Q with Tom Power Before stand-up, Wally Baram wanted to be a cowgirl
Feb 12, 2026
Wally Barham, comedian, TV writer and actor who’s written for What We Do in the Shadows and Shrinking, talks starting stand-up as a teen and dreaming of being a cowgirl. She shares how her eccentric Mexican-Syrian family fuels her material. Conversation covers writer’s rooms, transitioning into acting, and how personal storytelling shapes her comedy.
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Teenage Cowgirl Experiment
- Wally Barham went to a central California ranch boarding school at 13 to become a cowgirl and quickly realized it wasn't for her.
- That early, impulsive decision shows her precociousness and how her parents let her pursue odd choices.
Mother's Big Personality
- Wally describes her mother as feisty, flamboyant, and emotionally expressive, often mistaken for her sister.
- Her parents sometimes accept compliments on Wally's behalf, highlighting their eccentric dynamics.
Stand-Up As A Voice-Finding Space
- Growing up with larger-than-life parents pushed Wally to find an arena where her voice would be heard without interruption.
- She says stand-up granted that space and predictable audience feedback to shape her voice.
