Julian Sewell
Julian Sewell | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 2, 1996 |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Education | |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, digital satirist |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Known for | Comedy sketches; portrayal of fictional actress Paloma Diamond [1] |
TikTok information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 2.1 million |
| Likes | 92.3 million |
Last updated: March 20, 2025 | |
Julian Sewell (born February 2, 1996) is a New Zealand comedian and digital satirist.[2] He is known for his short-form comedy sketches and for portraying the fictional actress Paloma Diamond.[3] He first gained attention in 2021 with a spoof of Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas message, launching his career in online satire.[4] He is known for his use of costumes and the extensive collection of wigs to support his varied character portrayals.[5]
Early life
[edit]Sewell was born and raised in Hong Kong. He completed his bachelors degree at Curtin University, Perth and his masters at Victoria University of Wellington. He taught English at Aorere College and worked at Mount Roskill Grammar School, both located in Auckland.[6]
Career
[edit]Sewell began posting comedy sketches in 2021. His viral spoof of Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas message was widely circulated and led to the creation of his signature character, Paloma Diamond. This fictional actress appears in many of his parodies and award-show spoofs. His character work has drawn attention from mainstream media.[7] Coverage by NZEDGE emphasized the significance of his digital persona in redefining online satire, while an article in Emprendedor discussed the business opportunities emerging from his virality.[8][9] His work was also mentioned in The Guardian Australia as part of a roundup of 2024's funniest viral moments, and The Telegraph noted his growing global appeal.[10][11] In February 2025, Sewell was interviewed by ABC News’ Will Ganss in character as Paloma Diamond, discussing the (fictional) continuous snubbing of her at the Academy Awards.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Boseley, Matilda (24 February 2025). "A grey bob and a dream: why Paloma Diamond should win the best actress Oscar". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ Robledo, Anthony. "Meet Paloma Diamond: The internet's pick for the best actress at the Oscars". USA TODAY. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ "A round of applause, please, for this TikToker's fictional "Best Actress" Oscar nominee line-up". AV Club. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Video How Paloma Diamond is striking gold on TikTok and beyond". ABC News. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ "Paloma Diamond, AKA Julian Sewell, Buys Her Wigs From Temu". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand Comedian Goes Viral With 'Paloma Diamond' Skit". Reuters. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand TikTok Comedian's 'Paloma Diamond' Parody Takes the Internet by Storm". CNN. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Who's Behind TikTok Megastar Paloma Diamond?". NZEDGE. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Who is the real Paloma Diamond? Humor, virality and business opportunities". Emprendedor. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ Conte, Annemarie (26 November 2024). "For These TikTok Dramas, It Is All About the Storytelling". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand Comedian Julian Sewell's 'Paloma Diamond' Charms Global Audience". The Telegraph. Retrieved 7 March 2025.