Liza Koshy Shows Us The Art of Being Unapologetically Yourself and Hilariously Successful
From mischievous kid staging solo performances in her bedroom to captivating audiences worldwide, how did Liza Koshy transform a lifetime of entertaining herself into a global phenomenon? The answer, it seems, lies in a potent cocktail of fearless self-expression, unapologetic authenticity, and a willingness to embrace the absurd at every turn. Beyond the viral videos and red-carpet glamour, Liza’s story is about staying true to your weirdest, most wonderful self and building your own path to success, one hilarious step at a time. Get ready to laugh and learn as we dive deep into the wonderfully chaotic world of Liza Koshy.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Let’s dive into your origin story. Class clown or shy wallflower – what was young Liza like?
Oh, class clown, all the way! I was a loud child, looking for attention. Being the youngest of three meant my parents already had two perfect children. Then came me, the chaotic experiment! My place at the table was to be obnoxious, observing the rules, and then plotting how to break them. Plus, I’m a Gen Z millennial, raised by millennial sisters and boomer parents! I’m always straddling lines, my own identity included: German descent, Indian culture embraced, growing up in a mixed salad called Houston, where even the dressing is barbecue sauce. So many cultures, friends from New Orleans blown in by Katrina, even Mexican pals just an hour-and-a-half away…I’m a scattered puzzle, and I embrace it.
Sounds like a wild ride! Any other childhood secrets you’re ready to confess?
Oh honey, I was a badass little kid. The good child act? All a ruse! I fessed up to my parents only during the pandemic, confessed I’d fooled them for years. I was out of school ALL the time, perfecting my “sick kid” method acting. Solid cough? Check. Fake sneeze? Double-check! I couldn’t tell my parents the truth, though, that school just wasn’t for me.
You were telling me about how you used to escape to Mexico also! That’s insane, just taking your passport and going to visit friends across the border as a kid!
I may have bent the truth about visiting grandma, I told my parents I was visiting my grandparents and, let’s just say I ended up at a quinceanera with my friend’s grandma. I confessed all of this later on, adults knew I wasn’t a bad kid, my intentions were good though even if my actions were questionable!
Speaking of working it, you’ve always brought the drama, even before your acting career. Tell me about your comedy icons!
Oh, absolutely! Tina and Amy are royalty. Lucille Ball said, “I’m not funny, I’m brave.” And I love to live with that fullness, braveness, and brevity. And I like to tell people that I’m not funny, I’m fun! Funny is relative, dependent on the environment; fun is just a damn good time. So I can guarantee a damn good time in anything I do!
You are an internet icon, I literally grew up watching you! walk me through how your video journey began?
That’s crazy, I’m truly honored to have been able to have impacted in a positive way the kids of your generation. Now we’re growing up together, evolving into new things. Anyways, It all started with boredom. My sisters were living their best lives, and there I was in my room, talking to myself. Luckily, that meant I had a full cast of characters to work with at all times that came from wanting to entertain myself, have fun and make people laugh! Then social media became a thing and at the beginning it felt like sharing with your closest friends, now it has grown a lot but I still enjoy sharing with my community.
At what point did you think wait, this isn’t just a funny video. This could be a legit career?
Oh man, let me think! I remember not processing it as a career until I was maybe three years into living in LA. I told, my dad, I’d be right back after moving out at 19! I was going to take a gap year after a year at University of Houston. My dad encouraged me – him being a theater kid himself. He met my mom in theater, and even wanted to pursue acting at one point. I feel like I’ve told this a thousand times!
I felt like it was maybe 2018 when my YouTube channel was really popping off. My Musically at the time was really… It was such an era! I was like, “Whoa, this is what I do.” But I didn’t put words to it until maybe two years later. I identify as an entertainer and actress, but at the time I was just doing whatever: getting this energy, passion, storytelling, filmmaking, producing, writing, putting a wig on and acting as somebody else. I was just getting it all out of my system and understanding how many colors I can paint with on these many campuses. I’m lucky to be born into in the digital age. I understand, I am a producer, writer, actress, and have the resume to back that up! I always felt like an actor. I always was fascinated by Raven Simone and to meet her and be like my childhood was the craziest full circle.
But to watch icons like I Love Lucy, Melissa McCarthy, and Steve Martin, and all of these comedic forces that are brave, and throw their whole body and back and the rest of them into it. They inspired me! So I just ran on the internet and did whatever I could to emulate the icons that shaped me. If imitation is the biggest form of flattery, I hope they understood those were flowers. Through that, you find your own voice by imitating others. I feel like I’ve really honed who I am at 29. Hopefully you see a career like Melissa McCarthy’s or Tina and Amy’s continue to come from me.
You’re a style icon. Anna Wintour tapped you to host the Met Gala. What was that like? I mean, seriously, what does one even do to prepare for that?
It’s an honor just getting the offer! It’s a tough position to get in, because you are literally standing in Andre Leon Tally’s shoes as a 5’5 woman, and must do my best to do so with respect, grace, and for the creatives who are celebrating. Plus, there’s A LOT of pressure!
Did you study up? Have a binder?
Big binder! Studied it all. I had to do it with respect. It also opened new doors for creatives like Kiki Palmer and Emma because everyone was so great and I felt at home.
I can imagine the pressure.
I know, but you feel you’re able to help the whole team feel great and it’s cool to welcome great faces and celebrate life! It’s also just great to be with creative folks!
How was it going from doing videos to creating “Liza on demand” and being everything in camera — directing, producing, writing?
I was actually telling my dad last night, I just wrapped on a movie here in Texas! We’ve been filming in Round Top. I’m working with someone I can’t name yet… It’s an icon I’ve admired, especially as an actor, a creative who loves the internet. They embraced Vine, you know? To watch this 65-year-old understand social media…
65-year-old on Vine?! Mind blown.
He was. Ten years ago, he was 55. For him, social media was just another canvas. Just telling stories. I was directing him, and being directed!
It takes a lot to be a starlet, and here I am 10 years later…still burgeoning! The excitement keeps you yearning and creating. But after long-ass answers. I think I know what I can bring, but I have to be invited to those tables. That’s the bravery part. I have this resume that I’m proud of, that’s because of me being a fool at 19.
So I want to know what the advice for that little Liza would be?
I love that girl. I raised her myself. When I created this platform I felt like I wanted to find a new canvas, collaborators, a writing room, a camera man, a camera woman, a producer, a director. I love being in teams because I have been on a dance team and been in the Girl Scouts. That’s just who I am.
You’re the definition of extrovert.
No, no, I would say I’m an introvert. Being very social in secret. I stepped away from discovering myself and that was a whole journey, I knew I needed to be around other people to feel good.
I love where I’m at now and wouldn’t change a thing. I love to shift and evolve while taking up as much space as possible. I’m so lucky to carve out a path for myself and other digital creators to be trusted in the traditional entertainment spheres! It’s a blessing, and sometimes a lot of work, but I’m happy to do it! I do it with such joy, and I love it so much! I’m so in love with storytelling and filmmaking, and cannot wait for the opportunity to do more!
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Ruben Chamorro (@rubcha)
Wardrobe Stylist: Rebeca Flores (@rebecaflores)
Hair Stylist: Davey Matthew (@daveydidmyhair)
Makeup Artist: Sophia Sinot (@sophiasinot)
