interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

Actor, writer and comedian Sherry Cola has emerged as a rising star in the entertainment industry. From starring in scripted dramas to showcasing her creative expertise in blockbuster comedies, and performing hilarious original stand-upsets on stage, Sherry has proven she can do it all. Sherry will next star in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’, that will begin streaming on Paramount+ on 2nd February.

Can you tell us about your first steps in the entertainment industry and how you became an actress?
One of my possibly ‘toxic’ traits is having zero fear of rejection. I always put myself out there and I always try to find a way. That’s how I got here. I was told no by multiple radio stations before finally landing a part-time job at 97.1 FM, where I eventually became an on-air personality. When I first started as a stand-up comedian, I sent hundreds of blind emails and Instagram messages to get stage time. The examples go on. I also have such a deep passion for entertaining. I used to make funny videos in the film club back in high school and even hosted the talent shows, but the dream felt too far-fetched due to the lack of representation in Hollywood. I kept it in the back of my mind and never gave up. A mix of hard work, resilience, ambition, magic sauce, timing, vigilance, keeping it real, the right collaborations, manifestation and living with my dear mother until I was 27 is what got me here through all these years.

How would you describe the challenges you faced as an Asian actress in the American film industry?
At the end of the day, the challenges came from within. I was brainwashed by society that I, as a queer Chinese American immigrant woman, was less worthy. With the help of our AAPI, LBGTQ+ trailblazers and roles I’ve been fortunate to step into, I’m finally embracing all my identities whole-heartedly. Now I take on any challenges, especially to break stereotypes, and I strive to prove people wrong.

You wrote ‘Our beautiful Asian faces are not going anywhere’ for CNN. This article discusses the lack of representation and stereotyping of Asian Americans in Hollywood. You wrote that despite some recent progress, Asian Americans are still largely underrepresented in the industry and often limited to playing stereotypical roles. How did you deal with these racial stereotypes and what advice would you give to young, minority actors who might be afraid to take the plunge because of these barriers? 
I’ve been very fortunate to portray a handful of multi-faceted intentional characters with something to say, which was definitely not overnight and I’m only getting started. There’s still a lot of catching up to do in terms of AAPI representation on the screen. The advice I’ll give to anyone is “Go tell your story”. Even if we have similar backgrounds, we all have unique experiences that have made us who we are. Don’t be afraid to share it. I promise there’s still more to be seen and heard. 

Like the character you play in ‘Good Trouble’, you proudly display your queer identity. How does your identity as a queer and Chinese artist affect your portrayal of the character Alice Kwan in the show? How important was it for you to play someone who looks like you in real life and who is going through the same battles as you?
I’m really reflecting as we dive into our final season of ‘Good Trouble’. 88 glorious episodes. I’d actually say that embodying Alice Kwan has influenced me to be a proud queer Chinese artist. When I booked the role on ‘Good Trouble’, I decided to double-down in real life. I anticipated my character becoming a role model in some way, so I came out to my own mother. ‘Good Trouble’ immensely opened up my conversations around queerness and Asian pride, along with many other issues related to equality and fighting for justice. When our show started in 2018, it was so ahead of its time. We were having uncomfortable and authentic conversations before it was trendy. This show has made me stronger and smarter. Representation is everything. I’ll never take this stepping-stone for granted. The ripple effect I’ve seen, since getting the opportunity to tell Alice’s, and Sherry’s, story has been incredibly powerful and it reminds me to keep going.

How do you balance your work as an actress with your work as a stand-up comedian? Do you still have time for the second one as your acting career is booming?
Stand-up comedy will always be my love language. It has only helped me bloom on television and film sets. It’s a superpower. It’s been a thrilling balance and I’m actively crafting my long-awaited comedy special. Keep an eye out because I’m ready to take over.

Tell us more about your experience of working on ‘Joy Ride’ and what it was like working with Adele Lim and Seth Rogen?
‘Joy Ride’ was something you only fantasize about and only when you’re lucky enough to be in the thick of it, you realize how long it’s been missing. We made magic together. The chemistry you saw was real. It was a true adventure from beginning to end. Adele Lim is a badass and I’m honored to be in her directorial debut. Seth Rogen is the king of being R-rated, so we knew we were in good hands.

What can you share with us about your upcoming roles and projects?
I have some fun things on the horizon in 2024. ‘A Family Affair’ with Joey King, ‘Bride Hard’ with Rebel Wilson and ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ with Henry Golding, just to name a few.

You’ve been praised by critics for your performance in ‘Shortcomings’. What does all this buzz mean to you? Can you tell us a little more about this upcoming movie? 
First of all, working with Randall Park has been on my vision board for as long as I can remember and I can’t wait to work with him again. Secondly, getting sweet messages and reading positive reviews is obviously rewarding, but I already felt incredibly fulfilled that I got to be a part of something like ‘Shortcomings’. It’s a slice of life film about growing apart as flawed insecure complacent human beings, and we just happen to be Asian. The character of Alice is such an unapologetic messy queer woman that I’ve been dying to see on the screen. And here I am, doing it myself.

TEAM CREDITS:photography NATT LIM
styling LAURA SCHUFFMAN
makeup TAMMY YI
hair STEVEN MASON
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI