Hollywood stars have become synonymous with luxury and extravagance, striding down red carpets in flawless attire meticulously curated by a team of experts. However, not every celebrity sticks to this glamorous norm, as acclaimed actress Ming-Na Wen candidly revealed in a recent interview.
The actress prominently known for starring in Marvel and Star Wars shows, recently sat down with her fellow actress and friend Katee Sackhoff to discuss her journey in the film industry. Reflecting on how they differ from stereotypical Hollywood stars, Wen recalled steaming her own dress the night before her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star event.
Ming-Na Wen Recalled Steaming Her Own Dress For Her Walk of Fame Event
During her recent appearance on The Sackhoff Show, actress Ming-Na Wen discussed how she and the show host do not fit into stereotypes often associated with Hollywood stars. “We’re not those actresses that like need to be handheld by our managers and our agent,” she said.
The Street Fighter actress, however, argued that she loves doing everything herself. During the discussion, she also shared a personal anecdote about preparing for her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star event, which she was honored in 2023.
Wen admitted being very nervous about the event, however, despite that she was steaming her own dress for the event in the bathroom the night before. “It was so nerve-wracking, but I’m in the bathroom like steaming my own dress,” she recalled.
The 60-year-old actress humorously added, “Beyoncé would not be doing this,” highlighting how many esteemed Hollywood celebrities would refrain from doing things like steaming their own dress before an event, something that adds a relatable touch.
It also underscores Wen’s grounded attitude towards fame and the industry, despite her considerable success and acclaim, along with highlighting the fact that everything surrounding the notion of glamorous perfection might not always be what it seems.
Ming-Na Wen Reveals Industry Realities and Determination to Overcome Obstacles
In her conversation, Ming-Na Wen also recounted a pivotal moment that added to her determination to overcome prevalent obstacles in the film industry. She shared that she confronted the head of her drama department about the lack of significant roles she was receiving as compared to her classmates.
“When I became a junior… I was not getting… significant roles like all my other classmates were,” she shared before adding, “And I was always cast as the smaller parts.” When she expressed her concerns, the department head expressed a stark reality of the film industry.
“He said to my face, he’s like, ‘Well that’s how it’s going to be out in the real world.’ — He’s like, ‘You’re most likely not going to be able to get a lot of the roles that will be given to your classmates.'”
Although he did not say it, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star shared that he implied that her classmates would get better roles, as “they’re white.” Despite the discouragement, Wen expressed her determination to prove her capabilities and secure substantial roles.
“I just went I’m going to prove you wrong,” she said before adding, “So I’m getting an alumni award,” asserting how much she has gained throughout her career. The actress has constantly spoken up against such elements while admitting that she had endured countless rejections.
However, the joy of landing roles outweighs the struggles she endured, fueling her determination to persevere in the industry.
