At 73 years old, Susan Rice, a veteran comedian based in Portland, is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence, all thanks to a YouTube video that changed her life. After over 40 years in the comedy scene, Rice tapped into contemporary technology to connect with a wider audience.
Initially hesitant, Rice’s first instinct was to decline an invitation to tape a stand-up set for the popular Don’t Tell Comedy channel. She felt her time in the comedy limelight had passed, especially considering that no comedian of her age had been featured before. Despite her reservations, she was convinced to proceed, and her set taped in January 2024 became a viral sensation, garnering over one million views.
The momentum did not stop there. The success of her Don’t Tell Comedy performance led to an unexpected invitation to audition for the renowned talent show, “America’s Got Talent.” Rice’s first impulse again was to say “no,” reflecting on her previous audition experience where she didn’t make it to the televised episodes. Nevertheless, the show’s staff insisted, and she ultimately auditioned for the judges, including Simon Cowell. While she did not advance to the live shows due to limited slots, she described the experience as enjoyable, amusingly noting Cowell’s critical remarks about her entrance on stage.
Rice’s appearance on the Don’t Tell Comedy channel also set the stage for her first stand-up special, titled “Silver Alert.” The opportunity arose when she received a direct message from Jack Vaughn, the senior vice president of comedy at Sirius XM, who had seen her potential. After discovering Vaughn’s credentials, Rice agreed to record the special in Los Angeles last fall.
Filmed in front of an intimate audience of about 75, including friends from the Portland comedy scene, “Silver Alert” features Rice’s sharp wit as she explores themes relevant to older generations. She cleverly addresses topics such as speed dating for seniors and the humorous inheritances of aging, stating, “Nobody gets married for the first time at 70, not unless there’s a verified pension, and a diagnosis.”
Despite the challenges people face in today’s world, Rice finds solace in the joy her performances bring. She notes a shift in audience reactions post-show, with many attendees expressing their gratitude and need for laughter during stressful times. “I needed that so badly,” they often tell her, highlighting the therapeutic value her comedy brings to audiences.
Rice’s shows draw a diverse crowd that spans generations, from older adults to twenty-somethings. Many audience members appreciate her representation as an older comedian, with women her age expressing their gratitude. Rice embraces these connections, often providing hugs to fans who approach her after the show, acknowledging the shared joy of laughter in a tumultuous world.
Her recent success has kept Rice busy touring across the country, where her performance resonates with audiences seeking a moment of reprieve from daily pressures. As she looks to the future, Rice remains optimistic about the entertainment industry’s role in uplifting spirits. She is keenly aware of the need for humor in healing and maintaining a sense of normalcy.
Currently, Rice’s special, “Susan Rice: Silver Alert,” is available on multiple streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Additionally, her second video for Don’t Tell Comedy, titled “We All Become Our Parents,” is also accessible on YouTube, allowing even more viewers to enjoy her comedic talents.
In a time where many find themselves engulfed in worry, Susan Rice stands as a beacon of laughter, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new opportunities and share joy through comedy.
image source from：oregonlive
