© Photography: Nick Onken Hair: Corey Tuttle Make-Up: Romana Makeup New York Styling: Carolyn Son
Celia Au has made a splash in the entertainment scene and has become well-known for playing a variety of characters, from an assassin to a surfer, from an escort to a slew of cold-blooded villains.
Her latest project is Wu Assassins, a new Netflix series which is set in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The series blends martial arts, drama and supernatural elements for a story that centers on Kai Jin (Iko Uwais), a man who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again. In the Netflix Original, Celia plays Ying Ying, a quirky young woman who is wise beyond her years and assists Kai Jin in his mission.
Celia is also currently starring in AMC’s and Paul Giamatti’s dramedy series, Lodge 49. Now in its second season, she plays Alice Ba, a 17-year-old surfer who looks up to Dud and his sister, Liz.
We had the pleasure of chatting to Celia about Wu Assassins, Lodge 49, acting, and more!
When did you know that you wanted to be an actress?
I was in school studying advertising and marketing and felt that in advertising you have the power of persuasion to get someone to purchase a product. Then I realized that in film and TV you have the power to tell stories, educate and inspire people. When I realized how much power the media has on an individual I want to tell stories that people can relate to and not feel so alone. And I think that is when I really got interested in playing different roles and dive deep into acting. Hopefully one day I can also write and direct projects that can both be entertaining and inspiring.
What drew you to the role of Ying Ying in Netflix’s Wu Assassins?
Usually when we watch films the master are usually an old wise man who is tough. When I read the script for Wu Assassins I was excited to see that they brought a twist to this traditional character making it a quirky young female. Even though she is 2000 years old.
Wu Assassins features a predominately Asian cast. What’s it like to see that kind of representation and for it to be on Netflix?
It’s great! Just to see representation on screen. I don’t think it’s just Asian Americans but I think that we need more diversity in the media across the board. At the end of the day we are all humans and even though we might have some cultural differences, this is what makes being an American great. We live in such a diverse country and we have so many stories to be told and I think the more we share our stories the more we can normalize race and culture and people can see that we are all not so different after all.
While you have martial arts training, what was it like preparing for the role?
I watched a lot of old Chinese movies to see how the old master usually behaves and then I can give the character a twist to make it more fun on screen.
You also star in Lodge 49 as Alice, which is currently airing with its second season. What’s it like finding out what a new season has instore for your character?
I had so much fun shooting season one of Lodge 49 and when I found out about a second season, I was really excited to see where Alice goes. Also, Lodge 49 was another show where the cast had a great bond and they were all really excited for me when they heard that I got Wu Assassins. I went from playing a teenage surfer to a 2000 year old master and back to a teenager. That’s pretty awesome.
You have a few upcoming projects! Is there one that you particularly enjoyed filming?
All of them! Honestly I loved my job because I am getting paid to play pretend and I get to explore all these different characters. What is there to not like?
There can be some very long days when it comes to acting. What do you like to do in your down time when you can?
I love to travel and explore different type of cuisines.
Is there a dream role or genre that you would love to star in?
A dream role…. I mean I would love to be a super hero or a super villain. Aside from that, I want to work on projects that will inspire people to do good and to let people who are feeling alone to know that they are not alone someone will be there to listen to them.
