IN CONVERSATION WITH BRENDA SONG

Brenda Song is starring in Netflix’s ‘Running Point’, releasing on 27th February. Most recently, we’ve been able to watch her in ‘The Last Showgirl’ alongside Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Outside of acting, Brenda is a proud member of the AAPI community, with roots tracing back to Thailand and China and she identifies as a member of the Hmong community. 

‘The Last Showgirl’ has such a unique premise, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the glitz of Vegas showbusiness. What drew you to the role, and how did you prepare to bring your character to life?

I’ve always had a fascination with Las Vegas. It’s such a unique and iconic place. There’s really no other place like it. When I first read the script, I was immediately drawn to Mary-Anne. I wanted to know more about her, how she got to Vegas, why she stayed, and why she was so angry. Then I realised she represents the working woman. One who has been so hardened and has had to put up so many walls because she’s been beaten down by rejection and the fear of failure. So instead of taking risks, she’s just settled into getting by. She looks at being a showgirl as simply a job. Something that started off as a passion has turned into a 9 to 5 job for her, it pays the bills. That’s where we meet her, stuck in this monotonous routine. Then she is forced to wake up and she realises it’s been 10 years of the same thing. She doesn’t even realise how unhappy she is because she’s just trying to get through and survive each day. Her story and perseverance touched me so personally.

Honestly, I didn’t have a ton of time to prep for the role, but Gia, our director, and Kate, our writer, did such an incredible job working with me to help create a strong backstory for Mary-Anne, so I really felt like I knew her day one on set. I also always try and find some common ground with every character I play. Whether it’s finding a time in my life where I feel like I went through something that is similar to what the character that I’m playing is going through or it’s finding inspiration in someone I know in my personal life that inspires my interpretation of a character. For Mary-Anne, I found inspiration in a time in my life where I was at a crossroad and confused about how to move forward. Too scared to make the “wrong” decisions and then realizing I was the only person holding me back. 

coat MOSCHINO via JENNIE WALKER ARCHIVE
shoes BROTHER VELLIES
jewelry SWAROVSKI

Working with a director like Gia Coppola and a cast that includes Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista must have been an incredible experience. What is your favorite memory from working on this film?

Working on this film was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life. This group was so special. We had so many memorable moments, but I think my first couple days of filming were something I’ll never forget. We shot the kitchen, family dinner scene that day and it was so surreal. I remember sitting outside with Pam, Jamie, Kiernan and Dave after a take and just feeling like it was a dream. Being able to work with literal icons who I’ve watched and admired for years is something I will always cherish. 

Your upcoming role in Netflix’s ‘Running Point’ has you portraying the intimidating chief of staff for a professional basketball team. How did you approach playing such a powerful character, and what challenges did you face stepping into this world?

I’m a huge basketball fan. A Laker fan, to be specific, and so this project was such a dream for me. Knowing this show was inspired by Jeanie Buss’s incredible story was intimidating at first. I admire and respect what Jeanie and Linda Rambis, who my character is loosely based off, have accomplished. I wanted to do these ladies justice. If we ever had any questions or anything, they were so generous and always took the time to talk us through it. I think that really helped, getting to pick their brains about the ins and outs of what goes on in that front office.

left
dress and tights VERSACE
shoes BROTHER VELLIES
jewelry SWAROVSKI

right
dress ISABEL MARANT
jewelry CARTIER
boots PRADA

dress RODARTE

What can the audiences expect when the series releases?

A whole lot of fun and chaos. You don’t have to know a thing about basketball to enjoy this show. Honestly, basketball is really just the vehicle to meet this crazy array of characters.

What was it like collaborating with Mindy Kaling and Kate Hudson on this series? Did the comedic elements of the project provide a fun contrast to the drama of ‘The Last Showgirl’?

I still can’t believe I get to answer that question. Mindy and Kate are my inspirations. They are so badass. They really do it all and do it so well. I want to be like them when I grow up. 

That’s the great thing about being an actor. One day you’re a showgirl, and 8 days later you can be the chief of staff for the LA Waves. It was so much fun to film these projects back-to-back. They challenged me creatively in different ways, but that’s the best part of my job. I love a challenge.

dress ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
shoes NODALETO
jewelry CARTIER

You’ve played such a variety of characters, from London Tipton in ‘The Suite Life’ to more mature, nuanced roles in recent years. How has your approach to acting evolved over the course of your career? 

I really just try and approach each character with honesty. With that being said, the more life that I experience, the better and more well-rounded of an actor I’ve become, I think. When I was younger, I had to experience a lot of things on camera before I did in my own life, like my first kiss or my first breakup. I didn’t know what going through that actually felt like. I had to emulate what I thought it would feel like. But now, having gone through those situations, I feel like I approach scenes like that differently. I’ve been really lucky. I feel like every role that I’ve portrayed has, in some way, shape or form, represented where I was at that time.

dress MOSCHINO FROM THE JENNIE WALKER ARCHIVE
boots PRADA

As a proud member of the AAPI and Hmong communities, how do you feel your heritage has influenced your career and the types of roles you’re drawn to? 

To be honest, I’m not sure. I’m sure it has, how can it not? But I do always try and make my Hmong and AAPI community proud.
 

Hollywood has been making strides in representation for the AAPI community. What progress do you see, and where do you think there’s still room for improvement?

It’s been really wonderful seeing the progress in AAPI representation. Seeing AAPI lead projects is so inspiring. It’s time media starts representing what the world actually looks like. I think we still have a long way to go. We have to keep fighting to get our stories told. 

How do you stay grounded and focused amid the demands of your career, from red carpets to back-to-back projects?

My family. They are my reason for everything. Regardless of how much I love acting or how much fun it is to get glammed up for a red carpet, at the end of the day, it’s just my job. You can’t get caught up in all the noise.

dress WIEDERHOEFT
shoes LARROUDE
tights COMMANDO
jewelry CARTIER

How has becoming a mom changed your perspective on life and career?

Since becoming a mom, I feel like I’ve changed so much. My perspective on everything has changed because my priorities have. My kids come first, period. It’s been so wonderful because I feel like I’m getting to experience so much life for the first time again through their eyes. The things they notice or appreciate are so sweet and innocent. It’s so beautiful. It’s made me appreciate and enjoy life even more. 

When it comes to work, things have changed a lot for me. I can’t necessarily go off and shoot in Bulgaria for 6 months anymore. I feel like roles that I never thought I would be drawn to, I am now. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m in “that next phase”. I guess this is what being an adult feels like.

Looking ahead, are there any other projects or ventures outside of acting that you’re excited to share with us?

Honestly, I’m really excited for the unknown. I have no idea what’s next, but whatever it is, I know it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.

dress ISABEL MARANT
jewelry CARTIER
boots PRADA

TEAM CREDITS:

talent BRENDA SONG
photography and creative direction NICK RASMUSSEN
styling JORDAN GROSSMAN
hair and makeup BRITT SULLIVAN AT HIGHLIGHT ARTISTS
styling assistance FARRAH LUE
location management MAYRA ROMERO
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN