Zoë Carroll Chao (born September 19, 1985) is an American actress and screenwriter known for her dynamic performances in both television and theater. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Isobel in the web series Strangers and further cemented her reputation with her role as Zoë in Apple TV+’s murder mystery comedy The Afterparty. With a background in both comedy and drama, Chao has demonstrated range and nuance across genres, becoming a standout presence in ensemble casts.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Chao hails from a family of visual artists, with Irish, English, and Chinese ancestry. She holds a BA in art history from Brown University and earned an MFA in acting from the University of California, San Diego. Her stage credits include performances at the La Jolla Playhouse, Second Stage Theater, and Ensemble Theatre Company. Collaborating with noted directors like Christopher Guest and Ping Chong, Chao has built a career grounded in thoughtful, expressive storytelling across stage and screen.
