Millikin welcomes actor, writer and comedian Joel Kim Booster

Millikin University is pleased to welcome actor, writer, comedian and Millikin alumnus Joel Kim Booster for the 2022 Goodheart Event on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, at Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Prior to the 7 p.m. performance, Booster will also conduct a masterclass for students of Millikin’s School of Theatre and Dance. His performance at Kirkland is a tribute to the University’s celebration of National Coming Out Day — a day dedicated to recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are thrilled to welcome back alumnus Joel Kim Booster, Class of 2010, as our Goodheart Event Artist for 2022. Joel is a great example of professional success as a Millikin graduate,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Raphaella Prange.
 

“As a rising star in the acting and comedy industry, Joel brings true authenticity of identity to the screen. Joel was a natural choice when considering artists to bring for Millikin’s celebration of National Coming Out Day. In addition to his performance, Joel will also be working with our School of Theatre and Dance students for masterclass opportunities. We are grateful for Joel’s continued connection and loyalty to Millikin.”

Named one of The New York Times’ “Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor,” Booster has found success seemingly everywhere in 2022. In June, he starred in the Hulu rom-com “Fire Island,” which the AV Club called an “instant classic.” The film, which Booster also wrote, is an unapologetically modern twist on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and stars Bowen Yang and Margaret Cho.

Booster’s first hourlong Netflix special “Psychosexual” also premiered in June. In it, Booster explores his experiences as a gay Asian-American, providing thought-provoking and unfiltered commentary on identity, modern sexuality and cultural expectations. Currently, Booster is starring in the Apple TV+ series “Loot,” playing Maya Rudolph’s quirky assistant.

Booster’s other credits include “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO), “BoJack Horseman” (Netflix), “American Dad” (Fox), “Search Party” (TBS), “Shrill” (Hulu) and “Sunnyside” (NBC). He was a series regular voice on the HBO MAX animated program “Santa Inc.” opposite Sarah Silverman and Seth Rogen and can be seen in the film “Unplugging” opposite Matt Walsh and Eva Longoria.

In 2017, Booster recorded a stand-up special for Comedy Central’s “The Half-Hour” and a full-length stand-up album called “Model Minority.” He has appeared on “Conan,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Comedy Central’s “@midnight,” Logo’s “Comedy Cabaret” and truTV’s “Comedy Knockout.”