Happy Birthday, Amy Sedaris

Today Amy Sedaris turns 50, so I must send birthday wishes to one of the funniest women on earth. No, we're not friends, in fact she doesn't know I'm alive. And, no, I'm not stalking her. But, I adore her sense of humor - as well as that of her brother, David Sedaris - so I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to give a shout-out to crazy-Ms.-Amy today.

Amy Sedaris's humor isn't for everybody, but for those of us with a slightly bent outlook on life, she's our prom queen. She's had a number of bit roles in mainstream television and film, from Carrie's editor on "Sex and the City" to Deb in "Elf," as well as the voice of Cinderella in "Shrek the Third." For those of us more familiar with her comedy-on-the-fringe style, she'll forever be Jerri Blank from "Strangers with Candy." Such a bizarre character that brought tears of laughter to my eyes.

I also own her "cooking and entertaining" book, "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence." Her latest book is called "Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People."

More than 8 out of 10 households have at least 4 out of 5 family members engaging in at least 2 out of 3 crafts 87% of the time. A staggering 98% of this group are homosexual men.
       -"Simple Times"

As David Letterman described her:

What you have to understand about this lovely woman is, in addition to being a fine actress and a wonderful comedienne, she's peculiar.... You have to keep that in mind because she's like -- and joyfully, gladfully -- different from everybody else walking around on the planet. That's what makes her special. That's why we embrace her. But, you know. She's not hooked up right."

And, if you visit her website, you'll see why:

She really wanted some Vicodin one Christmas Eve. Upon walking out of her apartment on a search for it, she ran into a woman on crutches--who took her up to her apartment and gave her Vicodin. Amy calls it the "Miracle on Christopher Street."

She wants to make a sitcom out of 'Night Mother, where the daughter tries to kill herself a different way in every episode.

Things that make Amy laugh: People falling down, monkeys, seeing mushrooms or toadstools, men in fur, skin disorders, people crying while driving.

Yes, I'm a fan. No, you shouldn't be alarmed. If you're a fan, too, then you're smiling and nodding throughout this post. You get it.

Happy Birthday, Amy. Wish I could be a fly on the wall at that party.
Photos from amysedaris.com and IMBD