Awkwafina stars in new show based on her life in Queens

Forest Hill native Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, will star in “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens.” Photo courtesy of Comedy Central.

By Victoria Merlino

The Forest Hills-born rapper and actress Awkwafina is set to debut a new TV comedy based on her childhood in Queens.

Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, will star in Comedy Central’s “Awkwafina is Nora From Queens,” inspired by her real experiences while growing up in Flushing. The series premieres on Jan. 22.

The series will feature a diverse slate of predominantly female directors, including Natasha Lyonne of “Russian Doll,” Lucia Aniello of “Broad City” and Jamie Babbit of “But I’m a Cheerleader.”

The show represents a new career high point since Awkwafina’s beginnings as a viral rapper. In recent years, she starred in “The Farewell” and had a supporting role in the smash romantic comedy “Crazy Rich Asians.” In July, Marvel Studios announced that she will costar in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”

In addition to her performing arts career, Awkwafina served as an intern at Gotham Gazette.