Meet Winnie Wang | Actress, Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Winnie Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Winnie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

What initially inspired me was seeing the big smiles on the actors’ faces on stage during a curtain call. I remember looking at them and thinking, ‘I want to be a performer too.’ Immersing myself in the training, I developed a profound affinity for the artistic process, which invigorated me daily.

My parents, being in creative fields themselves, played a big role in my journey. They are always supportive, enrolling me in singing and dancing classes from a young age. I even played the piano and violin. I recall wanting to quit the violin, but my mom would say, ‘What if one day you need to play the violin for a role? That could be your ticket to getting the part. So, keep at it.’ Although I eventually stopped taking violin classes after moving to the US, that advice resonated with me. Now, I try to learn as much as I can, thinking of these skills as tools in my arsenal. This mindset also gives me a unique way of looking at life. I often tell myself, ‘It’s okay to feel these emotions. Remember this feeling; it might come in handy in a performance one day.’ Embracing the full range of life’s experiences enriches my acting and my perspective. And that is why I chose to pursue a creative field. I am in love with exploring, and that’s why I chose this creative field. I’m just fascinated by how we can dive into different characters and stories. It’s like living a thousand lives in one. Every role is a new world, a new set of emotions, and it’s exciting to see how I can bring them to life. It’s not just about acting; it’s about understanding people, their stories, and bringing out the truth in them.

The best part? It’s never the same. One day I’m working on a comedy, the next a drama. It keeps me on my toes, always learning, always growing. It’s this ever-changing, always evolving aspect of the arts that I love. It’s more than a job; it’s a journey of constant self-discovery and exploration.

So, yeah, that’s why I’m here, in this creative world. It’s where I can express, explore, and experience life in its many shades. This isn’t just a career for me; it’s a way of living, of seeing the world through an ever-changing, artistic lens

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what makes me most proud is my unwavering commitment to this career. I started acting at the age of 13 in Taipei, Taiwan. While at a dance studio for my regular class, an older classmate inquired if I had ever considered acting, mentioning a casting call for a short film organized by a friend of her husband. Initially skeptical, as my experience was limited to dancing and singing without any formal acting training, I decided to give it a try despite my doubts. Surprisingly, I landed the part.

The ensuing weeks were spent rehearsing and filming with the cast. As a 13-year-old, I had never felt so included and valued as a team player, creating art with a group of fun individuals. Playing my character and engaging in that ‘ping-pong match’ with my scene partners was exhilarating.

That experience solidified my decision to become an actress. I attended a high school specializing in performing arts and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Acting for Film in Los Angeles. Acting from a young age gave me confidence, but performing in a second language presented unexpected challenges. Initially, I struggled to connect emotionally with my lines, realizing I was merely reciting memorized words without truly feeling them or embodying the character.

Additionally, the beauty standards in my home country often made me doubt myself. I encountered numerous opportunities where I was turned away for not fitting a certain physical ideal, instilling a persistent voice in my head that I might never be enough. Despite these external and internal challenges, I remind myself of my capabilities and dreams. Believing in myself, cliché as it may sound, is what brought me here and drives me to continually improve. It’s about staying on the path toward where I want to be, trusting and believing in myself every step of the way

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A hiking trip and a leisurely walk by the beach in the afternoon are always on my list. I believe one of the reasons people fall in love with this city is its breathtaking views. Having the opportunity to connect with nature, breathe in fresh air, and feel grounded is a reminder of the goodness of life and helps us reset. I would also take them to the Getty Museum, where the combination of a beautiful art collection and the stunning views of LA create an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Regarding food, one of the best things about LA is its diverse culture. This diversity means there are always different culinary options to explore, so I would definitely introduce my friend to various styles of cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to say a big thanks to my family back home for their constant support and understanding as I chase my dream here in LA. Their encouragement means the world to me. Also, a special shoutout to my close friends who always keep me motivated. As actors, we understand each other’s struggles and victories, and that’s why we’re always there to cheer each other on at every step.

I also want to thank everyone who has cast me or worked with me. Your belief in me and sharing your creative visions has been incredibly important in my journey. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities to create and learn with you.

Website: https://www.winniewangofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_winnie.wang__/?next=%2F

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winnie-wang-50888b207/

Image Credits
headshots by Siobhan Webb Photography. Underwater photoshoot by Linh Tang Active wear print modeling photo by Airic Lewis