Aaron Chen on Leaving Australia for the US and How ‘Fisk’ Changed His Life
Australian comedian Aaron Chen has become a rising star in the American comedy scene, crediting his breakout role in the ABC comedy series Fisk as a pivotal turning point in his career. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Chen reflected on his decision to leave Australia for the United States, the challenges of breaking into Hollywood and how Fisk not only gave him international visibility but also reshaped his approach to comedy and storytelling.
Chen, known for his sharp observational humor and viral stand-up specials, first gained prominence in Australia through appearances on Have You Been Paying Attention? and his critically acclaimed solo shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. But, it was his role as Daniel, the earnest and awkward lawyer in Fisk, that introduced him to a global audience when the series premiered on ABC and later streamed internationally via BritBox and PBS Masterpiece.
How ‘Fisk’ Opened Doors to the US Market
Chen explained that being cast in Fisk was more than just another acting job—it was a gateway. “Fisk really changed my life,” he said. “It gave me credibility overseas. Suddenly, I wasn’t just ‘that Australian comic’—I was seen as an actor who could carry a lead role in a scripted series.”
The show’s success in the US, particularly among fans of British-style sitcoms like Fleabag and Derry Girls, helped Chen secure representation with a major Los Angeles-based talent agency. Within a year of Fisk’s international release, he began auditioning for American television pilots and was subsequently cast in a recurring role on the HBO Max comedy Minx.
Industry analysts note that Chen’s trajectory reflects a broader trend of Australian comedians leveraging local success to break into the US market—following in the footsteps of stars like Rebel Wilson, Margot Robbie, and Chris Lilley. However, Chen’s path is distinctive in that he transitioned from stand-up to acting through a critically acclaimed ensemble comedy rather than a blockbuster film or reality TV platform.
Adapting to the Hollywood System
Moving to Los Angeles presented new challenges. Chen described the shift from Australia’s tight-knit comedy circuit to the sprawling, competitive landscape of Hollywood as “humbling.” He had to navigate auditions, pilot season pressures, and the cultural nuances of American writers’ rooms.
“In Australia, you can walk into a room and people know your work from the festival circuit,” Chen said. “In LA, you’re starting from zero. You have to prove yourself all over again—every meeting, every read-through.”
Despite the hurdles, Chen emphasized that his background in stand-up gave him resilience. “Comedy teaches you how to handle rejection. If you can bomb at a mic night in Adelaide and come back the next week, you can handle a pilot not getting picked up.”
He also credited Fisk with helping him refine his comedic timing for scripted television. Working alongside veteran actors like Julia Zemiro and Hank Azaria, Chen learned how to balance improvisation with precise delivery—a skill that has since served him well in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Looking Ahead: Expanding His Creative Footprint
Chen is now developing several original projects, including a semi-autobiographical series about an Australian comedian navigating life in Los Angeles. He aims to bring authentic immigrant and diaspora experiences to mainstream American television, drawing from his own journey of leaving Melbourne for Hollywood.
“I want to tell stories that are specific but universal,” he said. “The feeling of being between two worlds—missing home, chasing ambition, trying to stay true to yourself—that’s something a lot of people relate to, whether they’re from Sydney, Seoul, or São Paulo.”
With Fisk continuing to gain new viewers through streaming platforms and Chen’s profile rising in Hollywood, his story exemplifies how a single breakthrough role can redefine a comedian’s trajectory—not just geographically, but artistically.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron Chen credits his role in Fisk as the turning point that launched his international career.
- The show’s success in the US helped him secure representation and roles in American television.
- Chen transitioned from Australian stand-up to Hollywood acting through perseverance and stand-up-honed resilience.
- He is now developing original content that explores the immigrant experience in comedy.
- His journey reflects a growing trend of Australian talent making strategic moves into the US entertainment market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Aaron Chen best known for?
Aaron Chen is best known for his stand-up comedy, his role as Daniel in the ABC series Fisk, and his appearances on Australian panel shows like Have You Been Paying Attention?. - How did Fisk assist Aaron Chen’s career?
Fisk gave Chen international exposure, led to representation in Los Angeles, and opened doors to roles in American series such as Minx on HBO Max. - Is Aaron Chen still based in Australia?
No, Chen has relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his acting and writing career in the United States, though he frequently returns to Australia for performances and projects. - Where can I watch Fisk?
Fisk is available to stream on BritBox in the US and Canada, and on PBS Masterpiece and the ABC iview platform in Australia. - What’s next for Aaron Chen?
Chen is developing a semi-autobiographical television series about an Australian comedian navigating life in Los Angeles, aiming to bring more diverse voices to American comedy.