Its my home base.
Im unapologetically myself, confidently Asian, and confidently queer.
(People would yell that at me on the street and it stuck.)
Photographer: Natt Lim; Hair: Steven Mason; Makeup: Tammy Yi; Stylist: Laura Schuffman
I always knew that I was meant for more, Cola says.
And Cola has proved herself right.
There was no need to have an open conversation about it.
Photographer: Natt Lim; hair: Steven Mason; makeup: Tammy Yi; styling: Laura Schuffman
Glamour: InJoy Ride,you have a K-pop-star persona named Cutie.
If you were really a pop star, would that be the vibe youd go for?
Sherry Cola:The blue wig lookedreallygood.
Sabrina Wu, Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, and Stephanie Hsu inJoy Ride.
Depending on how the movie does, that might turn into a permanent look.
I definitely came alive as Cutie, a member of our K-pop group, Brownie Tuesday.
Its a version of Sherry Cola that Ive yet to unleash.
I will absolutely bring her out again.
She’s my secret weapon.
It’s my party trick now.
My reflexes are very sharp.
One of my skills is spinning a basketball on my finger.
Yes, balls on fingers.
Theraguns used in very interesting ways that Im surprised havent been done before.
I cried-cried, I cried-laughed, and I literally snorted.
I love the thought of Asian people just letting loose and laughing out loud.
Just having no inhibitions in a movie theater, because that’s what it’s all about.
As you were growing up, was your journey more similar to Lolos or Audreys?
I just never thought I could actually pursue it realistically because of the lack of representation.
Back then it was Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, and a handful of legends.
Because there were so few, I held on tighter when I saw them.
I’ve gotten to work with her onGood Trouble, which was a full-circle moment.
Now I can text her whenever I want, which is bananas!
My parents made something from nothing.
So I really owe my mom, Zengping, everything.
She wakes up before the sun’s up and has to take care of my grandpa.
She carries so incredibly much.
I really hope she feels fulfilled and gets to live wholeheartedly one day.
There was no need to have an open conversation about it.
What do you think your moms reaction will be when she seesJoy Ride?
I think she’s going to have her jaw on the floor.
She has seen even less representation than me, so I just can’t wait.
This film is for everyone.
It’s a universal story about friendship, discovering who you are, and finding your chosen family.
Also, just letting loose and having fun and celebrating joy, which is so relatable to everyone.
The Asian cultural specifics are just a plus because these Asian faces are also human faces.
It’s just jokes and stories that are overdue.
Hollywood has brainwashed us into thinking that when it’s too specific, no one will watch.
I think the more specific it is, the more universal it is.
I think everyone can watch this film from the age of 17 to 117.
I thinkeveryoneis going to just be blown away and have their jaws on the floor.
I think everyone will have sex hair by the time they exit the theater.
There is undeniable chemistry in this filmwith every character.
How did you build that rapport and energy behind the scenes?
Stephanie, Ashley, Sabrina, and I are family.
We know exactly what were all talking about.
I feel the same way aboutJoy Ride.
It’s like all of our superpowers combined and every character has their spotlight.
All four of us shine equally in this film, and that’s what makes it really special.
Do you have a meet-cute story with each of your core four in this movie?
Did you know Sabrina from the stand-up world?
The fact that Sabrina was playing my cousin immediately created this blood bond.
I definitely see Sabrina as a little cousin, just like Lolo and Deadeye are.
Stephanie will say that I was her first friend in LA.
We met because I saw her inNora From Queensand was like, Who is this girl?
I immediately ran toward her and was like, Hi, Im Sherry.
She was filmingEverything Everywhere All at Onceat the time.
Ashley and I could not be more different, yet we are so the same.
It made sense from the beginning that we would play best friends.
How surreal does it feel to not only meet your heroes but to work with them too?
I’ve always been very patient and excited for my journey because I know you could’t rush it.
you’ve got the option to’t force it.
You just have to do your best.
These queens really are an example of that.
I was there just doing my thing onstage, and Sandra Oh was about to present.
I didn’t know if that meant that I’m crushable, as in I’m adorable and crush-worthy.
Or if it meant that I’m crushing it and doing a good job.
She was like, Oh, sorry, I’m grabbing you.
And I was like, Oh, hey grab me!
This is a highlight of my existence!
