I met Cassie Cao last spring, when we both auditioned for the Second City Diversity Fellowship. We were paired up to improvise a scene together, and as I met her on stage she quietly said hi and smiled. Then the scene started and she exploded with energy, charisma, and so many hilarious observations; I remember simply blinking as the force that is Cassie blew me, and the panel, away.
Cassie was born in China, but has lived in so many different cities that she has an impressive number of ways to avoid the question “where did you grow up?” Cassie has also lived so many different lives, it’s truly baffling that she’s not already in her late sixties. Before her current career trajectory of comedian/actor/writer, Cassie had previously been an economist, an award winning pianist, a scientist, an investment banker, a career coach for disadvantaged youth, and a policy maker, not to mention a great mom to her super cute cat.
Cassie’s unique point of view and captivating energy has propelled her to be featured at countless comedy clubs and festivals across the country, and, if that all isn’t enough, she’s starting to develop an exciting career as an actor, appearing on the Family Channel and soon on the CBC.
Her comedy can’t help but be shaped by her experience of so many worlds. She’s endlessly curious about her surroundings and the idiosyncrasies of the characters that populate her life. Conversations with Cassie are magical, and her quick and skillful deconstruction of human interactions and behaviours always leaves me in awe and laughter. I’m so excited for her audiences to experience the same magic.
-Ophira Calof
What ‘hood are you in?
St Clair West! I was worried about moving north of Bloor, but I quite like it now. There are barely any drunk accountants stumbling out of a dance club looking for a hot dog here.
What do you do?
I’m a standup comedian, actor, and writer. For the right snack, I’d be willing to do some sadder stuff too.
What are you currently working on?
I co-headlined RICE, an Asian Heritage Month showcase on May 15th at the Rivoli. Then the next day, I flew to Calgary where I started a month long western Canada tour of my standup!
Where can we find your work?
My website is www.cassiecao.com, and there you can find a listing of all my upcoming shows and tour dates! I’m also always posting content and connecting with audiences on social media – my handle is @thecassiecao on twitter, instagram, and facebook!
