The Whistler Writers Festival (WWF) is set to host the renowned comedian and author Chelsea Handler for an engaging conversation on May 5, 2025, at the Rainbow Theatre in Whistler, Canada. Handler, known for her six consecutive New York Times bestsellers, will read from her latest book, I'll Have What She's Having, which explores personal anecdotes from her life, ranging from her childhood experiences to her encounters with Hollywood elites.
Jeanette Bruce, the program and communications coordinator at Whistler Public Library, will moderate the event. Handler's collection of stories promises to provide insights into her life, including humorous tales such as selling vodka-spiked lemonade as a child and her unexpected dinner with four-time Oscar winner Woody Allen. "I’m thrilled that Chelsea is coming to Whistler. She’s an inspiration to so many people because of her approach to life and her willingness to share openly and honestly about what matters and the messier aspects of being human," said Rebecca Wood Barrett, WWF artistic director, in a press release. "This event is not to be missed. Chelsea's writing is smart, insightful, and open, and we get to have her here, in person, talking about the many facets of her writing and work. It’s very exciting!"
Handler's visit to Whistler coincides with her upcoming European stand-up tour, where she humorously expressed her desire to find an overseas husband for pragmatic purposes. "I’m dying to get the hell out of my country," she admitted, hinting at her intentions to secure an international marriage license to enjoy a more peaceful life abroad. Handler plans to spend considerable time in London, attending events like Wimbledon and Glastonbury, while also performing her stand-up routines.
While Handler has long been a proponent of remaining unmarried and childless by choice, she seems to be contemplating a change. "I would live in London in two seconds," she declared. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles, temporarily staying in a friend's guest bedroom while her own home undergoes renovations. Handler’s unique birthday traditions, such as skiing in a bikini while sipping margaritas, have become a hallmark of her personality. This year, she celebrated her 50th birthday on the slopes, where she also microdosed LSD, describing the experience as one that enhances her enjoyment of the day.
Handler's latest book, I'll Have What She's Having, released on her birthday, is a collection of memoir-style essays that reflect her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. In it, she addresses her experiences with confidence, empowerment, and the changing landscape of female independence in society. "All of this is a reaction to female empowerment, female independence. Women are understanding that we can do things without being married, without having children, without men’s help. And all of that is a threat to white male patriarchy," she stated, highlighting the cultural shifts that have influenced her perspective.
Handler's career has been marked by her candidness about her life experiences, including her two abortions at the age of 16, which she described as a consequence of being young and uninformed. Reflecting on the political climate, she remarked, "The American people voted for this guy — twice. At some point, a country kind of deserves what they ask for." Her thoughts on the current political landscape are intertwined with her personal reflections, as she grapples with the implications of the #MeToo movement and its impact on society.
Despite her outspoken nature, Handler maintains a nuanced view of her relationships with others, including former President George W. Bush's daughters, with whom she is friends. In her book, she recounts a chance encounter with the former president while playing pickleball at the Bush family's holiday home. She also humorously recalls her infatuation with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during the Covid pandemic, a time when many sought strong leadership. "We were dehydrated for leadership," Handler quipped, adding that she even sent Cuomo topless pictures in a playful attempt to get his attention.
Handler's views on cancel culture have evolved as well. She expressed relief at its diminishing influence, stating, "If you learn your lesson and you show remorse and you are believably regretful about your past behavior, then you absolutely deserve a second chance." Her reflections on relationships extend to her past with hotelier André Balazs, who faced allegations of misconduct. Handler hopes he has learned from his mistakes, emphasizing the importance of personal growth.
Growing up in New Jersey as the youngest of six children, Handler's childhood was marked by financial struggles, which she candidly discusses in her writing. Her family's summer house on Martha's Vineyard, purchased for $35,000 in 1975, stands in stark contrast to her current lifestyle, where she actively embraces her material ambitions. "To me, money is freedom," she asserts, underscoring her desire for independence and self-sufficiency.
Handler's journey into comedy began when she moved to Los Angeles at 19. Initially pursuing acting, she found her true calling in stand-up, eventually becoming the second woman to host a late-night talk show in the U.S. with Chelsea Lately, which ran for seven years on the E! network. Her sharp critiques of celebrity culture and her friendships with notable figures have solidified her place in the entertainment industry.
Today, Handler performs regularly in Las Vegas and is set to embark on a UK tour beginning on May 23, 2025. As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Handler remains unapologetically herself, embracing the freedom that comes with her choices. "I want to die alone. I’ll pay a drug dealer to put me down like a horse," she humorously remarked, reflecting her unique outlook on life and relationships.
Handler's upcoming event at the Whistler Writers Festival promises to be a highlight for fans and attendees alike, offering a glimpse into the life and mind of a woman who has made a significant impact on comedy and literature. Tickets are available for those eager to hear her stories and insights firsthand.
