life and journey of a Hollywood-bound Jewish woman, reflecting the stories of countless celebrities who have navigated the intricate world of show business.
