AAPI Heritage Month Commemorative Speaker: A Night With Sherry Cola

University Union, in collaboration with Multicultural Affairs, is pleased to welcome Sherry Cola for our upcoming performing arts show: A Night with Sherry Cola. This year’s event will take place in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will take place on April 9, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. at the Goldstein Auditorium in Schine Student Center. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by Syracuse student Celine Wang.

About 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 Power of Pride list from Variety, actress, comedian and writer 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 can be seen in the Lionsgate comedy “Joy Ride,” helmed by “Crazy Rich Asians” co-writer Adele Lim and produced by Seth Rogen. The film also stars Ashley Park, Sabrina Wu and Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu. Cola also shines in Sony Pictures Classics film “Shortcomings,” alongside Justin H. Min and Ally Maki, and directed by Randall Park. Based on Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel of the same name, the film premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival earning rave reviews, with the critics praising Cola’s performance saying: “Sherry Cola is a riot” (Awards Radar), “perfect comedic timing” (Under the Radar), “hilarious” (Vox) and “delightful, Cola is a standout” (The Film Stage). Additional projects for Cola include the upcoming Netflix film “A Family Affair” opposite Joey King, and she lends her voice to Paramount Animation’s “The Tiger’s Apprentice” opposite Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh.

On the television front, Cola was a star on Freeform’s critically-acclaimed drama series “Good Trouble.” In the show, Cola shines as Alice Kwan, a queer first-generation Chinese American who manages a communal living space and aspires to be a comedy legend. She can also be seen in the highly-anticipated Erin Foster series on Netflix, opposite Kristen Bell and Adam Brody.

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, where she majored in communications with an emphasis in entertainment and tourism studies, which serendipitously led to over three years on the campus radio station. Upon graduation, Cola joined AMP Radio 97.1 FM, spearheading promotions, social media and eventually being on-air. 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.

Cola regularly produces new material as a stand-up comedian, having opened for Arsenio Hall, Fortune Feimster and Ronny Chieng. She is also developing multiple passion projects, including a “Curb Your Enthusiasm”-inspired comedy based on her unique experience in radio.

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