Leslie Liao
American comedian From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leslie Liao is an American stand-up comedian. She formerly worked for Netflix in their human resources department while learning to perform stand-up.
Leslie Liao | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 11, 1987 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | USC School of Cinematic Arts |
| Occupation | Comedian |
Early life and education
Liao was born on March 11, 1987[1][2] to Chinese immigrant parents and raised in Orange County, California.[3] She describes originally wanting to be a ballerina from a young age, before being drawn to the entertainment industry. She recounts envisioning herself more as an agent or in some other support role.[4]
Liao graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.[5]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
After completing college, Liao's first job was as an assistant producer at Universal Studios in comedy production.[5] She also volunteered to be a talent scout, attending stand-up shows in the evenings to discover new comedy talent.[6] Liao became motivated to try her own hand at stand-up comedy after seeing performances she didn't like: "It all clicked that night, where I realized how much I understood it and loved it, and was so protective over it. I remember almost standing up and being like, 'Give me the mic.'"[6]
Liao took a "calculated approach" to beginning her career, first enrolling in a writing class.[7] While beginning to perform stand-up at local comedy clubs, Liao took a position at Netflix in their human resources department.[8] Liao describes working a 9 to 5 shift, performing at a late night show, and then needing to be ready for an early meeting the next day.[4] Liao made her television debut on the Jimmy Fallon Show and was featured in the Netflix comedy showcase Verified Stand-Up.[9] Liao resigned from Netflix in December 2023.[10] She said her bosses were "so cool and supportive" and encouraged her to pursue her comedy career: "My bosses at Netflix saw me on Netflix. They saw me on Jimmy Fallon. They were like, 'Go be a star.' They didn't fire me, but they were like, 'It's your time.'"[4]
Reception
Liao's comedy style focuses on her experience as a single Chinese-American woman living in Los Angeles.[7] Brian Logan of The Guardian praised Liao as well suited to performing stand-up, while also saying her set was "neither adventurous nor well crafted" but her "open and engaging manner [made] it a perfectly companionable hour".[11] Her act has also been called relatable and "hilarious in her execution and perspective".[12]
Awards and honors
Liao was selected as one of the New Faces of Comedy for the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.[7]
References
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