Brenda Song was thrust into the spotlight as London Tipton in Disney series The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody, swiftly becoming one of the first Asian Americans to land a starring role on the small screen.
But it seems Hollywood still which has a long way to go, as the 31-year-old has revealed that she was dubbed “not Asian enough” for 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians – a decade after the breakthrough children’s series came to an end.
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In a new interview with Teen Vogue, Song spoke candidly about her excitement to audition for the award-winning movie.
A number of fans suggested the actress was perfect for the project, as memes reminding everyone of her spoilt alter-ego London’s most outrageous moments began to circulate the internet.
But the Disney alumna didn’t make it to the silver screen.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but I never got to read for Crazy Rich Asians, ever,” she revealed. “Their reasoning behind that, what they said was that my image was basically not Asian enough, in not so many words. It broke my heart.”
“I said, ‘This character is in her late to mid-20s, an Asian American, and I can’t even audition for it?” the actress continued.
“I’ve auditioned for Caucasian roles my entire career, but this specific role, you’re not going to let me do it? You’re going to fault me for having worked my whole life?’ I was like, ‘Where do I fit?'”
Song went on to add that Disney is rarely credited for its progressive casting: “I don’t think people realise how ahead of the curve Disney Channel was.”
“They were colourblind casting way before anybody else,” Song continued. “They were giving me TV movies since I was 15 that people would never even think about. They were just telling stories and wanting kids to be able to see themselves on TV at a young age.”
The film’s director Jon Chu responded to the news story on Twitter, saying he feels “horrible” that she would think that.
“🤷🏻♂️would these words ever come out of my mouth? Nope makes no sense,” John tweeted. “I feel horrible she thinks this is the reason. The fact is I love Brenda Song and am a fan. I didn’t need her to audition because I already knew who she was!”
After being dismissed from Crazy Rich Asians, the actress decided to take time out from the industry to travel.
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“I got myself together and said, ‘Brenda, there is only one you, and you can’t change who you are. You can’t change your past’. I am so grateful for every job that I’ve done,” she said. “All I can do is continue to put good auditions out there, do the best that I can – that’s all I can ask for.”
Within a week of returning to Los Angeles, she was offered the lead role in 2019 thriller Secret Obsession on Netflix. The actress has since gone on to star in Hulu’s Dollface.
“It’s taken me almost 10 years from Disney to really feel like I found a niche for myself,” she continued. “At 31, I finally feel like I know what my strengths are, and I’m trying to steer into that.”
Brenda Song was thrust into the spotlight as London Tipton in Disney series The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody, swiftly becoming one of the first Asian Americans to land a starring role on the small screen.
But it seems Hollywood still which has a long way to go, as the 31-year-old has revealed that she was dubbed “not Asian enough” for 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians – a decade after the breakthrough children’s series came to an end.
WATCH BELOW: ‘A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby’ Trailer
Brenda Song was thrust into the spotlight as London Tipton in Disney series The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody, swiftly becoming one of the first Asian Americans to land a starring role on the small screen.
But it seems Hollywood still which has a long way to go, as the 31-year-old has revealed that she was dubbed “not Asian enough” for 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians – a decade after the breakthrough children’s series came to an end.
WATCH BELOW: ‘A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby’ Trailer
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