Ali Wong, the multi-talented comedian, actress, and writer, has built a career known for her sharp wit, memorable stand-up specials, and dynamic roles in television and film. Recently, Wong added a new feather to her cap with her voice role Jentry Chau vs The Underworld on Netflix. In a recent interview with What’s Trending, the opened up about the experience, working alongside comedian Bowen Yang, and collaborating with creator Echo Wu to bring the show to life.
A Dream Collaboration with Bowen Yang
Wong’s excitement about her collaboration with Bowen Yang, known for his sharp humor and versatility, was evident from the start. “It was such an honor,” Wong shared, recalling her long-time admiration for Yang, particularly his viral lip-sync performance of Tyra Banks’ famous “Be quiet, Tiffany!” moment from America’s Next Top Model. Wong, who had been eager to work with Yang for years, saw this project as a dream come true.
“Ever since I saw that video, I was like, ‘Who is this man? I wanted to work with him so bad,’” Wong recalled. When Yang agreed to be part of the series, it felt like a major milestone. Despite their busy schedules—Yang, of course, is a regular on Saturday Night Live—the two didn’t have much in-person time during the recording process. However, Wong was thrilled to see Yang’s work come to life in the character he portrayed, describing the final product as “everything we dreamed of and more.”
Echo Wu’s Vision and Wong’s Growth
The series, which was brought to life by creator Echo Wu, drew Wong in with its unique perspective and commitment to storytelling. Wong was particularly struck by Wu’s approach to animation, which reflected a deep personal connection to her childhood in Texas and her love for the medium.
“I was just so excited about this fresh new voice with such a clear point of view,” Wong explained. “When Echo presented me with the deck for Gentry in 2020, I was like, ‘Who is this young woman making this amazing self-portrait through this animated show?’”
Wu’s guidance throughout the project was key to Wong’s performance. Despite the challenges of working remotely—Wong was juggling multiple projects during the show’s development—Wu was always present, offering support and direction. “Echo was there in person, giving notes, but never in an overbearing way,” Wong said. “She has such a clear voice and vision that I could trust her completely.”
Wong’s admiration for Wu’s creative vision was matched by her excitement about the character of Gentry, who would go on to become the heart of the show. Wu, in turn, was impressed with Wong’s ability to tap into the emotional range of her character. “I really loved watching Ali go through the experience of recording,” Wu shared. “She brought such emotional depth to Gentry, especially after her role in Beef, which gave her such a grounded, dimensional quality that made the character feel real.”
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The Balancing Act of a Busy Schedule
Wong’s involvement in this animated series came at a time when she was already in high demand, with multiple projects on her plate, including the hit series Beef and her stand-up specials. Despite the challenges of juggling so many commitments, Wong made it look effortless.
Echo Wu acknowledged Wong’s ability to stay focused and present, despite her hectic schedule. “She makes it look very effortless,” Wu said. “She’s always been available to record and be part of this show. It’s been an amazing journey working with her.”
For Wong, the extended timeline of the project—spanning over four years—was a major factor in making her involvement possible. “It helped that the project was spread out over four years,” Wong admitted, highlighting the flexibility that allowed her to contribute while maintaining her other professional commitments.
Bringing Personality to Animation
For someone like Wong, whose career has been built on live-action performances and engaging with large audiences, the challenge of voice acting was a new but exciting one. Wong had to find a way to infuse her signature personality and emotional depth into an animated character, a task she approached with guidance from Wu.
“I think it was really through Echo’s guidance that I was able to bring my personality to the character,” Wong said. “She was there to guide me every step of the way, and because I trusted her, I felt confident in delivering the performance.”
Wong’s experience highlights an important aspect of voice acting: the need to trust the creator and understand the larger vision of the project. For her, working with someone as talented and clear-headed as Echo Wu made the process both enjoyable and fulfilling.
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As the series nears its release, Wong reflects on the incredible journey of working with Bowen Yang, Echo Wu, and the rest of the team. The combination of her distinctive voice, Yang’s comedic genius, and Wu’s creative vision promises to make this animated project one of the most anticipated shows in the genre.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever feel that rush again,” Wong said, recalling the moment when she first learned Yang would be part of the project. With her characteristic humor and candor, Wong summed up the experience, saying, “That was probably one of the top five moments of my life.”
Fans can look forward to a show that blends humor, emotional depth, and a unique storytelling style, all with Wong’s unmistakable flair. As the series progresses, it’s clear that this collaboration will continue to be a standout moment in her already illustrious career.
