Today we’d like to introduce you to Viet Nguyen.
Hi Viet, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2016, I moved to the US from Vietnam as an international student to major in business. Although I was managing academically, I felt a deep sense of isolation because I missed my friends and the social interactions I had enjoyed back home. I realized that my struggle to engage in casual English conversations was a significant barrier to forming new friendships. To improve, I took a communication class, hoping it would help me converse better. However, the class focused more on public speaking than conversational skills, which didn’t meet my needs.
Despite this, I discovered I had a knack for writing humorous speeches that made people laugh, which reminded me of how I connected with friends in high school through humor. This realization led me to explore stand-up comedy, an art form I first encountered through comedians like Gabriel Iglesias and later, Kevin Hart and Trevor Noah, whose performances were accessible and funny.
In the summer of 2018, I invested $300 from my part-time job at a Vietnamese Hot Pot restaurant—a significant amount for me—into a stand-up comedy class. Initially, I was disappointed because the class emphasized writing more than the spontaneous talking I expected. However, the class introduced me to a community of new and experienced comedians, and I began exploring open mics across Los Angeles and Orange County with them. This community felt like a new group of friends, a chance to hang out, and an escape from school.
However, my involvement with stand-up was casual at first; I didn’t fully immerse myself in the art or form deep connections. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, stand-up venues closed, and I was stuck at home, which was fine initially as I passed the time playing video games. But as months went by, I missed the interaction and realized I had not formed lasting friendships in the comedy scene. This led to a renewed commitment to stand-up as I started attending open mics alone, pushing myself out of my comfort zone to really connect with people and refine my craft.
My efforts began to pay off. I remember performing well at a mic night at the Rec Room in Huntington Beach, where I received compliments from fellow Asian comedians I respected. This experience was pivotal; it validated my belief in my comedic abilities and fueled my passion for stand-up.
After COVID restrictions lifted and I returned to college, I switched my major to English to better understand and master the craft of writing. I balanced school, work, and nightly comedy gigs, gradually gaining recognition in the comedy community. As I got booked for shows further away and interacted with more people, I began to see comedy not just as a hobby but as a potential career.
In 2022, after receiving my Green Card, I decided to pursue comedy full-time. Now, I am actively engaged in the comedy scene, well-regarded by peers, and getting booked increasingly often. My journey from feeling out of place to finding a community where I belong has shown me that humor is not just a way to connect, but a path to finding my place in a new country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first moved to the U.S., I struggled a lot with the new culture and language barrier, which made it hard for me to make friends. I also had to step out of my comfort zone to talk to people and fit in. I started doing stand-up comedy as a way to connect with others, but I kept it a secret from my family because I knew they wouldn’t approve of me pursuing a career in the arts. Balancing school, work, and comedy was really tough, especially since I was doing everything behind my family’s back. It wasn’t until one of my comedy videos went viral on Instagram and TikTok that my parents found out. They were skeptical at first, but after getting positive feedback from their friends and relatives who have been in America for a long time, and after many conversations where I explained how much comedy means to me, they finally started to support me. This support has helped me feel more confident in pursuing my passion for comedy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am Viet Nguyen, a stand-up comedian who thrives on exploring the humor found in the complexities of cultural identity. My comedy delves into the experiences of being a Vietnamese immigrant with an American twist, using humor as a bridge between diverse worlds. My style blends dark, observant humor with a unique perspective that resonates with a wide audience, drawing from personal and generational insights.
In my routines, I enjoy turning personal experiences into relatable comedy, inviting the audience to laugh not only at the jokes but also at the deeper truths behind them. My humor often tackles themes of race, class, and generational differences, serving up observational comedy that roasts societal norms.
I’m passionate about asking those peculiar, lingering questions that everyone thinks but hesitates to explore. My performances are about sharing laughter and insights, creating moments of connection through comedy.
Ultimately, my goal in comedy is not just to entertain but to provide a fresh perspective, making sense of my experiences in America through humor.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Moving to the U.S. from Vietnam was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It was not just about adapting to a new place; it was also about being far from my family without a support system here. This made everything more challenging, especially during tough times.
Balancing school and stand-up comedy was another risk. It was tough managing both, and I almost failed my classes. That was a low point because it made me question whether pursuing comedy was worth jeopardizing my education.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I felt isolated and disconnected, which nearly drove me to move back to Vietnam. However, reconnecting with comedy online during that time reminded me why I started in the first place. It gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to push through the uncertainty.
To me, risk-taking is about stepping into the unknown and learning from whatever comes your way. It’s not about success or failure, but about the growth that comes from trying. Each risk has taught me more about resilience and pursuing what truly matters, even when it’s hard.
Pricing:
- I am available for shows anywhere, provided my travel and accommodation expenses are covered, along with a reasonable honorarium for my performance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vietspeekenglizh
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vietspeekenglizh
