If you’ve ever watched a Comedy Central Roast and winced at a joke that felt like a surgical strike to the ego, you know Jeff Ross. He’s the guy in the tuxedo, often looking like a chaotic blend of a friendly uncle and a verbal hitman. But while he’s busy dissecting the lives of celebrities like Tom Brady or Justin Bieber, a lot of fans find themselves wondering something much simpler. Specifically, how old is Jeff Ross?
He’s currently 60 years old.
Born on September 13, 1965, Jeffrey Ross Lifschultz has spent decades turning the "burn" into a fine art. It’s kinda wild to think about, but he’s been in the comedy game since the late 1980s. He’s reached that veteran status where he’s no longer just a participant; he’s basically the high priest of the podium.
Why Jeff Ross is Still the Roastmaster General at 60
Age in comedy is a funny thing. Some comics lose their edge or get "soft" as they get older. Jeff? He seems to get meaner—in the best way possible. At 60, he’s carrying a torch lit by legends like Don Rickles and Buddy Hackett, keeping a very specific, old-school New York vibe alive in a digital world.
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Honestly, his longevity is a testament to his thick skin. He grew up in Springfield, New Jersey, which is basically the honorary capital of ball-busting. You don't survive a Jersey childhood without learning how to take a hit and dish it back.
From Newark to the Friars Club
Ross wasn't always the guy with the nunchucks and the tuxedo. His early life was actually pretty heavy. His parents passed away when he was just a teenager, leaving him to be raised by his grandfather. That kind of trauma often creates a fork in the road. For Jeff, it led to the Friars Club.
- Early 90s: He starts hitting the New York stand-up circuit.
- The Turning Point: He joins the legendary Friars Club, rubbing elbows with comedy royalty.
- 1998: His first big splash at the Roast of Drew Carey.
- The Comedy Central Era: He becomes the "Roastmaster General," a title that stuck like glue.
It’s not just about being 60 years old; it’s about the 35+ years of experience baked into every insult. He’s seen the industry change from smoky basements to Netflix specials, yet his core remains the same. He’s a "one-man verbal assault unit," as he often jokes.
Dealing with More Than Just Hecklers
Lately, the conversation around Jeff Ross has shifted slightly from his jokes to his health. In a 2024 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Jeff got remarkably real. He shared that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
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Luckily, they caught it. He had seven inches of his colon removed, and he’s been open about the experience. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for a man who usually spends his time pointing out the flaws in others. Seeing a 60-year-old icon talk about "getting his plumbing fixed" makes him human in a way a Roast never could.
The Broadway Leap
Most people his age are looking to slow down. Jeff did the opposite. He recently took his one-man show, Take a Banana for the Ride, to Broadway. It’s not a roast. It’s a sentimental, brash, and surprisingly moving look at his life, his loss, and how he became the man he is today.
The New York Times even called it "willfully upbeat." Imagine that—the meanest man in comedy being described as "upbeat." It proves that while we might search for how old is Jeff Ross to satisfy a curiosity, his age is the least interesting thing about him right now. He’s reinventing himself.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Age
There’s a misconception that roast comedy is a "young man's game." People think you need to be "edgy" or "with the times."
Jeff Ross proves that expertise beats "edge" every time. He’s 60, but he’s still the first person Netflix calls when they need to roast the biggest athlete on the planet. He’s got the timing of a Swiss watch.
He’s also stayed relevant by taking his roasting skills into the "real world." He’s roasted:
- Inmates at maximum-security prisons.
- Police officers in Boston.
- People on both sides of the Mexican border.
This isn't just about making fun of rich people anymore. It’s social commentary disguised as a burn. It’s what you do when you’ve been doing comedy for 40 years and you want your work to actually mean something.
Quick Stats for the Fact-Checkers
- Birth Name: Jeffrey Ross Lifschultz
- Birth Date: September 13, 1965
- Current Age: 60
- Education: Boston University (Degree in Broadcasting and Film)
- Height: 5' 10" (Though he looks taller behind a podium)
The Takeaway
Age is just a number, but for a comedian, it's also a toolkit. At 60, Jeff Ross has more tools than anyone else in the business. He’s survived personal tragedy, a cutthroat industry, and a serious health scare, all while keeping his sense of humor intact.
If you’re looking to follow in his footsteps or just want to appreciate the craft, here’s how to channel your inner Roastmaster:
- Develop Thick Skin: You can't roast others if you can't take a joke yourself.
- Respect the Roots: Learn from the greats who came before you (Jeff basically apprenticed under Milton Berle).
- Stay Vulnerable: Don't be afraid to share the "real" stuff—it makes the mean jokes land better.
- Get Screened: Seriously, take a page from Jeff’s book and stay on top of your health, especially once you hit your 50s.
Jeff Ross is 60, but honestly? He’s just getting started on his second act.