Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of actress and comedian Andrea Laing, whose charm and originality have fans eagerly tuning in each holiday season for her role as Zoe in Adult Swim’s cult-favorite Yule Log 2: Branchin Out. In our exclusive interview, Andrea takes us on a journey through her multicultural upbringing in Jamaica and North Carolina—revealing how these contrasting environments shaped her unique comedic style—while also spilling behind-the-scenes stories from Pain Hustlers, where she shared the set with Hollywood heavyweights like Emily Blunt and Chris Evans. Beyond her on-screen success, Andrea offers a refreshingly candid look at everything from her global travels as the face of a Delta campaign to her whimsical at-home jazz sessions (yes, with her beloved plants). So if you’re curious about what it’s like to cook without recipes, jam on a harmonica, and deliver sketch comedy gold, you won’t want to miss this captivating conversation with Andrea Laing.
- How does it feel to reprise the role of Zoe in YULE LOG 2, especially knowing it has become such a beloved holiday tradition for many fans?
Reprising the role of Zoe in Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin Out has been such a special experience! There’s something magical about being a part of a story that people unexpectedly look forward to and It’s really fun to see that this film has become a holiday tradition for the fans. The holidays are such a personal time, and to know that Zoe’s journey has become a part of that for so many people is both humbling and thrilling. It’s always wonderful to bring that character back to life and see how she continues to resonate with audiences, especially during a time of year that’s all about connection and nostalgia.
- You’ve been the face of Delta’s campaign, and with all the traveling you’ve done, what’s one destination that really surprised you, and why?
Lottum! It’s a small village in the Limburg region of the Netherlands. It’s incredibly charming for its tranquility, natural beauty, and sense of community. Lottum offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place where you can take in the simple beauty of rural living. The village is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot or by bike, taking in the local sights at your own pace. I had the beautiful opportunity to go apple picking and enjoy a delicious meal and break bread with the locals. It was so effortless and so special.
- Your childhood was split between Jamaica and North Carolina. How did these two very different places shape your sense of humor and your approach to comedy?
My background has definitely influenced how I tell stories and the style of comedy I bring to my roles. I think the paradox between being raised first gen and growing up in the private catholic school system lends its hand to navigating the absurdity of it all. There was this constant push and pull between my cultural background and the American structured environment I found myself in at school, and I think that tension created fertile ground for humor. The contrast of these two worlds—home and school—gave me a lot of material to work with, both in terms of comedy and storytelling. I could identify the rules and play by them, but also knew how and when to break them.
- Playing jazz for your plants is such a unique hobby! Do you feel like it has an impact on them, and how did that routine even start?
My parents always had music strumming throughout the house when I was a kid and I feel like jazz is the ultimate form of artistic expression—where emotion, technical skill, and culture come together to create something unique. It’s an experience, not just a sound. You can call me cray cray, but my pandemic plantey is doing exceptionally well. I always try to create an environment at home that is aligned with peace and flow and my plants seem to be aligned with this concept.
- With PAIN HUSTLERS being such a star-studded film, what was it like working alongside talents like Emily Blunt and Chris Evans? Any memorable moments on set?
Two of my favorite moments on set were celebrating my birthday with my friend Adrian Eppley who also shares the same birthday and having the crew, including David Yates, sing happy birthday to us. The second memorable moment was hanging out between takes and joking with Catherine O’ Hara. She is incredibly lovely and just down to earth. Being part of a project like Pain Hustlers, and working alongside such talented, generous actors as Emily Blunt and Chris Evans, was a privilege. They brought so much depth to their roles, and their collaboration elevated the entire film. For me, it was a reminder of the importance of creativity, teamwork, and mutual respect in the process of bringing a film to life.
- You’ve made a name for yourself in sketch comedy. What was the most challenging or surprising aspect of breaking into that scene, and what keeps you coming back to it?
The fast-paced, collaborative, and sometimes chaotic nature of it makes it an incredibly dynamic medium—and that’s what keeps me hooked.
Sketch comedy is an incredibly collaborative medium, which means it’s less about individuals and more about working together to create something funny. Early in my career, I found it surprising how much of sketch writing and performance relies on teamwork. It’s not just about having the best or funniest idea—sometimes the success of a sketch hinges on how well you can work with others, take direction, and allow the vision of the entire group to shape the final piece. Being open to others’ ideas, while also maintaining your own voice, is a tricky yet rewarding balance.
Over time, I learned that persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go perfectly, are the keys to breaking through. And ultimately, it’s the deep love for comedy—the thrill of bringing light to someone’s day—that keeps me coming back for more.
- What’s your go-to outfit for those long flights, and do you have any must-have travel items that make the journey a little easier?
My go-to outfit for a flight would definitely include something comfy, practical, and cozy. Breathable layers like a loose cotton shirt or a simple sweatshirt, paired with yoga or athleisure pants. Thick socks for warmth, since flights can get chilly, and slip-on shoes for easy access during security or when you’re just lounging in your seat. A light jacket or hoodie is a good idea in case the cabin temperature fluctuates, plus it doubles as a blanket! A few must-haves include, light snacks-like fruit and veggies since flights are typically carb heavy, electrolytes to stay hydrated, a gratitude journal and a simple book!
- Between writing, playing the harmonica, and cooking without recipes, it seems like you’re always creating something. What does creativity mean to you in your day-to-day life?
It’s a daily practice of curiosity. Creativity isn’t confined to a specific medium or project; it’s a constant thread that runs through everything I do. When I cook without following instructions, it’s not just about making food—it’s about exploring endless possibilities. All of life is a stage where I get to experiment, make mistakes, and try new combinations. There’s something liberating about the unpredictability of it, and that’s true for many areas of life. It keeps me engaged with the world, eager to learn, experiment, and improve.
- If you could invite any three people, alive or from history, to join you for one of your jazz sessions with your plants, who would they be and why?
Well, damn, this is a fun question….do animals count?
My friend Lydia Snyder was such a large influence on my life and someone who helped mold me into the person I am today. She would definitely be proud. She showed me what unconditional love looked like and what it meant to live your life fearlessly. She was incredibly adventurous and someone I try to mimic my life after. She’s greatly missed and never forgotten.
Jean-Michel Basquiat gives bestie vibes. The way he lived his life so fearless, unfiltered, and fiercely independent, I admire greatly. He didn’t conform to the traditional artist archetypes; he was unapologetically himself. He was both deeply introspective and outwardly defiant and that’s my type of person.
Robin Williams because…..duh. He was so giving of his time, supported a number of charitable causes and used his platform to speak about mental health and addiction. Williams had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and understood, whether through his characters or his real-life interactions. He would have you belly laughing one second and sobbing the very next. His authenticity was obvious through his performances and audiences could sense that he wasn’t just acting—he was deeply invested in the humanity of each role.
- What do you think makes YULE LOG so special that it keeps drawing fans back each holiday season? Is there something about the franchise that you personally love most?
Adult Swim Yule Log 2 offers an entirely different experience—one that mixes humor with a certain chaotic energy. The bizarre, surreal elements and wild, often unexpected twists keep viewers on their toes. Yule Log 2 plays with the concept of the holiday genre by blending absurdity with festive traditions. With its dark humor, quirky characters, and offbeat storytelling, the film taps into a countercultural vibe that makes it feel fresh and different. Fans appreciate how it turns the classic “holiday special” on its head by injecting irreverence and unexpected moments into something that’s usually predictable and wholesome.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Jules Wood
Makeup: T’ai Rising-Moore
