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Margaret Cho Declined 'Heated Rivalry' Role Over Border Crossing Fears
The comedian was initially cast in the hit LGBTQ+ hockey drama, but turned it down due to concerns about traveling to Canada to film.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Comedian Margaret Cho revealed that she was offered a role in the popular LGBTQ+ hockey drama series "Heated Rivalry", but ultimately turned it down due to fears about safely crossing the border into Canada, where the show films. Cho, who has been outspoken in her criticism of the Trump administration, said she was worried about potential issues with immigration authorities and even received death threats, leading her to decline the part of fan-favorite character Yuna Hollander.
Why it matters
Cho's decision highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns that some public figures, especially outspoken critics of the government, face when it comes to travel and border crossings. Her story also underscores the broader issues around immigration policies and their impact on the entertainment industry and creative communities.
The details
Cho was initially offered the role of Yuna Hollander, the mother of a fictional hockey star, in the hit series "Heated Rivalry". However, she turned down the part due to fears about safely traveling to Canada, where the show films. Cho explained that she was worried about potential issues with immigration authorities, as she has been vocal in her criticism of the Trump administration. She said she received death threats and was concerned about being deported, leading her to decline the role.
- In April 2025, Cho was offered the role in "Heated Rivalry".
- Cho turned down the role due to border crossing concerns at that time.
The players
Margaret Cho
A San Francisco-based comedian and actor who was initially offered a role in the LGBTQ+ hockey drama series "Heated Rivalry".
Jacob Tierney
The creator, writer and director of the "Heated Rivalry" television series.
Connor Storrie
The Texas-raised actor who plays Illya Rozanov, one of the lead roles in "Heated Rivalry".
What they’re saying
“I'm very vocal about hating this (Trump) administration. I have a lot of people reporting me to Homeland Security. I get death threats. People said they were going to, like, pump bullets in my head.”
— Margaret Cho (TikTok)
“I was so scared. And at that time, in April of last year, people were getting accosted at the border. So I wrote to (creator, writer and director) Jacob Tierney, and I said, 'I know this show's going to be a huge hit, but I don't think that I'm safe crossing the border. I'm like really scared.'”
— Margaret Cho (TikTok)
What’s next
Cho will be performing stand-up comedy in San Francisco on May 29 as part of her Choligarchy tour.
The takeaway
Cho's decision to decline the "Heated Rivalry" role due to border crossing concerns highlights the ongoing challenges that some public figures, especially vocal critics of the government, face when it comes to travel and immigration issues. Her story underscores the broader impact of restrictive policies on the entertainment industry and creative communities.
