Chelsea Handler playfully teased her ex, Jo Koy, during her hosting gig at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. Seizing the opportunity, she slyly recycled a joke from Koy’s recent Golden Globe Awards monologue, a move that didn’t go unnoticed after he faced some criticism for it.
In a light-hearted fashion, Handler kicked off with a wink at the aging like fine wine charm of Harrison Ford and Robert De Niro. “I don’t know which one of you is hotter, you guys are total smoke shows,” she quipped, setting the tone for the evening. The playful banter continued as she lamented the absence of Martin Scorsese, cunningly declaring, “Unfortunately, Martin Scorsese isn’t here tonight, but that’s not going to stop me from letting everyone in this room know that I would toss him around like a little Italian meatball.”
The audience responded with laughter and applause, showing appreciation for Handler’s comedic timing. Without missing a beat, she deftly deflected any potential criticism, wrapping up the moment with a quick-witted, “Thank you for laughing at that. My writers wrote it.” The extended applause from the audience, many of whom witnessed the Golden Globes drama just a week prior, added an extra layer of amusement to Handler’s clever comedic callback.
Jo Koy found himself in the spotlight after his hosting stint at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards stirred up some buzz. When his Barbie movie joke fell flat, he quickly defended it during his monologue, reminding the audience that he had a mere 10 days to prepare for the gig. Addressing the critics, he asserted, “You want a perfect monologue? Yo, shut up. Slow down. I wrote some of these, and they’re the ones you’re laughing at.”
Another moment that raised eyebrows was his quip about the camera shots of Taylor Swift, earning him a non-reaction from the singer herself. Later that night, Koy expressed his interest in giving hosting another shot, expressing a desire for more preparation time.
In the aftermath, Koy faced scrutiny for attributing a joke to his writers, calling it a “rookie move.” He clarified his stance, acknowledging the talent of his writing team and expressing gratitude for their support. In a candid statement to the Los Angeles Times, Koy emphasized that crediting the writers was not his intention, acknowledging their excellence and vowing to address the situation.
It’s worth noting that Chelsea Handler, who playfully recycled one of Koy’s jokes at the Critics Choice Awards, was romantically involved with him from August 2021 to July 2022. Introduced by mutual friend Jon Lovitz in the early 2000s, Koy made frequent appearances on Handler’s late-night show Chelsea Lately from 2007 to 2014, adding an extra layer of personal history to the recent comedic exchange.
After reconnecting towards the end of 2020, Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy decided to make their relationship official in August of the following year. For the next 11 months, the duo became the talk of the town, earning the title of comedy’s ‘It’ couple. They graced public events, from the Grammys to The Kelly Clarkson Show, showcasing their chemistry. Handler even took to Instagram in 2021 to express her sentiments, declaring that “Jo has renewed my faith in men.”
During their time together, Koy took on a directorial role for Handler’s Netflix special, Chelsea Handler: Revolution, which premiered in December 2022. However, the romantic journey took an unexpected turn in July 2022 when Handler shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, announcing a break in their relationship just before their one-year anniversary.
In January 2023, Handler made it clear on the Call Her Daddy podcast that she wouldn’t be delving into the details of their separation. She asserted, “I’m not promoting a breakup from six months ago.” This decision marked a deliberate effort to maintain privacy and move forward from the chapter of their relationship that had come to a close.
Chelsea Handler’s Financial Triumphs and Net Worth
Under the category of the wealthiest celebrities, Chelsea Handler shines with a net worth of $35 million. This accomplished individual, born on February 25, 1975, in Livingston, is currently 48 years old. Hailing from the United States, Handler stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.6764 meters).
Her professional journey spans various roles, showcasing her versatility. Chelsea Handler is not only a comedian but also an actor, model, television producer, screenwriter, author, and television presenter. Her financial success is evident, with a substantial annual salary of $10 million.
This multifaceted talent has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark with her diverse skills and contributions. As one of the richest actors in the field, Chelsea Handler’s journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.
Chelsea Joy Handler entered the world on February 25, 1975, in the charming town of Livingston, New Jersey. Growing up, Chelsea shared her formative years with five siblings in a household that embraced Reform Judaism, shaping her cultural background.
The ambitious spirit within her led Chelsea to make a pivotal decision at the age of 19 — she packed her bags and ventured to Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in the world of acting. During those early days in the City of Angels, Chelsea found a temporary haven with her aunt and navigated the challenges of pursuing her passion.
To sustain her journey towards her Hollywood aspirations, Chelsea took on the role of a waitress, showcasing her determination and resilience. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for the remarkable career that Chelsea Handler would go on to build, leaving an indelible mark in the entertainment industry
The Multi-Faceted Career of Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Handler’s journey took an intriguing turn when she stumbled upon her passion for stand-up comedy in the bustling city of Los Angeles. This discovery paved the way for her entry into the entertainment scene.
Handler’s early career saw her shining in the spotlight as she starred in the hidden camera reality show, Girls Behaving Badly, which aired from 2002 to 2005. During this phase, she showcased her versatility with appearances in notable shows like The Bernie Mac Show, My Wife and Kids, and The Practice. Simultaneously, Handler carved a niche for herself as a correspondent for The Tonight Show.
In 2006, Chelsea Handler made a breakthrough with The Chelsea Handler Show, a series that graced E! for two successful seasons. The momentum continued in 2007, with Handler not only touring with her stand-up routine but also hosting the prestigious MTV Video Music Awards. As the year unfolded, she added another feather to her cap by launching Chelsea Lately, a series that garnered immense popularity on E!, boasting an average of 960,000 viewers per episode in 2011. Chelsea Lately concluded its run in 2014 when Handler’s contract with E! came to an end, marking a significant chapter in her career.
The year 2012 saw Chelsea Handler taking on a new challenge with the NBC sitcom, Are You There, Chelsea?, inspired by her best-selling book from 2008. Despite her efforts, the show faced a setback and was canceled after a single season.
Undeterred, Handler redirected her creative energies in 2014 towards a partnership with Netflix, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Initially, she treated viewers to a Netflix special, showcasing her comedic prowess. Following this, she delved into more profound discussions with the four-part documentary series, Chelsea Does, addressing a spectrum of controversial topics.
Adding another dimension to her repertoire, Handler introduced the Netflix talk show, Chelsea. Described as a more serious iteration of Chelsea Lately in her own words, the show brought a different tone to her hosting style. The two-season run of Chelsea concluded in 2017, prompting Handler to shift her focus towards activism, indicating a new chapter in her professional journey.