Description

Nigel Ng, the comedian behind the viral sensation "Uncle Roger," has taken the internet by storm with his sharp wit, hilarious commentary, and unmistakable orange polo shirt. But behind the laughter and millions of YouTube views lies a fascinating story about how this iconic character came to be. In a recent interview, Ng shared insights into the creation of Uncle Roger and how this comedic persona grew from a simple idea into a global phenomenon.

The Birth of Uncle Roger

Nigel Ng, a Malaysian comedian based in the UK, initially made a name for himself in the stand-up comedy circuit. However, like many performers, he found himself searching for new ways to reach audiences during the pandemic. That's when the idea of Uncle Roger began to take shape. “I’ve always loved doing character work, and Uncle Roger was a bit of an experiment at first,” Ng explained. “I wanted to create someone who could react to the absurdity of cooking videos, especially the ones where people butcher Asian cuisine.”

The character of Uncle Roger was born out of Ng’s own experiences growing up in a Malaysian-Chinese household, where food is central to daily life and culture. “I’ve seen my parents and relatives react to food with so much passion — sometimes frustration, sometimes joy,” he shared. Uncle Roger’s exaggerated critiques of cooking videos, particularly the infamous egg fried rice video, quickly resonated with viewers. “I thought, what if I took that familiar, everyday frustration and amplified it to a comedic level? That’s how Uncle Roger came about,” Ng said.

Finding the Voice and Look of Uncle Roger

The key to Uncle Roger’s charm lies not just in the content but also in the delivery. Ng spent time developing the voice, accent, and mannerisms of his character, drawing inspiration from his family members and other Asian elders he knew growing up. “Uncle Roger’s voice is a blend of the people I grew up with. It’s a bit of my dad, a bit of my uncles, and a bit of every Asian dad out there,” he laughed.

From YouTube Sensation to Global Star

What started as a series of reaction videos on YouTube has quickly evolved into a larger-than-life persona, with Uncle Roger amassing millions of followers across social media platforms. Ng attributes this success to the character’s relatability and the universal love (and frustration) surrounding food. “Everyone eats, and everyone has opinions about food,” he said. “Uncle Roger just says what people are thinking but in a way that’s exaggerated and fun.”

The response from fans has been overwhelming, with viewers from all corners of the world tuning in to watch Uncle Roger’s latest adventures. “I never imagined the character would go this far,” Ng confessed. “People love how Uncle Roger breaks down cultural stereotypes while also celebrating them in a lighthearted way.”

Uncle Roger Merchandise: A Growing Trend

As the character gained popularity, so did the demand for Uncle Roger merchandise. Fans wanted more than just the laughs; they wanted something tangible to connect with the character. Responding to this, Ng launched a range of Uncle Roger merchandise that includes the iconic orange polo shirt, fanny packs, and even aprons emblazoned with his catchphrases like “Haiyaa” and “Fuiyoh.”

Ng sees this not just as a business opportunity but as a way to engage with his audience on a deeper level. “The merchandise is a fun way for fans to feel like they’re part of the Uncle Roger family,” he explained. “It’s not just about selling stuff; it’s about creating something that brings people together, just like Uncle Roger does with his videos.”

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