Handler's riding high

E! Entertainment

Chelsea Handler (plays Treasure Island Sat., July 26th. She is the author of "Are you there, Vodka? It"s Me Chelsea"

Comic Chelsea Handler has a TV show, a bestselling book and a wit that skewers herself and celebrities with equal bravado. No wonder her Treasure Island shows are sold out.

By KRISTIN TILLOTSON, Star Tribune

Last update: July 24, 2008 - 6:34 PM

Last week, the Greek island of Mykonos must have been a laugh riot -- and running low on Grey Goose. That's because Chelsea Handler, star of E!'s "Chelsea Lately" late-night talk show and author of "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea" was cooling her high heels there in the midst of a career arc that isn't about to crest just yet.

The queen of forehead-smacking self-deprecation and celeb-smacking snappy rejoinders just got her show renewed for 150 more installments, and "Vodka" is No. 4 on the New York Times bestseller list. She lives with Ted Harbert, president and CEO of Comcast Entertainment Group, which owns E!, but doesn't let that stop her from poking fun at the cable channel's star worship. Looks like being bad has worked out just fine for this Jersey girl.

Q What are you doing in Greece?

A I'm in Greece because they have topless beaches and lots of hummus. Two of my favorite things.

Q So you're taking a little bite out of Leno and Letterman in your time slot. That's got to be a rush.

A I don't really consider myself to be in competition with the big boys. My show is a lot more immature than theirs. If that's graduate school, my show is more community college.

Q Who is tops on your celeb hit list right now?

A I've been on vacation for two weeks in Europe with no access to US Weekly or Perez Hilton, so I guess I'll find out who's on my hit list when I get back.

Q Worst high school experience?

A The whole time I was there. I absolutely abhorred getting up in the cold at an unreasonable hour. It ruined the whole four years.

Q Being raised by a Mormon mom and Jewish dad, you must have some interesting views on religion.

A I consider myself Jewish, but I don't really practice it. I'm not a very religious person, although I do believe in God and karma and tipping well.

Q Since you live with your boss, is it hard keeping the personal and professional separate?

A Living with my boss is fun in many ways, and frustrating in others. Mostly, because if he kills something I want to say or do on the show and I do it anyway, he refuses to do my laundry.

Kristin Tillotson • 612-673-7046

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