Sherry Cola
Named “One to Watch” by People Magazine, “11 Asian American Comics Who Need to Be on Your Radar” by Entertainment Weekly and highlighted as an entertainer who represents the vast spectrum of storytelling across the industry on the 2022 Power of Pride list from Variety, comedian, actress, writer and prodigious talent 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-up sets on stage, Cola has proven she can do it all.
Cola currently stars on Freeform’s critically acclaimed hit drama “Good Trouble.” Cola shines as Alice Kwan, a queer, first-generation Chinese American who manages The Coterie apartment complex and aspires to be a stand-up comedian.
In film, Cola is set to star in Adele Lim’s (“Crazy Rich Asians”) upcoming comedy project for Lionsgate and Point Grey Pictures alongside Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu. The film, which Seth Rogan produces, follows a group of four friends traveling through Asia in search of one of their birth mothers. She will also star in Randall Park’s directorial debut comedy-drama, “Shortcomings,” alongside Justin H. Min and Ally Maki. Cola also finished production on “Sick Girl” with Nina Dobrev and will appear in Netflix’s untitled romantic comedy alongside Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron and Joey King.
In animation, Cola will lend her voice to Paramount Animation’s upcoming feature “The Tiger’s Apprentice” opposite Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh. She was also recently heard in Pixar’s animated feature “Turning Red,” which debuted on Disney+ on March 11, 2022. Additional credits include Drake Doremus’s “Endings, Beginnings,” opposite Shailene Woodley.
Born in Shanghai, China, Cola and her family moved to the United States when she was four and settled in the San Gabriel Valley. She attended California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Entertainment and Tourism Studies and working on the campus radio station for over three years. Cola’s innate ability to make people laugh and bring stories to life was indisputable. Students tuned in daily to listen to her hilarious commentary on celebrity news, music picks and more. Upon graduation, Cola joined AMP Radio 97.1 FM, spearheading promotions, social media and board operations. She even hit the street with a microphone talking to listeners. Television host and radio personality Carson Daly took Cola under his wing at the station, helping her further hone her craft as she launched her own Sunday night show. Cola went on to interview top artists, including Noah Cyrus, Fifth Harmony and Khalid. Following her success in radio, Cola broadened her artistic career with stand-up comedy and improv at Upright Citizens Brigade and began writing and creating characters. When two friends launched a Web series called “Luber,” a parody of Lift/Uber drivers, one of Cola’s most notable characters was born: Lil’ Tasty. The Lakers-loving, jersey-wearing, Timberland-rocking rapper was an instant phenomenon, receiving over 20 million views online.
Cola got her break in television in 2017, landing a seven-episode arc on Amazon’s “I Love Dick,” opposite Kevin Bacon and Kathryn Hahn. Her charismatic performance as jewelry-maker Natalie, one of Dick’s (Bacon) students at the art institute in Marfa, garnered public attention. Cola went on to work with MTV on the unscripted comedy series “Safeword,” showcasing her wit alongside Kevin Hart, Ludacris and LaLa Anthony. In 2018, Cola booked a recurring role on TNT’s “Claws” opposite Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston and Judy Reyes. The series follows five diverse and treacherous manicurists, who are good women caught in bad places with even worse men. Cola instantly became a fan favorite as FBI Special Agent Lucy Chun.
Cola regularly produces new material as a stand-up comedian, recently opening for Arsenio Hall and Ronny Chieng. She performs regularly at Laugh Factory, The Ice House, Hollywood Improv and The Comedy Store and recently filmed an episode of the“Funny Dance Show” for E! alongside Jackie Tohn, Solomon Georgio and London Brown. She is also developing multiple passion projects, including a “Curb Your Enthusiasm” inspired comedy based on her unique experience in radio. In addition to her time on set and on stage as a stand-up comedian, Cola is passionate about discussing the inequalities that exist within her Asian and LGBTQ+ communities. She also recently worked with the National Women’s Law Center (Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund) for AAPI Equal Pay Day, discussing wage gaps and the recent Asian hate crimes in the U.S.
Cola currently lives in the Los Angeles area.
