In honor of Women's History Month, we are thrilled to be joined by the leading ladies of The CW's Kung Fu -- series star Olivia Liang, her onscreen sister Shannon Dang, her mentor Vanessa Kai, and the villainous Yvonne Chapman. Fresh off their season three finale earlier this month, the four actresses reflect on the past three years they've worked together, sharing the most significant lessons they've learned, the women in their lives they used as inspiration for their roles, and the improvements they hope to see in the entertainment industry regarding representation.
When asked about what changes should occur within the industry, Liang brings up the need for diversity behind the camera as well as in front of it, mentioning showrunner and exec producer Christina M. Kim. "The fact that we have a Korean-American showrunner, and it didn't say 'Mandarin, Cantonese, or martial arts experience required' in the audition breakdown, because she knows that not every single Asian person knows those things … that, to me, is representation," she says. "Those are the changes happening behind the camera and in decision-making positions that will push our stories forward."
Kai shares that flexibility and gratitude were key lessons for her during the last three years. "There are so many moving parts, and everything is happening so fast, that remaining flexible in scheduling, in process, in knowing that the thing you prepared isn't going to go that way and you have to just roll with [it]," is important, she says. "You don't take anything for granted and you show up and know you're so fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world. There's no reason to show up with less than a positive attitude."
Kai and Liang name film star and newly minted Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as a big inspiration for them as actresses. Dang says that she is "inspired by my mom, who always encouraged my love of the arts. And working with all these ladies inspires me every day. No shade to the men, but the women carry it down on this show.
"I'm always trying to make the women in my life and the people that I love proud," she continues. "I have a few girlfriends in mind who look like me. We see each other in the audition room all the time. It's such a lovely community and we help each other all the time with our auditions, bouncing ideas off each other and creating that community aspect. That collaborative environment with my fellow women actors, I hope they're proud of what it came out to be."
Seasons 1-3 of Kung Fu can be streamed on The CW app and on HBO Max.
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