Meet Cheng-Hsien (Bin Bin) Kuo | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheng-Hsien (Bin Bin) Kuo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheng-Hsien (Bin Bin), how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The evolution of my work-life balance has actually been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. When I first started acting, I was taking every audition and part I could. I dove fully into my work with passion, savoring the long hours, irregular schedules, and constant excitement as part of the adventure because I wanted to grab every opportunity. I was completely immersed in my craft, and I relished every minute of it.

As my career has progressed, I’ve learned to channel that passion into more balanced outlets. I’ve come to realize that while I am eager and ready to embrace a multitude of roles, finding a work-life balance isn’t about limiting opportunities but about maximizing my effectiveness in each role I take on. By fully investing myself in the projects I am involved with while also ensuring I have time to refill my energy, maintain my relationships, and take care of my health, I find that I’m able to bring a greater depth and authenticity to my performances. It’s about balancing my intense desire to work with the understanding that my personal life and self-care are necessary to my ability to portray characters convincingly and emotionally. It’s a transformation that has enhanced both my work and my life outside it.

For me, work-life balance is not so much about rigid boundaries as it is about integration and harmony. Acting is an integral part of my life—it’s not just my job, it’s part of my identity. Striking a balance is about ensuring that my work fuels my life and vice versa. I like to think of it as a dynamic dance, one that changes and evolves over time, but always enriches my experience as a whole.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve built a reputation in Taiwan, primarily known for my comedic roles in numerous television commercials, but my portfolio spans live events and feature-length movies as well. I’ve had the privilege to appear in more than 30 TV commercials for leading brands like Google, Samsung, EVA Air, Mars Wrigley Confectionary, and Pepsico. My filmography includes full-length movies such as “Fall in Love at First Kiss” (New Classics Media) and “The Village of No Return” (Warner Bros.), where I was lucky enough to share screen time with the legendary actress Shu Qi. While screen acting has been my primary focus, I continuously seek opportunities to expand into theater, both in Taiwan and New York. My recent works include Playing the Other at The Wild Project Theatre in New York City, and Dress In Code, All the Ways We Say Goodbye at The New School. I’ve also been involved in musical theater with Greenray Theatre Company in Taiwan.

The journey hasn’t been smooth, with numerous auditions but no roles initially. It was the unyielding support from friends and family, coupled with my determination, that pulled me through these challenging times. The moment I was cast in a commercial for a popular mobile game in Taiwan marked a turning point, not just bolstering my confidence but also setting the stage for my financial independence.

Transitioning to the U.S. for further studies added new layers of challenges, financial ones, and the daunting task of learning complex acting techniques in a non-native language. However, I like to view this as a chapter in the sitcom of my life. I am gradually building my network here, working with pronunciation and movement coaches, and interacting with fellow actors to navigate these challenges.

What sets me apart, I believe, is my commitment to fulfilling the director’s vision for a character, regardless of the screen time. My commercial work has honed my ability to establish a meaningful connection with the audience in a limited time. This experience has enabled me to shape characters in film and theater in ways that leave a lasting impression on the viewers. It’s this flexibility and agility, this ability to switch between different roles across media, that I take pride in and am excited about. I hope to continue building on these strengths and bring my unique brand of acting to wider audiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d be excited to give them a tour of some of my favorite spots, the ones that truly capture the essence of the city’s vibrant and diverse character. As an actor, I have an affinity for places rich in history, character, and creativity.

Our week-long adventure would start at the Grand Central Market, a culinary melting pot representing the city’s diverse food culture. I am a foodie so the Grand Central Market is my go-to place. A trip on the historic Angels Flight Railway would be our next stop. Its charm and the fascinating history surrounding it make it an absolute must-visit. From there, we’d head over to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Walking down this iconic path, studded with stars, serves as a reminder of the inspiring journeys undertaken by each honoree. I would certainly schedule a visit to the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre, its grandeur and rich cinematic history make it a fascinating experience. While there, we’d spend time exploring the famous handprints and footprints that tell stories of Hollywood’s illustrious past.

An integral part of our tour would be a visit to the Paramount Studios. This place is a treasure trove for an actor like me, offering insights into the magic of filmmaking. The behind-the-scenes studio tour is an absolute delight, giving a glimpse into the enchanting world of film production. I always remember how thrilled I was when I went on this tour. As the city lights up in the evening, we would explore the vibrant bars around West Hollywood Park, a perfect spot to unwind with great music and drinks. This lively neighborhood is the heart of the city’s nightlife, always bustling with energy.

Our week would conclude with a trip to the beautiful Santa Monica beach. More than just sun and surf, the Santa Monica Pier and its surroundings offer various attractions and activities. What better way to end a day than watching a spectacular sunset over the Pacific?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am an actor from Taiwan. On my journey as an actor, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of not just friends, but most importantly, my parents. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength. In Taiwan, their support was supplemented by the collaboration I had with wonderful producers, directors, casting directors, agents, and fellow actors. These professionals not only believed in me, but they also advocated for me, recommending me for various roles over the years.

Now, in America, I find the same spirit of camaraderie and support from my new circle. Friends, classmates, professors, and others have been instrumental in connecting me with opportunities, making me feel as though my American dream is steadily becoming a reality. My MFA cohort and friends, in particular, have been pillars of support, generously sharing opportunities and encouraging me at every step.

In my view, luck is the manifestation of the positive energy and goodwill we put out into the world. I consider myself tremendously fortunate to have such a robust support network across two countries. My goal now is to reach a position where I can pass on this ‘luck’ to other dreamers, just as it was passed on to me. The path of being an actor can indeed feel solitary at times, but I’m a firm believer that when we journey together, we can not only travel further but also enjoy the journey more.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binbin_kuo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/binbinkuofans

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@binbinkuo

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7156828/

Image Credits
TO ALL THE WAYS WE SAY GOODBYE, 2023, Photography by Bill Farrington PLAYING THE OTHER, 2022, Photography by Nathaniel Johnston Photography DRESS IN CODE, 2022, Photography by Nathaniel Johnston Photography