Dane Cook and fiancee Kelsi Taylor 'prepared' for backlash over 26-yr age gap by 'making the joke first'

The 50-year-old comedian told in a recent interview, 'Going into the relationship, we knew that people would have an opinion in the public eye'
PUBLISHED OCT 28, 2022
Despite receiving criticism online, Dane Cook said that his relationship with Kelsi Taylor has been rock solid (itskelsitaylor/Instagram)
Despite receiving criticism online, Dane Cook said that his relationship with Kelsi Taylor has been rock solid (itskelsitaylor/Instagram)

Dane Cook and Kelsi Taylor reportedly said that they are "prepared" for criticism from the public due to their 26-year age gap. The 50-year-old comedian told People, "Going into the relationship, we knew that people would have an opinion in the public eye.” He further added, "We were very early making jokes. I would say something like, 'I'd love to have a family,' and she would say, 'Oh, I'd love to have a family when I'm young,' and I'd say, 'Well, I'd like that as well because I'd like to hold my children on my death bed.'"

Cook also gushed about his fiancée, noting her "incredible sense of humor." He said, "People don't see it as much because she is very chill, but she's got a savage sense of humor. You want to roast? You want to sit and watch a Real Housewives with her. She is tremendously funny, and so being able to poke fun at it and have some jokes at our own expense, I think it prepared us for what was going to happen," as reported by People.

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The couple, who had been together for five years, announced their engagement in August of this year. Cook explained, "People were going to put us as a target. So if we make the joke first and we're laughing at it, you can't really hurt us with that,” Cook remarked. Despite receiving criticism online, the star said that their relationship has been solid. Earlier, Cook said in a different Instagram post, “Making my fiancée @itskelsitaylor laugh is my favorite sound. I love her with all my heart. We've made beautiful memories over the last five years. There's so much to celebrate as we look forward to together. #grateful." 



 

Cook also explained his anxiety battles, and how he has overcome his mental battles, as reported by the outlet. He said, “It's something we still deal with. I deal with anxiety, and that kept me worried. I was kind of that place where I wanted to make sure she [Taylor] was safe. I wanted to make sure we were safe and that we were dealing with somebody who was unhinged. I want to always push the limits of comedy, but I'm also very understanding of what that means when you start going towards that territory.” 



 

Cook reportedly went on to say that he believes his anxiety is at its worst when he speculates or thinks about potential outcomes. “I have learned my mechanics over the years have taught me. I was always worried about what the other kids in the playground thought of me And then it would lessen me. I'd almost kind of dismantle myself before I even got into, ‘You might like me.’ And I would think of 10 reasons why. ‘Maybe I'm ugly and I have a weird voice or whatever,’ I thought at the time. The way I combat that is, just keep pushing,” he remarked. 

The comedian and actor announced his engagement to his girlfriend of five years, Kelsi Taylor, on August 2. As per reports, he proposed to her on July 13 at York Beach, Maine. 

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