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Comedians and comedy

Comedians and comedy
From Jerry Seinfeld to Stephen Chow, Ali Wong to Rick & Morty, SCMP reveals the latest news about the people, shows and films who make us laugh.
Jordan Firstman in 2021. The actor is currently starring alongside Rachel Sennott and Josh Hutcherson in I Love LA. Photo: @jtfirstman/Instagram
Fame and celebrity

Who is Jordan Firstman, aka Charlie in Rachel Sennott’s I Love LA?

The actor, writer and singer wrote for the sitcom Search Party – but it was his humorous pandemic Instagram series that unexpectedly made him famous.

Fame and celebrity

Who is John Mayer’s rumoured new romance, comedian and TikTok star Kat Stickler?

Fame and celebrity

Meet podcaster Jake Shane, who’s friends with Kaia Gerber and Glen Powell

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Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

How Stephen Chow’s The God of Cookery proved he could do so much more

At a time when Stephen Chow was best known for his nonsensical comedies, The God of Cookery saw him transform as a filmmaker.

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Stephen Chow in a still from The God of Cookery (1996), which he also directed. The Film saw Chow move away from the popular mo lei tau (“nonsense”) comedic style of his earlier films.
Your Perfect Week

What to do in Hong Kong, September 14-20

Enjoy historic Chinese finery, sip island-inspired cocktails, laugh at Fringe Club’s improv, and savour a fine-dining reunion at Restaurant Petrus.

Singapore

Singapore issues correction order to US comedian over censorship claims

The order requires Sammy Obeid to carry correction notices alongside his social media posts.

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Singapore

US comedian alleges censorship after Singapore show cancelled

Sammy Obeid says his script was rejected despite multiple edits, but IMDA clarifies he sent the permit request only 10 days before the event.

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US comedian Sammy Obeid’s material often criticises Israel’s actions in Gaza. Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Editor's Letter

This week in PostMag: treats of the Tanka table and Asian comedians

The delights of indigenous Tanka cuisine that can still be found in Hong Kong, Asian comics blazing the stand-up trail, and a bike ride around South Korea’s Jeju Island.

Your Perfect Week

What to do in Hong Kong, August 24-30

Enjoy Baroque violin masterpieces, indulge in a funghi feast at Man Ho, sip cocktails at the Mondrian, and laugh with comedian Jason Strickland.

Fame and celebrity

Joe Wong, Ronny Chieng and the rise of Asian voices in comedy

Asian comedians were once forced to resort to stereotypes to find a platform – but a wave of pioneering stars is changing that.

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Joe Wong poses for a portrait after his Joe Wong: The Twin Tariff Show in Hong Kong. Photo: Alexander Mak
Hong Kong entertainment

He went from China to America to become a scientist. Now he’s a comedian

Joe Wong, who swapped lab work for live stand-up shows, is now bringing his blend of sharp wit and relatable humour to Hong Kong.

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Chinese-American stand-up comedian Joe Wong on stage in China in 2025. He will perform in Hong Kong in both English and Mandarin in August. Photo: Joe Wong
American cinema

Review | The Naked Gun: Liam Neeson in hilarious police comedy reboot

Liam Neeson is superb as Frank Drebin Jr and Pamela Anderson continues to impress in what is likely the funniest comedy you’ll see this year.

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Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Have you seen these films by star Hong Kong directors Ronny Yu and Tsui Hark?

Chow Yun-fat and Sally Yeh charmed in Yu’s 1984 horror The Occupant, while Tsui joined Joey Wong and Sam Hui in 1985 comedy Working Class.

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Women and gender

Chinese officials not amused by ‘gender antagonism’ in comedy

Chinese officials not amused by ‘gender antagonism’ in comedy
Fame and celebrity

Meet SNL star Marcello Hernández’s architect girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral

Hernández has previously been linked to other celebrities, but his appearance on the Happy Gilmore 2 red carpet with Batlle marks the first time he’s made things official since hitting the big time.

Marcello Hernández and Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral attend the Happy Gilmore 2 world premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center, on July 21, in New York. Photo: Getty Images
Women and gender

Chinese officials accuse online stand-up shows of stirring ‘gender antagonism’

Zhejiang officials hope ‘rising stand-up comedy scene can become more rational and profound, with less division and more understanding’.

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Women and gender

Chinese university student’s expulsion sparks backlash

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Fame and celebrity

Who is Anna Kendrick’s boyfriend, comedian Alex Edelman?

When Anna Kendrick went on the Call Her Daddy podcast last year, she explained why she doesn’t date men who haven’t been in therapy – so what do we know about her new beau?

Comedian Alex Edelman is said to be dating Anna Kendrick, after having previously been linked to Hannah Einbinder and Katherine Ryan. Photo: @alexedelman/Instagram
Fame and celebrity

Meet Abby Elliott, who plays Jeremy Allen White’s sister on The Bear

Abby’s portrayal of Natalie Berzatto, aka Sugar, earned her a Golden Globe nod, but her family’s no stranger to fame – her father was in Schitt’s Creek and her hubby worked on House of Cards.

Fame and celebrity

Meet Leo Reich, the Gen Z comedian starring in Lena Dunham’s Too Much

Reich faced struggles at high school due to his sexuality, which he turned into the foundation of his comedy – he was a member of the Cambridge Footlights and will soon head up a series on Channel 4.

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

The Hui Brothers defined Hong Kong comedy in the 1970s. How they fared later

We revisit three of Michael Hui’s best films as a comedy actor and co-screenwriter, aided by brothers Ricky and Sam, from the 1980s onwards.

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Michael Hui (in glasses and apron) and Ricky Hui (in chicken suit) in a still from Chicken and Duck Talk (1988). The Hui Brothers, which included Sam Hui, defined Hong Kong comedy in the 1970s with films like The Private Eyes, The Contract and Security Unlimited.
Fame and celebrity

Comedian Margaret Cho on Asian representation and humour in ‘a horrible time’

Cho says humour is the one place people can find some comfort with a US government that’s ‘against everything that makes us American’.

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Margaret Cho at The Drop: Margaret Cho show in Los Angeles, California, in April 2025. She will be joined by more than 30 Asian stand-up comedians, including Hasan Minhaj and Kumail Nanjiani, for the Belly Laughs Comedy and Food Festival on July 12 and 13. Photo: Getty Images
TV shows and streaming video

Profile | ‘I represent the weirdos’: Asian-American stand-up star Atsuko Okatsuka

The Taiwan-born comedian talks about finding herself as a performer and smashing stereotypes as her new special Father hits Hulu and Disney+.

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Art

The Hong Kong pixel artist capturing hearts with his retro Instagram art

From Game Boy memories to a surprise DM from Jimmy O. Yang, Fatbeard’s work is taking over.

Fame and celebrity

Meet SNL cast member Ego Nwodim, who accidentally got the audience to curse

Ego Nwodim is known for playing characters Miss Eggy, ‘Lisa from Temecula’ and Dionne Warwick on SNL, and outside the show, hosts a podcast called Dad for the Day and has appeared in several films.

Ego Nwodim is a permanent cast member on SNL, and has appeared in several films and TV shows. Photo: @eggyboom/Instagram
Fame and celebrity

Meet TikTok-star-turned-actress, Megan Stalter – who’s in Netflix’s Too Much

Megan Stalter was a TikTok comedian before she landed a role in HBO Max’s Hacks – now, she’s returning to the screen with Lena Dunham’s highly anticipated new Netflix show, Too Much.

Megan Stalter in The Prettiest Girl in America Tour. Photo: @megsstalter/Instagram
Performing arts in Hong Kong

Why Hong Kong still feels like home for Jimmy O. Yang, actor and comedian

Actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang on making it in Hollywood, his Hong Kong childhood and amazement at how fast his shows in the city sold out.

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Wally Baram, breakout star of Amazon Prime’s new dramedy Overcompensating

Baram dropped out of university to pursue comedy full time, but when she joined Overcompensating as a writer, she didn’t expect to end up on screen ….

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