AMBROSIA LEE DROPS THE MIC

A former child star pivots to pursue stand-up comedy.

Ambrosia “Brosh” Lee was once a successful child actor—a “perky Wednesday Addams.” But at 16, she struggles to get roles; playing Dead Asian Girl #3 on Law & Order doesn’t feel like much. She’s up for a role on an Emmy-winning television series, but her agent isn’t hopeful. Instead, he’s booked a commercial audition: Korean American Brosh is trying out for Unidentified Asian Female. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan British Liam Sweet, her ex, is thriving. They met while auditioning for Sherlock Jr.—he got the lead, but she wasn’t cast as Watson. After they bump into each other at a party, Liam invites Brosh to go see her favorite comedian, Josie Kang, and then flakes. Left outside the venue alone, Brosh meets Korean American stand-up comic Teddy Yoon and gives him her extra ticket. They click. Teddy encourages her to try stand-up, helping Brosh, who’s used to following a script, learn how to write a joke. By carefully observing other comics, going on stage herself, and even taking a class, Brosh finds her voice. Park delves into serious issues, including fat-shaming, cultural dislocation, and how we measure success—all presented with nuance through the lenses of identity and the entertainment industry. This accessible, humorous, and empowering narrative is sweet and threaded with hope, as Brosh recovers from the disappointment of her acting career and attempts something new.

An inspirational, funny, and charming story infused with agency and moxie.