Aaron Chen: From Australian Stages to International Recognition

Comedian and actor Aaron Chen has experienced increased recognition in recent years, a trajectory propelled by international streaming and a series of high-profile projects. His career, which began in Australia, has expanded significantly since his move to the United States in August 2023.

Breakthrough Role and Accolades

A key factor in Chen's rising profile was his role as George in the ABC sitcom Fisk. The show premiered in Australia in 2021 and became available to a wider audience on Netflix in the United States in August 2023. The impact was significant.

"It did really change my life," Chen stated, noting that the show helped him develop a fanbase in the United States.

His work on the show's third season earned him a Logie award in 2025 for best comedy actor, a major Australian television honor.

Expanding His Reach: Stand-up and Television

Chen has actively built upon this success with several new ventures. He filmed a Netflix stand-up comedy special titled Funny Garden in New York and has appeared on other television programs, including Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee and Taskmaster Australia, which he won.

In 2025, he performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers and recently completed a US tour supporting acclaimed comedian Ali Wong.

Upcoming Projects

Chen is also branching into film. He filmed his first feature film, The Dink, in late 2024. The film is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV in July.

Additionally, he is scheduled to appear in the HBO comedy series Make That Movie, indicating a continued rise in his acting career.

Background and Career Beginnings

Aaron Chen began performing stand-up comedy at age 16 after winning the Class Clowns national competition in 2012. He won the best newcomer award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2017 for his first solo show and later hosted the ABC digital channel show John Conway Tonight for a period in 2017.

He is married to Esther Shim.

Reflections on Comedy and Challenge

For Chen, the core of his work remains stand-up comedy. "The highlights are always doing standup comedy," he said.

Reflecting on his early career success in Australia, Chen described a unique challenge: "When I went on stage, people were already laughing – so you’re like, I don’t know if I’m actually good, or these people just know who I am." This feeling contributed to his decision to move to the United States for a new challenge.

On starting fresh in New York, he stated, "It felt like starting from the middle, when I first got here."

Chen described himself as "easily overwhelmed" and "a low-capacity type of guy," an admission that contrasts with his busy slate of professional achievements.