Atsuko Okatsuka On Her Comedy Beginnings, Signature Style And Why She’s Actually ‘Father’

Atsuko Okatsuka is no stranger to comedy lovers—in fact, you might have even caught her during her Full Grown show right here in Singapore at the Esplanade back in July last year. The Taiwanese-born, Los Angeles based stand-up comedian clinched The New York Times’ “Best Debut Special of 2022” with her debut stand-up special, The Intruder (2022), and she’s back with a new hit.

Okatsuka’s second one-hour special, Father, premieres on 13 June on streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Despite her fans calling her the “Mother that’s always mother-ing”, Okatsuka actually refers to herself as “Father”, hence the title. That’s not all: she will also star in Jonah Hill’s upcoming black-comedy Outcome, set for release later this year.

Beyond her comedic prowess, Okatsuka has also developed a cult following for her signature bowl haircut and colourful style. Ahead of her special, we asked the comedian about what to look out for in Father, her career, and more.

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Can you recall the first comedy you ever watched and how it made an impact on you?

It was Ken Shimura’s ketches, a Japanese comedian. He has since passed away. His silliness and physical humour transcended language.

What about the first memory you have of making someone laugh? Tell us more about that.

When I was 13, our teacher who had talked about her boyfriend of 15 years suddenly didn’t show up one day. Someone said, “Oh, she went and got married!” I said out loud: “There’s no way, he hasn’t proposed in 15 years, why would he now?” For some reason, calling out the elephant in the room got everyone laughing. It was nice: observing and commenting. Another important thing to know in comedy!

Was there a ‘eureka’ moment when you felt you wanted to pursue becoming a comedian?

Honestly, it was gradual for me. But after I graduated from art school, my husband Ryan [Harper Gray]’s assurance was really helpful in me deciding I wanted to try doing it full-time.

Your first stand-up special Intruder was written based on your personal experiences. How do you translate these experiences into comedy?

I find the funny in the absurd and the sad. It’s how I cope. I practise telling the jokes to myself at home first. Then I try it out at line-up shows, and I perfect it from there. Then I see how it fits into the larger narrative of a one-hour show. But first and foremost, whatever story or joke I’m trying to tell, it has to be funny to me first. Or else it wouldn’t work.

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How did you find your voice in comedy? How did you decide what kind of stories you want to tell with your comedy?

A lot of it is trial and error! Sometimes you start off trying to sound like someone else. Also, it’s figuring out who you are on stage versus who you are in real life. You’re always an exaggerated version of yourself while performing, but which part are you exaggerating? The deadpan-ness, the anger? The silliness?

For me, silliness and faux-anger and being “surprised” really worked for me in telling jokes and stories. Honestly, it’s how I react in real life to things too. It takes about 10 years for a comedian to truly find their voice and style.

You’re also known for your signature style: a bowl cut hairstyle, and bright and bold clothing. How did you find your signature style?

It’s just like finding your voice. Ultimately, it’s what makes YOU happy and feel your most authentic self. I love bright colours and I love owning my high fashion bowl cut, which is also an homage to my childhood haircut!

Many of your fans have been inspired by your style. Do you have advice on finding your personal style?

Truly, it’s whatever makes YOU happy and comfortable. It can be scary, but what you’re scared of is often times your most honest self trying to come out.

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You’re known as “Mother” by your fans and even online. Why did you name your upcoming project Father?

Mothers have it together. I’m more like father: thriving in life but clueless about everyday basics; like I didn’t know I hadn’t done the laundry in seven years. It was my husband the whole time. I also talk about reconnecting with my dad in the special too, so it’s a bit of a double entendre. 

What can we look forward to with Father?

Being an adult is hard, so you might as well have fun while doing it. It’s even better and funnier than my first special The Intruder. I’m very proud of it!

You mentioned that Father is better and funnier than The Intruder. In what ways will it differ from your previous works?

I got to tour this show internationally for 2 years. I got to take time to really think about the jokes, dig deep, and hone the craft of standup even more. It was also my first ever theatre tour. I became a stronger performer.

Do you have any dream collaborators you’d like to work with?

Lin Manuel-Miranda, somehow!

Do you have any milestones you’re hoping to achieve as a comedian?

Let’s have a TV show and a movie!

What type of TV show would you like to make?

One that features me, my husband, my mum and grandma, and my weirdo group of friends! [A show] about wanting to be accepted for who we are, so we find a community within each other. The silliness of I Love Lucy meets Entourage meets Lilo and Stitch!

What advice would you give to a young, aspiring comedian?

Keep working at it. Stay true to your voice!