Margaret Cho is hitting the road with a brand-new comedy tour, crisscrossing North America in celebration of her 40-year career. Her latest show, Choligarchy, is more than just a series of stand-up dates — it’s a powerful statement about the world today. Audiences can expect an evening of sharp, progressive commentary, all delivered with the unfiltered honesty that has defined Cho’s legacy.
The Choligarchy tour places Cho’s unique voice front and center. As a Queer Asian American woman who has never backed away from the truth, she offers a perspective you won’t find anywhere else. The show features all-new material that tackles the current cultural and political landscape through heartfelt personal stories and fearless humor. It’s an urgent, funny, and deeply moving experience that invites audiences into a space of radical candor. This isn’t just comedy; it’s advocacy through laughter.
The tour marks a major milestone — it's been 40 years since Cho first stepped onto a comedy stage in San Francisco. But calling her just a comedian doesn’t fully capture her impact. She’s also an actor, musician, writer, and dedicated advocate — constantly pushing boundaries with her work.
From the very beginning, Cho’s career has been defined by her willingness to speak openly about family, identity, sexuality, and mental health. This vulnerability has not only forged a deep bond with her audience but has also paved the way for a new generation of performers to share their own truths. Whether breaking ground with her 1994 sitcom All-American Girl or earning five Grammy nominations for her comedy albums, Cho has always been a trailblazer.
As a longtime fan, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with her. What struck me most was her warmth and candor. Here’s our conversation.
Frank Gaimari: Your career has spanned stand-up, acting, and writing. How does your creative process adapt when you shift between these different modes of expression?
Margaret Cho: My creative process really depends on the type of project I’m working on, and I find that each medium demands a unique approach. When I’m doing stand-up, I’m balancing my own need for self-expression with connecting to the audience, shaping the material to reflect my voice and their reactions. In contrast, working on movies or reality-based projects means stepping into someone else’s world — I’m there to help bring another person’s vision to life, so my mindset shifts to serve the story rather than my own perspective.
On the other hand, when I’m making music or writing my book, the experience is much more personal and introspective. These projects give me the freedom to fully explore my own ideas and push the boundaries of my creativity, much like stand-up. Ultimately, whether I’m collaborating or working solo, I adapt my approach to suit the demands and opportunities of each creative endeavor.
FG: Reflecting on projects like All-American Girl, what key lessons did you learn that influenced your approach in the entertainment industry?
MC: Working on All-American Girl was a pivotal moment in my career, offering invaluable insight into the inner workings of television and Hollywood. Before that experience, I viewed acting as simply another job, but being at the center of the show made me realize how important it is to have my own voice and agency. In hindsight, I wish I had asserted myself more and truly shared my perspective, but I’m grateful for the lessons I learned — even though the process was incredibly challenging. Ultimately, that experience taught me the importance of owning my story and using my platform to its fullest.
FG: You’ve often drawn from your family and Korean heritage in your work. How has your perspective on sharing these deeply personal stories evolved over the years?
MC: I really enjoy sharing stories about my family and personal experiences. When I talk about my life, I’m not intentionally trying to make a formal statement about Korean American culture or the immigrant experience. Instead, I share what has happened to me — these are just genuine moments from my own life that I find worth sharing.
What I find especially funny and relatable is the feeling of being an outsider, which I think everyone goes through, regardless of background. In my view, feeling a bit disconnected or on the edge of your own culture is a universal human experience. That’s the perspective I try to bring to my comedy. I want people to see themselves in these stories, to realize that feeling like you don’t quite fit in is something we all share.
FG: You've been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. How do you balance channeling personal struggles into your comedy while also protecting your own well-being?
MC: I believe mental health is incredibly important, and sharing my own experiences has always been healing for me — and I hope it’s healing for others too. I really value it when other artists talk openly about their mental health journeys, because it helps remind all of us that we’re not alone in our struggles. For me, dealing with mental health challenges has always been a part of my life. That’s why being honest and open about it matters so much to me. When I share my story, I’m not only helping myself by breaking the silence, but I’m also creating space for others to do the same. I truly believe that sharing our experiences is one of the most powerful ways we can support ourselves and those around us.
FG: As a prominent voice in the LGBTQIA+ community, how have you seen the landscape of Queer representation in media change, and where do you see the most urgent need for progress today?
MC: Over the years, I’ve seen a fundamental shift in how Queer people are represented in the media. There’s a much stronger sense that we deserve equal rights, and visibility has improved as more stories and voices from our community are being shared. But despite this progress, there’s still significant resistance, especially when it comes to protecting our rights like marriage equality, which is under threat. That’s why we must stay alert and keep advocating for our rights.
At the same time, I believe the most urgent need for progress is supporting and protecting the Trans community. The Queer movement owes so much to the leadership and contributions of Trans people, and we can’t move forward without ensuring they are seen, heard, and safe. Uplifting Trans voices and ensuring their stories are told is crucial. Supporting them should be a core part of our movement.
FG: Your new show, Choligarchy, returns to your political-comedy roots. What inspired this sharper, more confrontational direction?
MC: I’m incredibly frustrated with the state of the union, and I believe humor is my only weapon. The wealthiest people in the world are trying to take over. I want to fight fascism with everything I’ve got. This will be my most blistering and brutally honest show yet! Let’s tear down racism, homophobia, and sexism. We need to act now, before it’s too late to protect what matters most.
FG: When you reflect on your entire body of work, what message do you hope audiences connect with most?
MC: When I look back at my body of work, I hope people laugh — and feel connected. I want them to hear something that resonates — a deeper truth that not only makes them laugh but also reminds them they’re not alone in their thoughts, opinions, ideas, perspectives, or lives. I want people to feel okay. That’s always been my message.
For 40 years, Margaret Cho has been a trailblazer, building an innovative career on persistence and fearless comedy. Her voice remains as relevant and powerful as ever, and she's bringing her next chapter to the stage.
See Margaret Cho live at Seattle’s Moore Theatre on April 19 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are selling fast — get yours before they’re gone.
Tickets are at https://margaretcho.com
Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com .
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