Aaron Chen's Journey from Australian TV to Hollywood Success
In his Netflix special Funny Garden, Aaron Chen connects with his New York audience, asking if they know him from the hit sitcom Fisk. The enthusiastic response highlights how this role transformed his career. Chen, known for his gently offbeat comedy, has relocated from Australia to New York, marking a significant shift in his professional and personal life.
The Impact of Fisk on Chen's Career
Fisk, ABC's surprise-hit sitcom about a suburban probate law firm, premiered in Australia in 2021 and quickly gained popularity, leading to two more seasons. Chen played George, a probate clerk and self-styled "webmaster," which earned him a Logie award in 2025 for best comedy actor. When the series landed on Netflix in the US in August 2023, Chen found himself with a growing fanbase in America, even in unexpected places like Burlington, Vermont.
At 30 years old, Chen has experienced a series of successes. Beyond Fisk, he appeared on ABC's gameshow Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee and won season three of 10's Taskmaster Australia. In late 2024, he filmed his first feature film, The Dink, a Ben Stiller-produced comedy starring Jake Johnson, set to premiere on Apple TV in July. Additionally, he secured a spot on Late Night with Seth Meyers and recently wrapped a US tour supporting Ali Wong.
Embracing Standup Comedy and New Challenges
Despite these achievements, Chen emphasizes that standup comedy remains his true passion. Funny Garden, filmed in New York, showcases material from three years of touring in the US, blending his outsider perspective on America with reflections on his Chinese-Australian identity. His comedy style features one-liners and observational humor, often delivered with a disarming smile.
Chen began his comedy career at 16, winning the Class Clowns national competition in 2012 and starting with open-mic nights in Sydney. His breakthrough came in 2017 when he won best newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He later hosted John Conway Tonight on ABC's digital channel, a role that taught him valuable lessons about the industry during a challenging period.
Moving to the US and Personal Growth
As Chen's popularity grew in Australia, he felt uneasy about staying put. He explains, "I became scared of the idea of staying in Australia and being at that level." The pandemic in 2020 and his marriage to Esther Shim prompted reflection, and when his wife asked about living overseas, he seized the opportunity to try New York's comedy scene.
In New York, Chen performs regularly at the Comedy Cellar, embracing the honest feedback from mixed audiences. He describes this phase as "a big time of growing up," where he started from the middle, leveraging his experience to accelerate his integration into the American comedy circuit. Currently, he is focused on writing new material and developing his next live show, maintaining a grounded approach despite his Hollywood and Netflix successes.
Aaron Chen: Funny Garden is available on Netflix, offering a glimpse into his unique comedic voice and journey from Australian TV to international acclaim.
