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Margaret Cho
Do not use or take any images without my permission 4/2003 -- Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA When it comes to comedy, Margaret Cho is the woman. I have loved her comedy ever since I was in high school because she really knew how to make people laugh. She didn't make people laugh through typical Asian stereotypes (like bad accents where we mixed up "R's" with "L's"...for an example watch A Christmas Story where the Chinese waiters are singing 'Deck the Halls' ). She elicited laughter because she was FUNNY! Back in high school, I actually wanted to enter the comedy arena, and being an Asian female myself, Margaret was the one I looked up to since she was an Asian woman who was successful in comedy. Due to her popularity, she even landed her own TV sitcom called "All American Girl". Although short lived, the show was one of the funniest on TV at the time, and I can still remember my friends and even my teachers commenting on how much they liked the show and how funny it was. When I heard that Margaret was coming to Philadelphia as part of her "Revolution" tour, I had to go. After my friends and I got tickets, I drew this portrait in the hopes of meeting Ms. Cho and as a token of my appreciation for her comedy. The concert was amazing. Margaret kept the audience laughing for close to two hours straight. The woman was on fire....every joke she threw out resulted in a roar of laughter from the crowd. I can't remember the last time my stomach hurt so much from laughing. Once the show finished, we all gave her a long standing ovation, and the proceeded to leave. My friends and I had other plans....because we needed to meet Margaret! Remembering how I met Bill Bellamy, we started looking for the back entrance, and after a few minutes of wandering around outside, we found it....along with about 30 other people. My friends and I waited with the other people for a bit when a woman from Margaret's crew came out and told us that Margaret would be exiting shortly and would sign autographs for everyone and also asked us not to rush her. After that we were hyped, and after about 15 minutes or so, Margaret came out! The crowd
went crazy, but her appearance didn't cause a mob scene. People actually
listened and did not rush upon Margaret. As promised, Margaret (armed with
her own Sharpie) proceeded to sign autographs and pose for pictures for every
person that asked. She After a bit, I couldn't wait any longer to meet Margaret...so I eased my way to the front of the line. Just as I reached the front, Margaret finished signing an autograph and turned to me. I froze (of course) and suddenly forgot what I was going to say. Luckily my friend nudged me, and I managed to get out "Can you sign my drawing?" She looked down at my portrait, and with widened eyes said "Oh wow! Look at that!" She then signed it, flashed me a big smile and proceeded to turn to another fan. As she turned away, I remember saying "Margaret you rock! You rock Margaret!" (yes, that's all I could get out) She simply responded back with a shy little smile. I was so shocked because here was this woman who is crazy and loud on stage....but then off-stage, she was kind of quiet and somewhat shy. The duality blew my mind. Once she signed autographs for everybody, she waved goodbye to everybody one last time, entered her limo and drove away. Even though I no longer want to pursue a career in comedy, Margaret is still a woman I look up to because even with all the adversity she has faced in the past, she has survived and, as a result, has strengthened her comedic career and popularity. Meeting her was definitely memorable...and Margaret, if you ever read this....you rock! :) Visit Margaret Cho's official website
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