I’m Ro! (she/her) I’m a comic/writer/actor/singer-songwriter originally from Northern California and the UK, now proudly based out of New York City. I seek laughter in all areas of my life because laughter is a relief and a comfort. Laughter loosens any tension in a room; it provides the exact same emotional release that a good cry does. Even during the bleakest, most painful times of my life, there has always been something to laugh about, so there’s always been hope. There has always been joy in sharing laughter with others. 

​

I’m a vulnerable, open, honest creator, and I find myself drawn to difficult, dark, and always human subject matter. I’ve been deeply influenced by other women in the fields of comedy and music who create from inward turmoil, like Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong, and Sara Bareilles. I work aways to become my younger self’s wildest dream come true. Living in New York and working in the performing arts is all she ever wanted. Making little Ro proud is a profound joy to big Ro. 

​

I create because I have to. I create because I feel uncomfortable so much of the time but as soon as I can make another person laugh, I feel less isolated in my own skin. I create because I believe in myself, I value myself, and I know that I have important and delightful contributions to make to those around me. I create to heal myself and to offer my hand to others in pain. I create because it’s fun! 

​

I love learning languages and petting animals, reading books and carrying everything I could possibly need in my backpack so I’m never unprepared. I have beautiful penmanship and green eyes. I’m learning to like myself and be a good friend to myself. I’m the proudest granddaughter to the two most wonderful matriarchs, Carol Cook and Diana Susselman, whose strength and singularity have inspired my entire being. I took my grandmother’s maiden name, McQuaid, as a way to honor her (she doesn’t want me to get a tattoo for her) and my Irish ancestry.

 

I value intergenerational mentorship and friendship, the furthering of LGBTQ+ stories, and a good pair of shoes. I reject the idea that a life in the arts is a life of hardship. I am creating a life of joy. And especially of laughter. 

​