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

Hi Zihan, how do you think about risk?
I consider myself very adventurous. I always love to challenge myself and take the risks because I know the risk will help me open another world or help me improve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Good question. I probably would have a very different answer if I got asked a few years ago. But now I have a very different and simple answer, “Be a great person!” I know it might be confusing for a lot of people. But “being nice” is one my most proud of traits. I believe in law attraction. If you are nice to people and they’ll be nice to you. I have manifested in my life many times that “being nice” really helped me to be where I am right now. And obviously, this journey is not easy. I came to LA with no English speaking background, so I couldn’t imagine that I would pursue an acting career at the beginning. I had to stay in school for many years to overcome my language barriers. I was already a working professional as a musical theater actress when I was in China, so coming to the US was a big risk to me as I didn’t know the language. And pursuing an acting career is another challenge as I didn’t if I could make it. I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is perseverance.
When I first come to LA from China, I went to community college to learn English. I took a lot of acting at LA Valley College, the theater professor Chriss Coddington encouraged me to apply for UCLA for acting. That’s the first little magic that happened to my life, I didn’t know where I had the courage to want to become an actor. And obviously, having a good mentor like Chris really helped. I luckily got accepted by UCLA and started my acting journey. I got discovered by Framework Entertainment at my showcase upon graduation. And so far, I’ve done some short films and commercials. I’m also a content creator, you can constantly see me on TikTok and Instagram. Aside from Acting, I am also a mandarin tutor. I tutor students from all age, includes executives from reputable companies and kids.
Through my journey, I think persistence is the key to help me get where I am right now. My passion for acting and performing arts give me so much joy and motivation. Although this journey is difficult, I have been really enjoy it and met amazing friends whom I can share feelings with and helping each other to achieve our goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, there are so many places that I would like to show them. First of all, I’d take them to Westwood where UCLA is located. I have deep relationship with this area as I spent most of my time here since I came to the US. There’re amazing authentic Chinese restaurants, Persian cuisines, the famous Diddy Reese,1986 tacos and along with all kinds college food. The most important, UCLA campus is just exceptional beautiful! I’d like to take them to Weho, Hollywood and DTLA as well as I think those areas well represents the diversity and vibrance in LA. And of course, I’d definitely to take them check out the historic Chinatown and Little Tokyo. Lastly, I’d take them to San Gabriel where is the largest Chinese Community in Northern America. As visitors, they can experience the authentic Chinese American and Chinese Immigrant lifestyle in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As an immigrant from China, I have gotten inspired by so many people whom I’ve met along my journey. I think the people who inspired my the most are my friends. I have a group of friends who are immigrants, artists and models. They came here with nothing but they kept trying and trying and eventually gained their success and accomplished their American dreams. I’m also a content creator and storyteller. I hope I can create meaningful and positive content to inspire others. My inspirations such as actress Gong Li has helped me so much in my acting career. I hope I can be as good as her one day.

 

Website: www.zihanzhaoactress.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zihan-zhao-28999543/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laylazihan

Image Credits
Jeremey Campbell Kaz Seila Brandon Orange

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