The Notorious C-H-O
MARGARET CHO WILL BRING HER candid, confessional, and socially conscious comedy to Boulder on June 26 as part of a national tour she’s billing “There’s No ‘I’ In Team, But There Is A ‘Cho’ In Psycho.” The actor, author, talk show host, and three-time Emmy and Grammy nominee slowed down just long enough to answer a few questions about her most recent projects.
Candice Dyer | Photos: Mary Taylor
Without giving away any spoilers, what can you tell us about your new material?
I’ve really been in a writing mood, and this is my most exciting show to date, I think. It’s about all of the insanity in the world. As a straight- identified, straight-acting bisexual — at least, I think that’s how I’m identifying myself these days — I naturally will focus on gay politics and identity, including transgender issues. And, yes, I also will include some jokes about my family. There will be a lot about standing up against violence against women. It’s the next wave of protest. But I also want to celebrate the funniness in the world and pay tribute both to Joan Rivers and to Robin Williams who were major influences on me and so many others.
You recently honored Robin Williams with a campaign you called “Be Robin,” which has been described as “pop-up comedy” around San Francisco. Tell us about that project.
I found I couldn’t stop grieving Robin Williams and I spoke to my friend Michael Pritchard, who is a mutual friend of mine and Robin’s and he said, “Don’t grieve Robin, be Robin.” So this is what I thought I should do. I should go and make a little Comic Relief [the nonprofit organization recently renamed the Tahoe Institute]. Robin was a street performer who raised millions for the homeless, so I thought a fitting way to honor him would be to help the homeless. I performed at shelters and other spots where people gather, and donors showed up with food, clothing, money, and supplies, and we had people offering services such as giving haircuts. People who were formerly homeless showed up to speak. The outpouring was generous and amazing.
How would you argue for gay marriage in front of the Supreme Court?
Well, this is something I’ve been working for for at least eleven years. It’s an equal-rights issue that is just so obvious, and it’s finally going to happen now. I think celebrations will take place all over the country in the form of weddings everywhere. It’s been a long time coming. I’m just glad it’s here.
How do you feel about all the “religious freedom” legislation in the news, and why do you suppose some heterosexual, conservative people feel so threatened and unhinged by people who might be different?
The religious freedom stuff is just another way to, again, justify homophobia and bigotry; it’s not about religious freedom at all. It’s all about a power balance. Inequality serves those in power, and those people get disturbed when the status quo shifts. Power traditionally went one way forever, it seemed, and now it’s shifting out of their favor to be more inclusive.
How are gay people treated in Korea and within the Korean-American community?
I think it’s still illegal in North Korea. In South Korea, there are pride parades, but people are discouraged from taking photographs of those because there’s a fear that someone will be embarrassed. In this country, gay people are more accepted, of course, but the more traditional elements of the culture still have a problem with it.
What are your thoughts on racism today, and to what extent have relations improved between African-American communities and Korean business owners in their midst?
First, the police brutality is confusing and sad and scary. And these slayings by police keep continuing, almost weekly, it seems, despite massive protests. Every week there’s a new video, a new death. And this is nothing new — there was Rodney King, Amadou Diallo, so many. My new material addresses race because I think we’re in the middle of one of the most important conversations about it in the world today. When violence erupts, Asians and Mexicans get caught in the crossfire — it’s a logistical thing because we’re not really white. Where do we fit on the spectrum between black and white? So many Korean businesses were looted during the King riots, which was unfair because they’re not responsible for police brutality. I want to see an end to police brutality, and I’m all for peaceful protest and police accountability.
What is your social life like these days?
Really, I’m not doing that much socializing or dating. After doing so much writing, I’m in the mode of work, rest, travel, work, rest, travel. That’s it.
How do you relax in your down-time?
I love musical comedy and sketch comedy. I like supporting other female comedians. I really enjoy Amy Schumer. I think she brings a very real kind of feminism to her work. There are so many good female comedians, but it’s still hard for women in comedy because we don’t get a lot of support from males. We don’t get as many chances to shine. I also watch a lot of old movies. I just recently watched Sunday, Bloody Sunday, which is an excellent film about bisexuality.
You recently hosted a very frank late-night talk show called All About Sex. What was the most surprising thing you learned?
A lot of people don’t understand that sex ultimately is about the relationship you have with yourself. It’s a kind of being as opposed to just relating to someone else. So much of sex depends on the relationship you have with yourself, how you relate to your own being. People don’t realize that.
What’s the wildest, most reckless thing you’ve done?
I bought a pair of Italian boots for a thousand dollars and didn’t keep the receipt.
Catch Margaret on June 26 at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder.
What's Your Reaction?
