Erica Oyama
Age 28
“I'm more conscious about my actual dreams—what I want for my family, what I want for my marriage, what I want for my work—and not to let the noise of life interfere with that. Because it does. I think for a long time I had been sort of just feeling so busy … going from one thing to the next without really focusing on ‘how do I want to be with my kids? how do I want to be with my family? what am I doing here?’”
That’s Erica, almost five years ago, at 35, reflecting on her own growth since her late 20s contemplating what really matters.
In her early 30s, Erica’s success in movies and television surged. That success continues in force today. As a comedy writer, show creator, and executive producer, she’s been prolific from the start, but the reality-TV dating parody Burning Love on E! gave her the creative exposure and critical acclaim that’s meant more opportunity.
Age 30
Age 31
She was a consulting producer on 41 episodes of ABC’s six-season hit Fresh Off The Boat. Most recently, her work on the 2020 Netflix dramedy Never Have I Ever, like Fresh, aims to break open Asian stereotypes in Hollywood, redefine narratives, and lift those who feel marginalized, with sincerity and laughter.
Age 32
It’s been a decade of output, some of that intersecting with the work of her husband Ken Marino, a fellow comedic virtuoso. All the while, they’ve raised two children. At 35, Erica was contemplative about work in Hollywood.
“I think in our town and in the entertaining business it is very easy to feel like your work, what you're doing, defines you. And I think I got sucked into that, and sort of the trap of thinking, ‘oh if I accomplish this, this, or this, then that would make me happy.’ I was … letting relationships, friendships kind of fall by the wayside. … Then I was [wondering] ‘why am I not happy?’ and I think it was because I just lost perspective. So that is what I have been more conscious of. “
Age 33
Age 34
Age 35
Purpose and mortality also were on Erica’s mind, having experienced a serious health scare.
“That definitely helped me in my 35th year to have some perspective on my life. And I think even though it has been a very challenging year, I feel grateful and optimistic about the future.”
She continued,
“It was really nice to feel the support of my husband and my family, and my friends … and to know that going through those kinds of times I do feel, in a way, stronger. As long as you are working and fostering your relationships and taking care of your family, it is all going to be fine.”
Age 39
