Celebrity Life

In case you weren't aware, Sex and the City is back. Back as And Just Like That... and back with break-out stars like Cathy Ang on the cast list.

And Just Like That… was all the craze when it was released late last year in December 2021. Among all that craze, was budding actor Cathy Ang, who played Lily Goldenblatt in this revival of Sex and the City. Prior to landing this acting role in the ten-episode mini-series, the 26-year-old was recognised for her voice work. 

Cathy went from being a first-time viewer of SATC to being a part of SATC’s latest chapter. She went from witnessing the women’s charm on-screen to acting alongside them on screen.

Whilst we’re exhilarated to see more on-screen action involving this Asian actor, our off-screen chat with her was pure delight. Her excitement was infectious and we absolutely adore her energy. In all honesty, it’s tough to stay mad at young Lily for playing a role in the demise of Carrie and Big’s wedding now that we’ve met the woman behind adolescent Lily. 

Here, we sat down with the Chinese-Filipina actress to chat about playing Lily, her thoughts on Asian representation in the entertainment industry and more. 

Introducing Cathy Ang

The piano recital scene in the first episode is hands-down one of the most awe-inspiring scenes from the show. If you’re wondering whether Cathy actually played the piece, the answer is yes, and she effectuated it beautifully.

And behind that awe-inspiring performance? Lots and lots and lots of practice.

Acting alongside names like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis is a dream for many, but a reality for Cathy Ang. Although, it is a reality she is still trying to wrap her head around and get used to it.

Although Asian representation in the entertainment and Hollywood industry is becoming increasingly common, Ang says that “we could definitely do with some more,” and we couldn’t agree more. By landing this role, Cathy is an inspiration to Asians all over, and we need more inspiring stories like these.

Finally, we asked the star what advice she has for aspiring Asian actors.

“Find a mentor," insisted Ang. "Actually, find two mentors: a coach and a cheerleader. Find a cheerleader, someone who is going to cheerlead and support you no matter what. And find a coach, someone who is going to coach you, push you and mentor you. Find a mentor who is an Asian artist. Everyone in our community is so thrilled to witness young, Asian artists popping up. Like, I texted Sandra Oh and she texted me back. So don’t be afraid to just reach out and ask for guidance.”

And just like that, especially with Sandra Oh on speed-dial? We're predicting a big, bright future for one Cathy Ang.

Stream ‘And Just Like That…’ now exclusively on HBO Go. A new episode premieres every Thursday. All seasons of ‘Sex and the City’ are also available on HBO Go.

See the original article here

(Hero and featured image courtesy of HBO Go)

The post ‘And Just Like That…’ Star Cathy Ang on Asian Representation and Playing Lily appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Marvel fans, assemble. Marvel Studios is all set to woo the audience this year with its new superhero movie, set to release in Hong Kong on 2 September, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film follows protagonist Shang-Chi as he finds himself trapped in a family legacy.

His past threatens to ruin his life in San Francisco, US, when he unwittingly gets involved with the covert and notorious Ten Rings — a criminal organisation headed by his father Wenwu, or The Mandarin.

The trailer, released on 25 June 2021, packs quite the punch with adrenaline-fuelling action scenes, along with a look into Shang-Chi's relationship with Wenwu, who is seen warning him that “you can’t run from the past.”

Shang-Chi will go down in history for being the first Marvel movie with a superhero of Asian descent played by Simu Liu, while actors like Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Benedict Wong, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Dallas Liu, Ronny Chieng and Jodi Long make up the cast. Additionally, director Destin Daniel Cretton and screenwriter Dave Callaham have Asian roots. 

Reprising their characters Abomination from The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Trevor Slattery from Iron Man 3 (2013), Tim Roth and Ben Kingsley will also be seen in the film. 

Talking about Asian representation in the movies, Liu in an interview with Bloomberg said, "I want everybody to know that they're seen and that they matter and they should be proud of who they are." 

After Black Panther (2018), Marvel Studios has taken another step towards inclusivity and diverse representation with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The former witnessed groundbreaking commercial and critical success, as many lauded the film for its representation of black culture. Black Panther’s cast included the late Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke and Letitia Wright, and the film received a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 96 percent. 

Meanwhile, Shang-Chi premiered on 16 August in Los Angeles, US, with great fanfare as many hailed its well-choreographed action sequences and taut storyline. Here are some reactions the film has received so far.  

Based on the Shang-Chi comic series, the Marvel superhero was created in the 1970s. Comic artist and writer Jim Starlin and writer Steve Englehart collaborated to create superhero Shang-Chi who “seeks peace and harmony in a weary world while opposing those who would tear it down.” In the comics, the superhero, whose name means “rising and advancing of the spirit,” is a skilled martial arts warrior.   

(Main and Featured image: The Direct)

The post ‘Shang-Chi’: What to Expect From Marvel’s First Asian Superhero appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.