Hong Chau, the Academy Award-nominated actress known for her roles in films like ‘Downsizing’, ‘The Menu’, and ‘The Whale’, has a quiet confidence that belies her years of experience. She didn’t grow up dreaming of Hollywood stardom; instead, she found solace in school and books. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Chau describes her younger self as a quiet child who struggled with shyness. After graduating with a degree in film production—a switch from creative writing at the urging of her father—she sought to combat her introversion by taking improvisation and public speaking classes after work. These classes eventually led her to acting lessons, and before she knew it, she was auditioning for roles.
Chau’s acting journey started with a sense of thrill and a willingness to face her fears. She wasn’t initially driven by the pursuit of fame, but rather by the desire to overcome her discomfort and the satisfaction of achieving a goal. Over time, she developed a deep appreciation for the craft and a unique perspective on success. “I know that I have something to contribute,” she says. “It doesn’t matter to me whether the roles are bigger or smaller—I’m not drafting for space. It’s more a matter of whether the character is interesting and has layers, and if I feel like I can bring anything to it.”
Chau’s approach to acting is evident in her dedication to understanding her characters and collaborating with filmmakers. She finds joy in the early conversations with writers and directors, discussing everything from character motivations to wardrobe choices. “What I enjoy most are the early conversations with the writers and directors before we start filming, about how the character looks and what’s motivating the character,” she explains. “Some of my favourite jobs have been when we disagreed in the beginning and I had to fight for my choices.”
This dedication is showcased in her latest film, Apple TV+’s ‘The Instigators’, where she plays Dr. Donna Rivera, a therapist caught in a whirlwind of events when one of her clients goes on the run. While the comedy aspect isn’t new to Chau, who has garnered praise for her comedic timing, this is her first foray into the action genre. Working with director Doug Liman, Chau delved deep into her character’s backstory and motivations, ensuring that every choice felt authentic. “Even if we don’t get into it tremendously during the movie, at least in our minds, we know what she had experienced in the past and what would motivate her to take that leap of faith and do something that would be considered that crazy and unprofessional,” she explains. “I think the job of an actor is to make the audience feel like the character has lived a whole life before they first see them on screen.”
Chau’s meticulous approach extends to every detail of her characters, even considering aspects that may not be explicitly seen on screen. “Film is such a visual medium and every little choice that you see on screen matters,” she explains. “When you think of hair and make-up, for example, those little details really inform the audience of who the character is. We talked a lot about things like how much money Dr. Rivera makes a year as a therapist. What kind of clothes can she afford? Is it that she likes to wear fancy clothes, but she can only afford to buy them from consignment shops?”
For Chau, success in acting is measured not by fame or fortune but by the personal growth and fulfillment she derives from her work. She cherishes her experiences, from her first film role in ‘Inherent Vice’ to her time on the off-Broadway play ‘John’. Each project, regardless of its size, has contributed to her journey as an actress. “I just try to do work that interests me and feeds me creatively,” she says. “I don’t spend too much time thinking about what success looks like or how I’m perceived by the industry as a whole.”
In a world often obsessed with fame and glamour, Hong Chau stands out as a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Her quiet confidence, her unwavering commitment to her craft, and her unique perspective on success make her a truly inspiring figure in the entertainment industry.
