Ali Wong Husband Justin Hakuta: Marriage of Comedy Power Couple

Ali Wong's Early Life and Path to Comedy

Ali Wong first made a name for herself through stand-up comedy in the San Francisco area. Though born in Pacific Heights, San Francisco, Wong later moved to Vietnam as a child before returning to San Francisco for high school and college. It was during her time studying at UCLA that Wong first tried stand-up comedy. After graduating in 2005 with a degree in Asian American Studies, Wong continued to hone her comedic skills while working a range of jobs from serving staff at the Asian Art Museum to writing questions for a game show.

Wong's Big Break in Comedy

Wong's comedy career began gathering steam when she was named one of Comedy Central's "Comics to Watch" in 2011. Two years later, Wong filmed her first stand-up special, Baby Cobra, while she was seven months pregnant. The unique and hilarious perspective she offered resonated with audiences, and the special was picked up by Netflix, providing Wong with nationwide exposure. Almost overnight, Wong became a household name in comedy.

Ali Wong's Marriage to Justin Hakuta

It was also during the early stages of her comedy career that Wong met her future husband, Justin Hakuta. Hakuta came from an entrepreneurial background, having founded his own company after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. The two met at a wedding in 2010 and bonded over their shared interest in comedy and Asian culture.

The Couple's Bond Over Comedy

Wong has stated that one thing that drew her to Hakuta was his funny personality. Given Wong's lifelong obsession with stand-up comedy, being able to share humor and laughs was an essential component of a partner for her.

In various interviews, Wong has praised Hakuta's off-beat sense of humor and even credited him with suggesting the Baby Cobra special. According to Wong, Justin jokingly suggested she film her stand-up set while visibly pregnant for the unique image it would present. Wong loved the idea and it clearly paid off - Baby Cobra elevated her fame substantially when it debuted on Netflix.

Navigating Careers and Growing Family

Early in their relationship, Wong was focused on nurturing her blossoming comedy career while Hakuta was dedicated to his entrepreneurial ventures. However, when Wong became pregnant with their first child in 2014, daughter Mari, they worked together to balance their careers with starting a family.

Wong continued to work the stand-up circuit throughout her first pregnancy. She also started landing small roles in shows like Black Box and Inside Amy Schumer. Eventually, Wong took a break from stand-up after Mari was born in November 2015, focusing on raising her daughter and then son, Nikki, who was born two years later.

How Justin Hakuta Supports Wong's Comedy Career

As Wong has stated publicly many times, she considers her husband one of her biggest supporters. This has been evident at multiple stages of her comedy career.

Attending Shows and Events

Hakuta can often be spotted backstage or in the audience at Wong's stand-up shows. He also accompanies and supports Wong at public events and talk show appearances. Having a loving partner by her side has provided encouragement as Wong reaches higher levels of fame.

Behind the Scenes Support

In addition to his public support, Hakuta also supports Wong's comedy behind the scenes in various ways. From caring for their children while Wong is on tour to handling the business side of negotiations, Hakuta's work allows Wong to focus on joke writing and stand-up.

Wong has even used their family life as joke material, regaling audiences with stories of Justin's antics with the kids or their sex life after children. These hilarious and personal stories have only further endeared Wong to audiences.

Respect for Wong's Ambition

Perhaps most importantly, Wong has expressed that Hakuta respects and encourages her long work hours and ambitious career goals. Between Wong's stand-up tours, Netflix specials, memoir, and acting roles, her schedule is jam packed.

Rather than discouraging Wong or insisting she dial back work, Hakuta fully supports his wife pursuing her passion. Finding a partner who celebrates your ambition is key for many successful women and Wong credits Hakuta's backing as vital.

Lessons from Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta's Marriage

While every relationship is different, Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta's marriage provides some useful lessons for making love last:

Find Shared Interests

Part of the connective tissue cementing Wong and Hakuta's bond is their shared sense of humor and interest in comedy. Finding common interests allows couples to spend quality time together and fully engage.

Support Each Other's Goals

Another pillar of Wong and Hakuta's marriage is supporting each other's lofty career ambitions. Couples who encourage each other to achieve their dreams often have more fulfilling relationships.

Split Duties Evenly

As equal partners and parents, Wong and Hakuta ensure they split custody and childcare evenly. This parity allows both partners to still nurture their personal goals.

Infuse Partnership With Humor

Not afraid to be silly and poke fun at each other, Wong and Hakuta keep laughter at the heart of their relationship. Humor and playfulness help marriages maintain that youthful spark.

So while Wong jokes that marrying Hakuta was the ultimate Asian cliche, given his Ivy league education and entrepreneurial success, their marriage shows that even seemingly mismatched partners can create an enduring, supportive and hilarious bond. Through continuing to nurture their relationship by exploring their individual passions while being each other's biggest fan, this comedy power couple makes a love story for the ages.

FAQs

How did Ali Wong and Justin Hakuta meet?

Wong and Hakuta met at a wedding in 2010 and bonded over their shared interest in comedy and Asian culture. Hakuta's funny personality was one of the things that drew Wong to him initially.

What is Justin Hakuta's career and background?

Hakuta has an entrepreneurial background, having founded his own company after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. He handles much of the business side of Wong's comedy career.

How does Justin Hakuta support Ali Wong's comedy career?

Hakuta supports Wong by attending her shows, caring for their kids while Wong tours, and handling negotiations. He also fully respects and encourages Wong's ambitious career goals.

How do Wong and Hakuta balance parenting with their careers?

They split parenting and childcare duties evenly so both can still focus on their careers. Wong took a break from stand-up after giving birth but was back touring within a few years.

What makes their marriage work so well?

They have shared interests, support each other's careers, split duties fairly, and keep humor at the center of their relationship. Respect is also key.

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