Ep 3. Constance Wu
- September 2, 2019
Constance Wu, the star of Fresh Off the Boat, Crazy Rich Asians and Hustlers, is the guest on season 11, episode 3 of Off Camera with Sam Jones. The episode explores Wu's journey from her upbringing in Richmond, Virginia to her unexpected path to Hollywood.
Wu dives into her passion for acting and how it has fueled her career, as well as the challenges she has faced along the way. She talks about her early days of struggling to make ends meet in New York City, working multiple jobs while auditioning for roles. She also speaks about the prejudices she has faced in the industry as an Asian-American actress, including being told she wasn't "Asian enough" for some roles.
Jones and Wu delve into the role of women and minorities in Hollywood, exploring the power dynamics at play and the progress that still needs to be made. Wu speaks about the importance of representation in film and television and the responsibility she feels to accurately portray Asian-American experiences on screen.
The episode also touches on Wu's personal life, including her decision to learn Mandarin as an adult and her experience of speaking out against Hollywood's "whitewashing" and "racist stereotypes." Wu shares how her outspokenness was both empowering and challenging, and how she has come to terms with the attention it brings.
Throughout the interview, Wu's vulnerability shines through as she talks about the difficulties of navigating fame and public scrutiny, including the backlash she received for some of her past comments. She also shares her hopes for the future, both personally and professionally, and reflects on the impact her work can have on society.
As always, Jones creates a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for his guests, allowing them to open up about their lives and careers in a way that feels genuine and authentic. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of Wu's journey and the perspective she brings to her work in Hollywood, as well as an appreciation for Jones' ability to dig deep and get to the heart of each guest's story.
