Brenda Song’s Journey: Embracing Change and New Opportunities
Two years ago, Brenda Song found herself at a crossroads in her career. Having started acting at the tender age of six, with her breakout role in the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, she had successfully transitioned to more mature roles in projects like Hulu’s Dollface. Yet, despite her achievements, Brenda felt a restlessness.
After the birth of her two children in quick succession, she struggled to reconcile her identity as a working mother with her professional aspirations, contemplating a departure from the entertainment industry altogether. “I felt as though the universe was nudging me to focus solely on motherhood,” she recalls. “I told my partner, Macaulay Culkin, ‘If my best years are in the past, I’m at peace with that. I’ve experienced so much already.’ He responded, ‘Are you out of your mind?’”
Rather than stepping back from her career, Brenda decided to revamp her representation, leaving her long-time managers after 26 years. With the support of her new agent, Emily Gerson Saines—who also represents the Culkin brothers—Brenda began to see potential new roles that aligned with her desire for depth in her craft. Almost immediately, she started engaging with prominent directors, securing a role in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl and catching the attention of Mindy Kaling, who invited her to star in a fresh Netflix series based on Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
That project, titled Running Point, is set to premiere on February 27. In the series, Brenda plays the chief of staff to the team president, portrayed by Kate Hudson. Working with comedy luminaries like Ike Barinholtz and Elaine Ko, the show boasts an environment rich with improvisation. This new venture has reignited Brenda’s creative spark. “I finally feel challenged in a way I hadn’t for a long time,” she shares. “At 36, I feel like you’re just now meeting the real me.”
Brenda’s enthusiasm for Running Point stems from her deep admiration for basketball and particularly for the Lakers’ history. “I’m a massive basketball fan and have a championship ring," she explains. "Knowing the story surrounding Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis made this role even more appealing.” She appreciates the creative process led by Kaling and Barinholtz, which fosters a lighthearted atmosphere despite the high stakes of production.
Starring alongside Kate Hudson, Brenda reflects on their first encounter, which happened to be on Valentine’s Day during the premiere table read. Their instant rapport was striking. Brenda expresses her admiration for Kate’s ability to juggle motherhood and a demanding career, noting, “She balances so much and does it all with grace. Working with her is something I’d always dreamed of.”
Balancing motherhood with acting has not been without its challenges for Brenda. “I often grappled with my dual roles as a committed parent and determined actress,” she admits. However, working on The Last Showgirl and Running Point introduced her to a supportive network of fellow mothers in the industry, helping to shift her perspective.
Brenda also candidly shares her struggle with self-critique: "I really dislike watching my performances on screen. Even a small role in The Social Network is hard for me because I can’t enjoy the film—it just makes me self-conscious.”
In Running Point, Brenda’s character occasionally speaks Hmong, connecting to her Thai heritage. “We wanted to weave in personalized cultural elements,” she remarks. “I’m fluent in Hmong thanks to my grandmother, who doesn’t speak English. Mindy’s vision allowed for that cultural nuance while giving me the freedom to just be the character.”
Brenda Song’s experience is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an artist. With new roles on the horizon, she embodies the evolution of an actress who refuses to be pigeonholed, finding her place in a world that celebrates both her roots and her talents.
This story was originally published in the February 12 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. For more, click to subscribe.
Read more about this topic:
Brenda Song on ‘Running Point’ and Career Revival
