“A Day in the Life” with Toronto Comedian, Actor & Writer Franco Nguyen

February 19, 2019 Joel Levy Artist Profiles, Arts, Performing Arts

At first glance, Franco Nguyen appears to be a Torontonian but he’s actually from the ‘Peg and is constantly in disguise. He’s adapted so well that he’ll fit in at any cool downtown Toronto scene. At night, he hits the clubs…the comedy clubs. You can find him doing stand-up sets around town, at storytelling circles or doing sketch/improv with his troupe Tall Boyz II Men. Franco is funny, charming and is an excellent friend. He is one of the most patient, diligent and hard-working people you’ll ever meet. He is also an average poker player.

-Bio by Byron Abalos, director of Good Morning, Viet Mom and friend for the past ten years (Prior to that they were enemies).

franco nguyen - Every single morning my girlfriend Thao and I get ready for our day together. — Every single morning my girlfriend Thao and I get ready for our day together.

franco nguyen - Here we are confirming that Thao is indeed pregnant and I’m going to be a father. Just a regular day! — Here we are confirming that Thao is indeed pregnant and I’m going to be a father. Just a regular day!

Here I’m promoting Good Morning, Viet Mom on CBC Radio’s Here and Now. I’m being interviewed by my friend Ali Hassan.

Here I am, going on a field trip with my sketch crew, TallBoyz II Men!

Here is a photo of Thao and I about to hit the town. You can tell we’re in Parkdale because of the Parkay flooring! We also don’t have to share our “going out” clothes.

TallBoyz II Men at the end of our hit show “A 6ix NNNNNN” Revue!

Rehearsing with Michelle Chung, the Deaf interpreter for our integrated ASL-interpreted performances of Good Morning, Viet Mom.

Soaring Skies Collective (Darrel Gamotin, Franco Nguyen, Byron Abalos) during a photo shoot as Cahoots' artists-in-residence (photo by Dahlia Katz). — Soaring Skies Collective (Darrel Gamotin, Franco Nguyen, Byron Abalos) during a photo shoot as Cahoots’ artists-in-residence (photo by Dahlia Katz).

What ‘hood are you in?

I live in Parkdale. I spent my childhood in Little Portugal and my 20s in Wallace Emerson.

What do you do?

A lot of Instagram scrolling. I am also a comedian, actor and writer. I’m also on Instagram @FrancoWins.

What are you Currently Working on?

I’m currently working on the premiere of my one-person show called Good Morning, Viet Mom, produced by Cahoots Theatre, and playing at the Aki Studio in Toronto, February 16 – March 3, 2019; at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, March 5–7, 2019; and the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, BC, March 12–16, 2019.

Where can we find your work?

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website