By Erin Chew

Comedian and actress Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Shortcomings) has had a very interesting rise to fame. From humble beginnings in stand-up and radio, Cola is now a household name with her career on the rise.

“I don’t consider myself famous or even a celebrity yet. Although I love making jokes, telling interesting and unique stories and making jokes. I have felt so fortunate to be able to play loud and funny characters thus far and I hope to be able to continue this”, Cola expressed in a recent interview with AsAmNews.

Having appeared in modern iconic Asian American films such as Joy Ride, Shortcomings and voicing characters on Turning Red and The Tiger’s Apprentice, Cola is now embarking on her next chapter, working on films which are not necessarily Asian American focused.

In the film Bride Hard, Cola plays the character Nadine– a badass secret agent who works on the side of Sam, the main protagonist, played by Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect 1,2 and 3, Senior Year), and acts as some sort of life coach, encouraging Sam to live her life, free from the shackles of working in the secret agent world.

Despite the fact that Cola is more in the supporting cast for the film, her character works directly with Wilson’s character Sam, acting as the conduit giving her tough love advice on life.

“If you want comedy, if you want badass beautiful b**ches and if you want action, then you have to check out this film. Playing Nadine, I am a secret agent who works with Sam and I pretty much give her life’s wisdom to balance work with life. I loved playing Nadine as I was able to make her character my own, which was what the director Simon West advised me to do.”

“It was so much fun and to combine women power, action, shenanigans and lots of comedy was something which challenged me but at the same time gave me the opportunity to showcase what I am capable of.”

Having spent a lot of her acting career working on Asian American centered films, Bride Hard is something different for Cola. Even though her Asian identity is all on display in the film, Cola was able to flex her muscles and work on a film which is more generic and one which is different in many ways to what she has been used to.

Despite all this, Cola discussed how her presence shows how important diversity is and how many non-Asian centered Hollywood films are now realizing these films still need to reflect what American society looks like.

“Isn’t it cool that we are representing all over the place? I feel so fortunate and it forms part of my pride to have been featured in a few iconic Asian American led films. Working with fellow Asians on films has always given me a sense of joy and the feel of familiarity and comfort. Working on Bride Hard, I am in some ways working outside my comfort zone, however, working with the like of Rebel Wilson and others was so easy because everyone was so cohesive and friendly,” Cola expressed.

“For me, I can normalize the fact that we are Asian but more importantly, we are all humans and that we do exist. I see my role in this film is showing that, yes, me as an Asian secret agent is something which is normal and something which does exist.”

Finally, Cola spoke about her optimism in how Asians are now being represented in Hollywood. It has taken a few decades but the days of Asians playing awkward, stereotypical, sexualized and insignificant roles is decreasing and being replaced with Asians playing heroic, fun, assertive and badass roles.

Cola says playing Nadine allowed her to show her Type A personality and her easy-going character. This was where Cola was able to step into the shoes Nadine and own the character.

“I love how Nadine is tough and works against the racial stereotypes Asian women roles in Hollywood were perceived as. We are no longer these weak, meek character who required a White savior to come to our rescue. We can hold our own, we can be strong, confident and yes, we can be completely badass. It has taken decades, but I think we are finally getting here,” Cola passionately stated.

Bride Hard tells the story of Sam, played by Wilson who is not only a world-class secret agent but also a pretty terrible maid of honor. After blowing off bridal duties for an international spy mission, she’s demoted to bridesmaid at her childhood best friend’s wedding. What should’ve been a weekend of reconnecting and celebration turns into a five-star death trap when armed mercenaries crash the big day. Sam’s the only one who can save the bride and hopefully earn back the trust she lost along the way.

In addition to Wilson and Cola, Bride Hard also stars Anna Chlumsky (My Girl 1 and 2, Veep, Rugrats), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect, The Help), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers, The Lost City, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) and Gigi Zumbado (The Rookie, Hightown, Promised Land) among many other awesome actors. What an awesome cast for Cola to work with!

Bride Hard is being released in theaters across the USA on June 20, 2025.

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