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Lynn Chen, Actress

Lynn Chen

29 year-old actress Lynn Chen, the subject of this week’s Young and Professional profile, began performing at a very young age. Yet, before she completely committed to the career, she decided to take some time off to find herself. Between getting her degree, working as a waitress and teaching at summer schools, Chen explored the world. Her colorful experiences eventually led her back to the stage, and have since put her on the brink of movie stardom. This year she stars in the critically acclaimed film “Saving Face” alongside Joan Chen, as well as in the Twentieth Century Fox Film “Little Manhattan.” A nominee for the upcoming Asian Excellence Award, this ambitious young actress is also a talented singer, which is just further proof that Lynn Chen has always been meant to dazzle on stage.

Website

www.lynnchen.com

Name

Lynn Chen, Actress

Hometown

Cresskill, New Jersey

Current residence

Los Angeles, California

Education

Wesleyan University, BA Women's studies and Music

Other jobs

Sex Ed teacher, Musical Director, Assistant to School Principal, Piano teacher, Camp Counselor, Babysitter, Temp Agency Assistant,, Waitress, Restaurant Hostess, Market Researcher, Catering Server, Transcriber, Summer School Teacher... I’m sure there’s more but I’ve probably blocked them out.

Ethnicity

Chinese-American

What's your story?

I started performing really young and took time off to go to school and see what else I could do. Turns out nothing.

What makes up your day?

Unless I’m working on a specific project (in which case my day would be hectic and unpredictable), here’s what a typical day looks like: I wake up, work out, go to an audition or two, meet a friend for lunch or coffee, talk to my managers about projects, take my dog for a walk, prepare for the next day’s auditions, go to dinner and a movie with my husband (or, make dinner and watch a DVD). Yup, exciting!

Most notable milestones

I’ll never forget the feeling of my first time singing in front of a Broadway audience, booking my first TV job, going to Disneyworld to shoot a commercial for one week, and making “Saving Face,” my first feature film.

What’s your niche?

Acting is an industry where you spend a lot of time unemployed. So when I’m not actually on a set, I spend a lot of time preparing – meeting directors and producers, taking classes, staying healthy, reading the trades, and watching a lot of TV (note: the latter is very, very important and crucial to my career. No, really).

Unexpected learnings along the way

There are actually honest and nice people in show business.

What’s in store for the future?

A few indie films: the comedy “I’m Through With White Girls,” which starts in a few weeks, and the drama, “Mentor,” which is in post production. And, in a few weeks I’m up for an award at the Asian Excellence Awards, which is decided by voters so I’d really appreciate your help: www.i-channel.com/axa

Who would you like to be contacted by?

The kind that will make me famous.

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Best way to stay ahead

Don’t think too much about the many, many, many rejections.

Guiding principle in life

Be nice to yourself so you can be good to others.

Yardstick of success

I always get all warm and fuzzy when fans write to me or approach me on the street

Goal yet to be achieved

Fame, fortune, an Oscar….

Best practical advice

Don’t get into this business expecting any of the above.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

My husband, Abe, always runs lines with me before an audition or a shoot. He’s very honest (sometimes brutally so), and whenever he says, “That was good, Lynn” I feel more confident, since I value his opinion more than anyone else’s.

Mentor

Joan Chen, who was a big reason why I wanted to be a film actress growing up. Meeting her in person through “Saving Face,” she is even more inspiring, and is an amazing performer, director, mother, and friend.

What motivates you for success?

The business is so unpredictable – when things are slow I figure something good’s probably around the corner, and, most of the time it is.

Like best about what you do

Performing

Like least about what you do

Auditioning

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Tamiyn Tomita in “The Karate Kid, Part II.”

Biggest pastimes outside of work

I spend way too much time watching The Food Network and telling my dog how cute he is.

Person most interested in meeting and why

I’m probably going to regret saying this, but, honestly, right now? Katie Holmes. I’ve often been told that I look like her, and I really want to know what’s going on in her head these days with the whole Tom Cruise thing.

Leader in business most interested in meeting and why

The director Richard Linklater. He’s responsible for a lot of my favorite films.

Interesting facts about yourself

I have perfect pitch. I love shopping malls. I’m really good at making music mixes. I once won a contest sponsored by Durex Condoms where I made a mix of “sexy” songs. I wound up winning money, a limo ride and tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards, and a whole lot of condoms.

Three characteristics that describe you

Happy, Open-Minded, Grateful.

Three greatest passions

My husband, Acting and Music.

Favorite book

It’s always changing. I recently finished Tom Perrotta’s “Little Children,” which I really enjoyed. He is one of my favorite authors, along with Haruki Murakami, J.K. Rowling, and Judy Blume.

Favorite cause

HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

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Lynn Chen

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