Ali Wong was born on April 19, 1982, in San Francisco, California. She is the youngest of four children born to Adolphus and Tammy Wong. Her father is an anesthesiologist. Wong attended San Francisco University High School, where she served as the student body class president. She went on to graduate summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Asian American studies.
While at UCLA, Wong was a member of Lapu, the Coyote that Cares Theatre Company. After graduation, she pursued a career in comedy and acting. Wong gained recognition as a stand-up comic and actress, appearing in various television shows and films. She was a series regular on "Are You There, Chelsea?" and "Black Box" before joining the reboot of VH1's "Best Week Ever." Wong's comedic talent caught the attention of Variety, who named her one of the "10 Comics to Watch" in 2011.
Wong continued to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She joined the writing team of "Fresh Off the Boat" and starred in the hit Netflix special "Baby Cobra." Wong also voiced one of the title characters in the animated series "Tuca & Bertie" and starred in ABC's "American Housewife." In 2019, she co-wrote and starred in the film "Always Be My Maybe."
In 2014, Wong married Justin Hakuta, with whom she welcomed a daughter in November of 2015. During her pregnancy, Wong filmed "Baby Cobra," showcasing her comedic talent and fearlessness. Unfortunately, Wong and Hakuta later divorced in late 2023. Wong has since been romantically linked to actor Bill Hader.
In addition to her successful stand-up career, Wong has made appearances on popular shows like Comedy Central's "Inside Amy Schumer." She starred in the 2023 Netflix hit "Beef," further solidifying her status as a comedic powerhouse in the industry.
Ali Wong's influence extends beyond her comedic talents. As an Asian American woman, she has broken barriers in Hollywood and inspired a new generation of diverse voices in entertainment. Her bold and unapologetic humor has resonated with audiences worldwide, making her a trailblazer in the industry. Wong continues to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes, solidifying her legacy as a comedic icon.