On July 31, D’yan Forest celebrated her 89th birthday, marking another year of a remarkable life filled with laughter, music, and unexpected twists. D’yan, born Diana Shulman, defied conventional expectations and embarked on a journey that led her from piano lessons and housewife expectations to becoming the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest performing female comic. This article delves into the extraordinary life of D’yan Forest, a woman who found her true self in the streets of Paris and forged her path as a talented comedian with a risqué ukulele act.
D’yan Forest’s life took a transformative turn when she decided to study abroad in Paris. Leaving behind the conservative confines of her Boston town, she set sail with twelve other students for a five-day boat ride to France. Little did she know that on the other side of the journey lay a world that would liberate her in ways she never imagined. Paris became her haven, a place where she could be free from the expectations and restrictions she had faced back home.
Paris captured D’yan’s heart, and she embraced French culture with such fervor that she “became French” in the eyes of many. She returned to America with a newfound passion for live entertainment and soon found herself performing as an international singer in various venues. However, it was her encounter with comedy that would shape her future in unexpected ways.
When asked to write down all the jokes she knew and the funniest things she could think of, D’yan realized she had a ukulele. To her surprise, her first stand-up comedy show, infused with her unique brand of humor, was a resounding success. She decided to come out of her shell and share her life experiences, including her sexual and social life, through her performances. This evolution from musical accolades to a risqué stand-up act gave birth to D’yan’s popular one-woman show, “I Married A Nun.”
“I Married A Nun” put D’yan Forest on iconic stages like Caroline’s, Joe’s Pub, The Metropolitan Room, and Gotham Comedy Club, where she performed alongside renowned comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, and Joan Rivers. Joan Rivers, known for her blunt humor, referred to D’yan as “the filthy ukulele player,” to which D’yan playfully responded, “No, Joan, I’m really just risqué!” Her unique style and bold storytelling earned her a Guinness World Record for being the oldest performing female comic.
As the years passed, D’yan wondered what to do with all the colorful stories of her life. From her experiences with admirers in Paris to being the only Jewish person in the Presbyterian choir and her marriage to an excommunicated nun, she had an abundance of material. So, she decided to pen her memoir, “I Did It My Ways.” The book delves into her life’s sitcom-like episodes and offers a glimpse into the world of a sheltered American girl turned risqué French comedy star.
D’yan Forest’s memoir also sheds light on the rigid societal norms she faced growing up in the ’50s and ’60s. It illustrates how she defied those expectations, embracing her uniqueness and crafting her path to success. She acknowledges that times have changed, but she remains a living testament to the adage, “It Ain’t Over Till the Old Lady Dies.” D’yan continues to perform at clubs in New York and Paris, sharing her fabulous tales and whimsical music with audiences who are enthralled by her energy and wit.
Amidst her performances in Paris, D’yan discovered that her life story bore a striking resemblance to the television series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She had already performed her one-woman show with a similar plot eight years before the show aired. Despite the similarities, D’yan remained undeterred and continued to share her story in her own way, proving that she was the original trailblazer.
D’yan Forest’s life journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing one’s uniqueness. From a provincial girl studying piano to becoming the oldest performing female comic, D’yan’s story is filled with laughter, courage, and a passion for breaking barriers. Her love for Paris and the freedom it offered shaped her into the vibrant personality she is today. Her memoir, “I Did It My Ways,” chronicles her adventures with humor and heart, inviting readers into her sitcom-style life. D’yan Forest remains an inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams and that life’s greatest adventures often begin with taking that first step into the unknown. So, the next time you see D’yan on stage, be prepared to be entertained, shocked, and inspired by the woman who defied expectations and proved that comedy knows no age limit.
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