Janie Gallegos
- Sep 21, 2020
- 3 min read

Irene Tu Is Taking Bay Area By Storm!

Irene Tu never expected to be one of Bay area's 11 best stand up comedians (SF List) in 2016, or 20 women to watch by KQED in 2016, much less an artist on the brink of fame in 2017, by SF Chronicle. But wait, she was also named one of Vultures comedians you should and will know in 2019, by NY Magazine. Openly joking about her sexuality and being her true self has earned Irene fame beyond her wildest dreams. #comedy #comedian #lgbtq #funny

Born and raised as an only child in Chicago, Irene occupied her time watching cartoons, playing sports, practicing the piano, and watching her idol, Ellen DeGeneres on TV. Ellen inspired Irene to make her dreams a reality as well as to embrace her own sexuality with freedom and of course, comedy.

“I had an average and boring childhood. I like sports, I actually liked school, and I played the piano for ten years; It was a really boring and really average childhood.”

In high-school, comedy became more than just a hobby. Irene’s assigned class speeches turned into a comedic approach which drew the attention of her peers. The class clown was actually a class comedian. This approach opened a whole new realm of expression for Tu. Still infatuated with Ellen DeGeneres (and owning Ellen’s complete collection on DVD’s as well as all of Ellen’s books) Irene knew what she had to do, google Ellen! Tu Explained, “I loved Ellen. I googled her journey and just followed her lead”.

By the age of 16, Irene began taking improv and acting classes at Second City in Chicago. This is the same Second City where many amazing actors and comedians began their journey as well.

“I just started doing improv's and auditioning. You have to understand that anything can go away at any moment. I was happy to do something I loved, even when you don’t think you can. I didn’t expect this as a career, it just kinda took off. I have been doing this for about 9 years now.”

After attending Northwestern University for two years, her mission in life was still a bit hazy. Irene began her major in Environmental Science later switching to Economics. She eventually transferred to U.C. Berkeley to continue her schooling in Asian-American studies. Having nailed graduation, Irene co-founded and hosted “Man Haters,” at the White Horse Bar in Oakland. Her drive and ambition ignited her desire to push further. Tu was doing a variety of gigs granting national tours, globally. In 2018, Irene relocated to L.A to further her career in comedy as well as TV.

Yes, I did say TV. Irene humbly explained her success when asked; How did you land a spot on, Take My Wife (season 2) and Funny How, on Viceland? Tu’s response was very simple, “I auditioned and I got the part”.

I had the pleasure of watching Irene perform at the Grand Comedy Club, in Escondido, Ca. Her quick wit earned her a million laughs within the first few seconds. Irene is confident in who she is and what she wants. Her dreams are being made a reality by just simply doing what she loves. Irene continues to perform nationally and brings belly laughs to all. Although her lifetime goal is to meet Ellen DeGeneres, she will continue her career as an actor, writer, and comedian while waiting for her dream to come true.

Irene Tu has provided laughs at numerous festivals and events including Comedy Centrals, Clusterfest! Opening for amazing comedians like Patton Oswalt and W. Kamau Bell are among some of her favorite memories.

Make sure you check out her shows as well as acting talent. I have included her links below to ensure you have the most current and up to date info on this rising star, Irene Tu! Ya know I always end with a smidgen of advice from your favorite artists so here is Irene’s advice for you; “Just do it, don’t think about it. Put in the hard work and just do it”! Until next time… Stay Golden Team!