By Drew SanEmetario
University at Albany alumni Nora Lum, better known as her stage name “Awkwafina”, has recently scored a timeslot amongst Comedy Central giants with her own production, titled “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.”
In recent years, the UAlbany Alum has played lead and supporting roles in many large-scale productions. Her breakout roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s 8” provided a strong foundation for the young actress to find more work in Hollywood. Lum would later go on to star in the critically acclaimed “The Farewell” where she would become the first Asian-American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Lum has proven to the public and critics that she is a versatile entertainer. Now, the young actress and comedian is set to write and star in her own 10-episode scripted series for Comedy Central.
“Nora from Queens” is a slice-of-life comedy show about the struggles of a young woman as she tries to traverse the difficult ins and outs of everyday life. The show centers around Nora Lum, played by herself, alongside her widower-father Wally, played by BD Wong, and her brash and vulgar grandmother, played by Lori Tan Chinn.
The show features what might be considered a toned-down version of the raunchy Awkwafina which most of her fans have grown to love. Throughout the show, Nora is plagued with menial struggles, such as unsuccessfully attempting to open a checking account or running into old acquaintances with whom she would rather have not run into.
Awkwafina’s “Nora from Queens” can be found on Comedy Central, with the third episode premiering this upcoming Wednesday, February 5 at 10:30 p.m. As of January 15, “Nora from Queens” has been renewed for a second season.