Exclusive Interview with JuJu Chan: Actress & Model

Perhaps you've seen her on TVB or recognize her face in one of those funky ads in a magazine- JuJu Chan is an actress, model and leading lady of the webseries, LUMINA ... a super cool fact about JuJu ?  She's also got a Bachelor in Computer Science and Mathematics! How many comp-sci-mathematicians do you see go into the acting/modeling industry? Not many and Orientelle is super intrigued by JuJu and her drive. Our exclusive interview with JuJu Chan and what drives her to do what she does:

Tell us about yourself! You're an actress, model, dancer and singer... how did this all start?
I was born with my twin sister in Hong Kong and moved to the United States when we were six years old. I graduated with a Masters Degree in Film & TV from New York University, and earned my Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from University of San Francisco. I have a very diverse background and interests. I am very fortunate to be brought up in a family that supported me for all my interests. My parents sent me to ballet school to practice ballet, and music school to learn piano and vocals at the age of three. I had my first dance, singing, and piano performances when I was four years old. I’ve always loved being on stage, and my goal is always to be a successful performing artist. I was discovered by a modeling scout when I was sixteen, and started modeling since then for fashion and beauty magazines, commercial ads, and fashion shows. I started acting in high school in school dramas and plays. My first major stage drama role was in high school, then I started acting in some film and TV projects in Hong Kong and New York.

You've lived in several different places around the world, what's your favorite place to live and why?
I love traveling and meeting people from different cultures. I have traveled to over 30 countries and lived in Hong Kong, Boston, San Francisco, New York, and Italy. It’s very hard to pick a favorite place to live because every city is different and has its own culture that’s unique from one another. And that’s the reason that attracted me to keep traveling and to enjoy living in different places.

What attracted you to the role of Lumina? Are you two alike?
I am a very strong believer in the fairy tale type of love and Lumina shares the same belief as I do. We both believe in fate and have great hope in finding our love. Lumina took a brave move in falling in love with a person she just met in her mirror. Their relationship started really fast and soon she realized he might not be what he seems. Like Lumina, I don’t mind falling in love with a man from another world, if I do meet him, that’s fate. But I’d prefer starting a relationship in a slower pace :P .

For women watching this webseries, what do you think they will love most?
Lumina webseries is a modern fairy tale, a dark fable that has its foundation in the seemingly simple girl meets boy scenario. This scenario is an allegory for the murky field of online relationships that are happening in this Internet Age. Many women nowadays have the experience in meeting or dating men online, and I am sure women watching LUMINA will love to find out how Lumina and Ryder can be so close together yet being so far apart.  They would love the romantic fantasy fairytale between Lumina and Ryder who are in two different worlds.

How was it working with Michael Chan (playing the role of smoldering love interest, Ryder Lee)? A fellow Quebecer!! Orientelle has headquarters in Quebec ^_^
It’s very enjoyable working with Michael. Everyone loves him!!! Cause he is a super caring, supportive, funny, energetic, helpful, talented guy (too many good things about him) He is always the person keeping up the team’s energy, and giving good advice and suggestions to the team. It’s really my pleasure to work with him and would love to work with him again in future projects.

Having spent a large amount of time in the US, have there been cultural challenges now that you are back in Hong Kong and especially in this industry?
No, not really. Because I had watched Hong Kong movies and paid attention to the Hong Kong entertainment news when I was in the US. This provided me an easy transition back to the Hong Kong culture.

For many Asian women in North America, it's difficult to embark on an acting career due to lack of family support & I suppose, similar models in the industry, what would your advice be to those aspiring actresses?
Family support is important, however I believe education is even more important nowadays.  With a degree you will always have a backup career and will also help finding a side job easier with which you can support yourself while pursuing your acting career. Everything needs time and the right opportunity in order to be successful. In order to support yourself while the opportunities come, you have to have a second career that can bring in your income.

Now for some super girly questions....(we couldn't resist getting some beauty tips, who better to ask then a model?)
What are the 5 most essential products in your makeup bag?
Bobbie Brown eyeliner, lip gloss, Giorgio Armani compact, Mascara, and cotton buds.

What's the neatest beauty trick you have learned so far in your acting/modeling career?
Putting shadows under your cheek and on the sides of your face to make your face looks thinner.

and finally... who is your favorite fairy tale love in the movies that are out now? Mine is Prince Caspian.
I love fairy tales, and do have a lot of favorite loves, just to name a few here: Raoul and Christine from "The Phantom of the Opera", Noah and Allie from "The Notebook", Edward and Bella from “Twilight”.

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You can follow JuJu on Twitter @JuJu_Chan. You can also check her out on Orientelle's Caught Strutting where she spills some of her style secrets and of course, on her own personal blog.