Off Camera with Sam Jones Season 9 Episode 27 Awkwafina

Awkwafina, also known as Nora Lum, is the guest for season 9 episode 27 of Off Camera with Sam Jones. This episode dives into the unique experiences that shaped Awkwafina's career and identity as an artist.

Sam Jones starts off the episode by asking Awkwafina about her childhood and growing up in a multicultural household in Queens, New York. Awkwafina discusses her relationship with her grandmother, who she lived with for a significant portion of her life. She goes on to talk about how her grandmother was a huge influence on her and instilled in her a love for jazz music, which ultimately inspired her artist name.

The episode goes on to explore Awkwafina's early career as a rapper and comedian. Awkwafina reflects on her early struggles as an artist, including being rejected from multiple jobs and dealing with the backlash of her jokes. She also talks about the importance of being true to oneself, and how her unique and quirky sense of humor eventually found an audience.

Sam Jones and Awkwafina then discuss her breakout role in the hit film Crazy Rich Asians. She talks about how this experience was a turning point in her career, and how it felt to be part of such a groundbreaking film for Asian representation in Hollywood. Awkwafina reflects on the pressures and expectations that come with being a role model for representation and inclusion, and how she tries to balance that with staying true to her own voice and identity.

The episode delves deeper into Awkwafina's personal life, including her relationship with her mother and her struggles with anxiety and depression. Awkwafina talks about the importance of mental health awareness and how she copes with her own struggles.

Finally, Sam Jones and Awkwafina discuss her upcoming projects, including her new show Awkwafina is Nora from Queens. She talks about what it's like to play a character that is loosely based on herself, and how the show explores themes of family, identity, and the Asian American experience.

Overall, this episode of Off Camera with Sam Jones provides a candid and introspective look into the life and career of Awkwafina. Through honest and vulnerable conversation, she shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs as an artist and person of color in Hollywood.