Chelsea Handler: Unfiltered, Evolving, and Unapologetically Herself

Chelsea Handler: The Unapologetic Queen of Authenticity

Chelsea Handler is back with her seventh book, I’ll Have What She’s Having, and she’s as unapologetically herself as ever. known for her sharp wit, bold humor, and unfiltered honesty, Handler’s latest work is a mix of the expected—tales of confronting rude men, propositioning Andrew Cuomo during his time as governor, and even a childhood story of ruthlessly ousting a business partner from a lemonade stand at the age of 10. But this book also delves deeper, offering life advice, personal growth insights, and reflections on therapy and past relationships. Handler is 50, thriving, and more assured of herself than ever. With a new Netflix special on the horizon and a residency in Las Vegas, she’s undeniable proof that hard work and authenticity pay off.

Growth, Gratitude, and a Hustling Spirit

In a recent conversation about her new book and her evolving persona, Handler reflects on how she’s changed since her rise to fame. She describes herself as “a lot less arrogant, a lot more grateful, and a lot more self-aware.” Gone are the days of complaining about hard work; instead, she’s embraced the hustle, understanding the importance of balancing breaks with productivity. Handler’s journey of self-improvement is evident, particularly in how she handles her high-profile relationships. While she does discuss her romance with comedian Jo Koy in the book, she avoids hashing out the details of their breakup, choosing instead to speak kindly of him. “I will no longer throw someone I once loved under a bus,” she writes, signaling a maturity that fans are likely to appreciate.

Chelsea Handler on Relationships, Love, and Marriage

Handler’s relationship with Jo Koy is described in the book as “true love,” but readers hoping for juicy breakup details will be disappointed. She keeps the focus on personal growth rather than public drama, emphasizing that her journey of self-awareness is more important than rehashing what went wrong. When asked how this relationship impacted her views on marriage, Handler admitted that while she’s considered marriage many times, including during her time with Koy, she hasn’t pulled the trigger. “The consideration of marriage and actually pulling the trigger are two different things,” she said. While she’s been proposed to in the past, she’s always realized she and her partners weren’t on the same page. Her stance on marriage hasn’t changed, but her capacity for love and self-reflection has deepened.

Andrew Cuomo, Cancel Culture, and Second Chances

Handler also weighs in on her infamous proposition to Andrew Cuomo, which she now frames as dodging a bullet. While she acknowledges his shortcomings, particularly in how he treated people in professional settings, she believes he could make a good mayor of New York, especially in contrast to the current mayor, Eric Adams. Handler’s views on cancel culture are nuanced; she supports accountability but also believes in second chances for those who have shown remorse and taken steps to change. “I don’t think respecting people and respecting people’s boundaries is a bad thing,” she said, adding that while no one is entirely irredeemable, not everyone deserves a second chance. Her perspective on Cuomo reflects her broader belief that personal and professional growth is possible, even for public figures.

The Evolution of Chelsea Handler’s Career

When it comes to her career, Handler remains ambitious but pragmatic. She expressed interest in returning to late-night television, particularly mentioning The Daily Show as a role she’d have loved to take on. However, she’s clear-eyed about the challenges of launching a new show and is waiting for the right opportunity to align with her strengths. She admires the format of shows like Bill Maher’s Real Time or John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight, which allow for weekly, in-depth commentary—something she believes plays to her strengths as a comedian and writer. For now, she’s focusing on her upcoming Netflix special and her Las Vegas residency, proving that she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Chelsea Handler on Work, Hustle, and the Island Dream

Despite her success, Handler often reflects on her earlier aspirations to slow down and enjoy life. She once famously remarked that she wanted to retire by 40 and spend her days drinking margaritas on an island. While she admits that was a naive sentiment, she still holds onto the ideal. “I am a hustler,” she said, taking pride in her hard work and the “New Jersey hustle” that has driven her career. At 50, she’s working harder than ever, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Handler’s relentless drive, paired with her authenticity and willingness to grow, ensures that she’ll continue to be a dynamic and influential figure in comedy and beyond.