Joel Kim Booster Returns to Montreal for Juste pour rire Festival, Highlighting Career Evolution

Comedian Joel Kim Booster will perform at Montreal’s Juste pour rire festival on July 23. The show, at Studio TD, is part of the Just For Laughs festival, which runs from July 15 to 26.

The Montreal Launchpad That Shaped a Comedian

His material led to Fire Island, a film that reimagined Pride and Prejudice. The project earned an Emmy nomination.

A Career Defined by Defiance and Diversity

Booster, 38, has spoken openly about navigating the pressure to represent as an Asian-American gay comedian. “Stand-up is a meritocracy,” he said. “When I’m on stage and the audience laughs at my jokes, it’s something very visceral and very real for me.”

Booster plays in ABC’s Scrubs revival and Apple TV+’s Loot, where he plays Nicholas, the loyal assistant to Maya Rudolph’s character. His Netflix special Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual blends personal anecdotes, dissecting race, sexuality, and cultural expectations.

Family, Identity, and the Weight of Representation

Booster’s adoption by a white evangelical family has shaped his approach to comedy. His parents have never seen him perform live. “I’ve stopped seeking their approval,” he said.

In December 2025, he married video game producer John-Michael Sudsina. His podcast Bad Dates includes a story about a “racist” hookup that ended with him leaving.

Montreal’s Enduring Influence on a Comedian’s Path

As he prepares for July 23, Booster is looking forward to having people discover his new material.