Ali Wong
Ali Wong
Comunity Hub
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Overview

This timeline chronicles the life and career of Ali Wong, a groundbreaking comedian, actress, writer, producer, and director known for her unapologetically honest and hilarious perspective on motherhood, marriage, and modern womanhood. It highlights key moments that shaped her path to becoming a cultural icon.
Main Milestones
Birth in San Francisco
April 19, 1982
Alexandra Dawn "Ali" Wong is born in San Francisco, California, to a Chinese-American father, Adolphus Wong, and a Vietnamese mother, Tam "Tammy" Wong. Her upbringing in a diverse environment and exposure to different cultures likely contributed to her unique comedic voice.
Graduation from San Francisco University High School
2000
Graduating from high school, she sets the stage for further academic pursuits. She was the student body president in highschool, setting the foundation for future leadership roles she would embrace.
Graduation from UCLA with a BA in Asian American Studies
2004
Ali Wong graduates from UCLA, where she majored in Asian American Studies and was heavily involved in the LCC Theatre Company. This period marks her initial exploration of performance and storytelling, laying the groundwork for her future comedic endeavors.
Stand-up Comedy Debut in San Francisco
2005
After graduating college, Wong began performing stand-up comedy. This marked the official start of her career in comedy, honing her skills and developing her distinctive style in the competitive San Francisco comedy scene.
Named One of Variety's '10 Comics to Watch'
2011
Recognition from Variety as one of the top comics to watch signifies a breakthrough moment, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry and opening doors to larger platforms and opportunities.
Marriage to Justin Hakuta
2014
Ali Wong marries Justin Hakuta, a Harvard Business School graduate. Their relationship has been a recurring theme in her stand-up, providing comedic fodder for her observations on marriage and relationships, though the pair later divorced.
'Baby Cobra' Netflix Special Release
May 2016
The release of her Netflix stand-up special 'Baby Cobra,' filmed while seven months pregnant, catapults Ali Wong to widespread fame. The special's raw honesty, fearless delivery, and relatable humor resonate deeply with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
'Hard Knock Wife' Netflix Special Release
2018
Wong's second Netflix special, 'Hard Knock Wife,' further solidifies her status as a comedic powerhouse. Building on the success of 'Baby Cobra,' she continues to explore motherhood and marriage with unflinching honesty and sharp wit, cementing her connection with her audience.
Release of 'Always Be My Maybe'
2019
Ali Wong co-writes, produces, and stars in the Netflix romantic comedy 'Always Be My Maybe' alongside Randall Park. The film's success demonstrates her versatility as a writer, producer, and actress, broadening her appeal beyond stand-up comedy.
Divorced from Justin Hakuta
2022
Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta announce their divorce after eight years of marriage. The divorce later became a part of her stage performance themes.
Wins Primetime Emmy Award for 'Beef'
2023
Ali Wong wins the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her performance in 'Beef'. This marks a significant achievement, recognizing her dramatic acting abilities and expanding her range as a performer.