Irene Tu was born on October 4, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised as an only child in the suburbs of Chicago, Tu had a close-knit family with her parents and grandparents. As a child, she showed an interest in music, singing in the elementary school chorus and playing the piano for ten years. Alongside her musical pursuits, Tu was also involved in various extracurricular activities such as athletics, quiz bowl, and science club.
After being greatly inspired by comedian Ellen DeGeneres, Tu decided she wanted to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. She began training at Second City when she was just 16 years old, honing her comedic skills. Tu went on to attend Northwestern University before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a degree in Asian-American studies.
During her college years, Tu started performing at local comedy clubs and open mic nights, showcasing her unique style of humor. Her talent and dedication to the craft soon caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to opportunities to perform at various comedy festivals such as the Portland Queer Comedy Festival, the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Comedy Central's Clusterfest.
In 2016, Tu was named by the KQED radio network as one of its Women to Watch, recognizing her as a rising star in the comedy world. The same year, she was featured on SFist's list of the Bay Area's 11 Best Stand-Up Comics, solidifying her reputation as a standout talent. Tu's sharp wit and relatable humor resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her praise from publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and Vulture by New York Magazine.
Tu's comedic prowess also translated to the small screen, with notable appearances on television shows such as The Movie Show, Take My Wife, and The Guest List. The latter featured Tu alongside esteemed comedians like Maria Bamford, Ron Funches, Cameron Esposito, and Michelle Buteau, further cementing her status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Despite her public persona as a comedian, Tu values her privacy in her personal life. She has spoken candidly about coming to terms with her sexuality, realizing she was gay during a summer camp at the University of Chicago. Throughout her journey of self-discovery, Tu had a brief physical involvement with a former female best friend, refraining from labeling their relationship.
In 2019, Tu showcased her talent on the show Straight Up, Stand Up alongside fellow comedians Ify Nwadiwe and Becky Robinson. Additionally, she was featured as a comic on Iliza Shlesinger's three-part comedy special, Iliza's Locals, in 2023, further expanding her reach and solidifying her status as a rising star in the comedy world.