The concept of a wise-beyond-his years kid on an American sitcom isn't exactly groundbreaking material, but when it's done well, it can be comedy gold. Albert Tsai on the underrated Trophy Wife is an example of it being done very well. He plays Bert, the oddball adopted son of Pete and his second wife, the hippy dippy Jackie. Now, any kid growing up in 2014 with the name of Bert is bound to have a few eccentricities. But this kid is absolutely hilarious. A refined comedic sensibility is something that comes with age and experience, but somehow this nine-year-old manages to have it in spades. Although there are several kids featured on Trophy Wife, Albert Tsai is the undisputed breakout star of the group. His escapades are frequently the highlight of the show, and he and mother Jackie share a wonderful, if unconventional, relationship that brings heart to the strange new blended family. Beyond his acting ability, he comes off as a remarkably erudite and sweet kid, which helps foster the hope that he will be one of the child actors who makes it through his formative years managing to stay grounded, without going off the rails.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
