At 91, Discovering Comedy: A Second Career's Wisdom

D'yan Forest discusses her life as the world's oldest professional female comedian at 91, holding this Guinness World Record since she was 87. She attributes her successful and enriching life to remaining physically and mentally engaged.

A Journey through Music and Rejection

Born in 1934, my childhood musical aspirations began early despite my mother's objections. Piano lessons turned into a passion for classical music, drama, and singing. However, in 1958, my aspirations took a hit when my spouse declared entertainment as unsuitable, labelling it as a domain for 'loose women.' This ruled out a showbiz career until our eventual divorce.

When I made my way to Paris in the 1960s, life took on a vibrant hue, unlike my Bostonian roots. Playing the piano and singing in nightclubs felt liberating, a feeling I pursued further in Boston's thriving private party scene as a pianist and vocalist.

Finding a Voice on Stage

New York became my home in 1966, and my career transformed when I became a French singer, called a chanteuse. My time in Paris permanently lent me a French accent with which I charmed audiences in nine languages. Despite impediments in auditioning for commercials, I diversified by mastering English through drama lessons, performing at prestigious venues like the Waldorf Astoria.

The '80-over-80' series by Business Insider features interviews with elderly Americans who are still in the workforce, sharing wisdom on career longevity, planning for retirement, and personal insights from their extensive life experiences.

A New Beginning in Comedy

Post-9/11 New York needed hope, but entertainment gigs dried up. While golfing with a comedy club owner, I explored stand-up comedy. With the right coach, I braved my first comedic performance. Initially terrifying, by the third show, I relished the thrill of making audiences laugh within minutes instead of a pianist's full night shuffle.

Pushing beyond naysayers' beliefs about age and comedy, every success cemented my commitment. Regular performances in Chicago, Wisconsin, and London, culminating in a Guinness World Record, prove the vitality of experience.

Persistence and the Comedy Grind

Show business fluctuates. Busy seasons and lulls alike taught me to advocate for a secondary career and financial prudence. Continuously learning new routines, meeting diverse folks, and tackling eclectic questions keep my mental faculties sharp.

At 91, surrounded by peers needing assisted living, I remain agile through weekly shows and dynamically shifting my comedic lines. My career serves as the familial structure I've crafted, giving me a purpose akin to the legacy of a family.

Health Challenges and Future Aspirations

With personal health odysseys including cancer battles and heart issues, resilience has been crucial. A pacemaker installation signifies a triumphant continuation of a demanding regimen of daily exercise and medication management.

A fervent desire remains to perform and educate, bridging generational gaps through comedy. My recent solo show on antisemitic experiences garnered applause, fueling my ambition to narrate these life stories widely.