Early Life and Education

Cho was raised in San Francisco by her Korean immigrant parents, Young-Hie and Seung-Hoon Cho, who operated a bookstore in the city. She has spoken publicly about facing bullying during her school years and navigating a difficult adolescence. Cho attended Lowell High School but struggled with consistent attendance. Later, she enrolled at the San Francisco School of the Arts, where she became active in the school's improvisational comedy group, sharpening the skills that would later define her professional career.

Comedy Career and Themes

Margaret Cho began performing stand-up comedy in her late teens, staging sets at a club located near her family’s bookstore. Her early material drew from her own experiences, particularly focusing on her identity as a Korean-American woman. As her career developed, Cho became known for tackling political topics in her routines, especially those involving sexuality, LGBT rights, and racial issues. Her candid and comedic exploration of these themes established her as a unique and influential voice in American comedy.

Television and Fashion Ventures

Throughout her career, Cho has appeared on various television shows and toured extensively, performing on university campuses and comedy venues across the country. In 2003, she launched her own clothing line, “High Class Cho,” reflecting her interest in fashion and self-expression. Though the brand was short-lived, it showcased her creative range beyond the stage.

Personal Life and Identity

Cho married artist Al Ridenour in 2003. The couple remained together until their divorce in 2015. Open about her sexual identity, Cho has long identified as bisexual and, in a 2018 interview with HuffPost, stated that she also identifies as pansexual. Cho is regarded as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and continues to use her platform to address issues related to gender and identity.