| Linda Wang Interview with HairBoutique.com |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised: 7/20/06 - Original Publication Date: 5/29/2000 |
Introduction
Thursday,
May 4, 2000
 I recently caught up by phone with beautiful Asian American actress Linda Wang in NYC where she is currently working on not one, but many voice-over projects for such companies as AT&T, Magellan, IDT, Citibank, Holdcom, Bizfon, Ford Motor Company, Berkley Productions and Western Union. Quite an impressive list. But then Linda is quite an impressive and talented lady. (Photo credit: Bill Morris)
Linda has a rich, sensuous voice and speaks (as well as reads and writes) fluent Mandarin Chinese. She is definitely in demand as a voice-over talent.
In recent years, Linda has been commuting back and forth for her acting career between New York and Los Angeles. I asked her if she preferred one location to the other. While Linda grew up in Queens, New York (she was born in Taiwan) and loves the melting pot feeling of The City, she said she absolutely adores the weather in Southern California. We chatted a little about NYC (which is one of my all time favorite cities in the world). Linda agreed with me about what an exciting and interesting city it is. Linda told me that she really enjoyed her years growing up in New York.
Complete Dedication To Her Career
 I knew instantly that Linda was one of those special people that only happen along every once in a while. I had to ask myself what it was about Linda that convinced me that she was so special. I guess the thing that got to me was how incredibly dedicated Linda is to her work as an actress. She is not afraid to put in her dues, work hard, study and be the best she can be. (Photo credit: Tess Steinkolk). I totally relate to that dedication and drive for any career. In fact, that is how I feel about my own career. So I felt that Linda was a kindred spirit.
So many people want to be in the business of making movies so that they can be famous or a big star. Not so with Linda. She is sincerely committed to being the best actress she can be. Whether she is ever famous or not doesn't matter to Linda.
While I am sure Linda would agree that it would be nice to have recognition, that is not what really seems to motivate her. Linda wants to give 1000% to her craft. As long as Linda is allowed to act she is doing what she believes
is her true life path. Linda pointed out that she is not in acting for the short term. She is dedicated to do this for the rest of her life.
Passionate About Life & Her Beliefs
 Not only is Linda fluent in Chinese, she is also incredibly beautiful, talented and passionate about life. Even more impressive is the fact that Linda Wang is also driven to help Asian Americans actors break through some of the many barriers that prevent people of her race from getting opportunities in the film and movie industry. (Photo credit: Tess Steinkolk)
Although it was my initial intention to talk with Linda about her gorgeous, Pantene and Head & Shoulders endorsed, shiny long black locks, I was so impressed with her intelligence and life's philosophies that I asked her to talk to me about her dreams and goals for her life.
I have to tell you that I really liked Linda a lot. I could feel her beauty and kindness radiating through the phone. This is a special lady that cares so much about so many things. Linda radiates spirituality. Linda is not only articulate and warm, she is funny and caring about people.
Becoming The Character Is What Counts
I asked Linda if she had an opinion about the recent controversy with Asian actress Bai Ling who shaved her gorgeous 4 feet of long hair for the opportunity to act in Anna And The King with Jody Foster. (For more information on this topic check out the Hairboutique.com's Bai Ling article).
 I asked Linda if she would be willing to shave her gorgeous hair for a
similar situation or role. She did not hesitate at all. Linda said that she
would definitely shave her head if it was essential to the character and the
plot. (Photo credit: Private collection of Linda Wang) Linda explained to me that before she takes on a role she really takes time to do a very thorough script analysis and break down the elements of the character.
As Linda explained it, if the character requires a scene with head shaving or even altering their appearance in some way, then the actor playing the part must honor the true character. After all, she continued, a great actress is taking on the part of the character. In some circumstances Linda said that she would definitely be willing to alter her hair or appearance to honor the character or the part. That is part of the commitment that she has towards her craft and goal of being the best actress that she can be. If a role requires a physical challenge for a valid reason, Linda will honor that.
 I was not surprised when Linda said that she would never alter her physical appearance in the name of pure shock value or to just sell movie tickets. She would only alter her appearance for the sake of providing the very best characterization of the role for her audience. (Photo by: Robert M Putko).
This was just one of the many examples I experienced throughout the interview of Linda demonstrating her true love of the acting profession. Her goal is to provide the best characterization of a role that she possibly can. If that means shaving her head like Bai Ling, and the character must experience this, than so will Linda.
I could really relate to many things that Linda said about her profession and some of the sacrifices that actors and actresses must make for their craft. Although I have never acted in anything, except to convince my Mom I was too
sick to go to school, I could fully understand Linda's experiences.
Linda's Passion For Equality For Asian American Actors
 Besides her intense love for acting, Linda is also passionate about helping to promote the cause of Asian American actors who have limited opportunities because of their race. Linda mentioned that she really admires David E.
Kelly for his innovative use of Asian American actress Lucy Liu as an integral member of the Ally McBeal show. (Photo by: Robert M Putko).
As Linda pointed out, David created Lucy's character not as a token Asian, but as an integral member of the overall plot. Linda wants to see Asian actors and actresses play parts of regular everyday people like friends, coworkers and romantic interests. She wishes for Asians to have acting parts where they are "People" not "Asians." Linda believes that Kelly's use of Liu has broken down many previous acting barriers that limited acting for many Asian performers.
We also talked about Asians on TV shows like The View and ER. We also discussed Lucy Liu's role in the forthcoming Charlie's Angels and other shows where Asians are involved not as Asians but as members of the cast.
David E Kelly & Bill Cosby Are Her Heroes
 Not only is Linda very high on the efforts of Kelly, she also admires Bill Cosby. Both Kelly and Cosby would have seats of honor at Linda's fantasy dinner party. Not only does Linda respect both men for what they have done for minorities in the acting world, she admires their willingness to be
controversial and push down barriers. (Photo credit: Kenneth Jones)
Part of the tremendous respect Linda has for Bill Cosby stems from the fact that he has personally offered her support and encouragement for her acting goals. When Bill talked to Linda by phone, he told her that Asian Americans
are still many years behind African Americans and Latin Americans in the eyes of the media. Bill told Linda not to give up. He told her to be the best she can be and keep working on her craft.
Speaking of her craft, I asked how her very conservative parents felt about her chosen profession of acting. She said that her parents were originally against it but in recent years they are OK with her choice because they understand that this is her passion and it makes her happy.
Over the last few years Linda has mastered her acting art to the extent that she works on a very regular basis and can support herself from acting. This is important and very rewarding to Linda.
Rewarding Acting Experiences
I asked Linda about her work in the Soaps. She said that one of her most rewarding roles was on TV's Another World (AW) about 10 months before the show went off the air for good. She told me that she really wanted to play the character that she portrayed but that the producers were unsure because it was of a crazy woman in a mental hospital. Not only did Linda convince the AW producers to let her have the part, she also found it very rewarding and beneficial to her development as an actress.
 Besides her work on "Another World", Linda also had notable appearances on "The Guiding Light" and "As The World Turns" (one of my longtime favs). In addition to the TV Soaps, she worked on such television shows such as "The Cosby Show," (where she became friends with Bill Cosby) and "Mathnet." (Photo credit: Thomas Finn) Her movie and film work includes "Scarred City," "Dead Air" and "What Ever Happened to Mason Reece" which was directed by Brett Ratner (Director of the Jackie Chan film "Rush Hour.") One of Linda's Theatre credits includes an Off - Broadway show called "Serenade In Blue" at the very prestigious Lincoln Center Theatre in New York City. "Serenade In
Blue" was written by Tony Award nominated playwright Jerome Coopersmith and directed by Emmy Award director Yanna Kroyt Brandt. Linda was also featured as "Pocahontas" in an AEA stage production of "Disney Friends Around The World" for Walt Disney Co. in Orlando, Florida.
Guest On Conan O'Brien's Show
Many people may see Linda in her ongoing visits to the Conan O'Brien TV show where she has been playing a recurring Eskimo character since 1993 when the
show started. Linda told me that she loves doing the character and really enjoys Conan and his show. I was fascinated as Linda explained all the work that goes into a live show like Conan's and how some times they pre-tape the show for "quality control."
Although Linda has done a lot of different things like theatre, commercials, print ads, voice-overs, TV and movies some of her works are not always shown in the US, which I was very disappointed to hear. Like the Pantene commercial, the Head & Shoulders commercials were only seen abroad (Canada).
Birds of Passage Movie
 Her controversial film "Birds of Passage" costarring Stacy Keach and French actress Charlotte de Turckheim was released in 1998-1999 in Europe and Asia but never made it to release in the United States. (Photo by: Robert M Putko). For the film "Birds of Passage" the Chinese government banned the filming of this project in China due to the "One Child Policy" story line. The film later took place in the Philippines. Linda was cast as Fu who was a
pregnant Chinese woman who refused to get an abortion and escaped from her husband and family in China in order to keep her baby girl.
To prepare for the part, Linda, who was deemed under weight for the role by the director, went out of her way eating non stop in order to gain weight for the project so she could portray her character more truthfully. She actually moved in with a friend who happened to be pregnant at the time so she "could fully understand what a pregnant woman would act and feel during her last days of her pregnancy."
Linda told me that she loves to eat, so gaining weight was not a terrible thing. Linda did lose the weight she gained, plus several more pounds by the end of a very hot filming experience in the Philippines. Linda told me that although she still loves to eat, she jogs 2 miles 2 to 3 times a week to keep her lithe shape.
Pantene And Head & Shoulders Model
 Since Hairboutique.com is all about hair and Linda is known as the beautiful Asian hair model for Pantene and Head & Shoulders, we agreed to turn the focus of the interview to Linda's gorgeous hair. (Photo of Linda's Pantene ad is copyright of Proctor & Gamble - all rights strictly reserved). Although Linda was the Pantene Pro V Shampoo model that Pantene (1994-1995) used throughout Asia, her commercials, unfortunately, were never shown in the United States. Linda had lots of very interesting information to share about the Pantene hair commercials which she told me she enjoyed shooting.
Linda told me, that in her wildest dreams, she never thought that she had a chance of getting the Pantene booking. She relayed a fascinating story about her audition. Linda said that she showed up at the Pantene interviews to a room full of gorgeous high fashion New York models with beautiful hair and faces. Photo below by: Michael C. Meyer of Asian American actress Linda Wang (Center) working on a commercial for "Head & Shoulders" Shampoo. 2000 Procter & Gamble. All Rights Reserved.
 Linda was in total awe of how tall most of the models were. She laughed and told me that at her petite 5' 6" she felt like she was in a room with beautiful giraffes (New York high fashion models all start at 5' 9" and above). As always, Linda decided that even if she didn't have the slightest chance of getting the commercial, she was going to give 100% of herself to giving the very best audition possible.
She did, and she was shocked, but pleased, to be named the Pantene hair model for Asia.
Linda and I talked about the Pantene commercials and while she is not allowed to talk about some things related to shooting the commercial, she did say that it was an interesting and very rewarding experience. She enjoyed the entire experience very much. Although Linda has Asian hair which tends to be very straight, she thought it was interesting that they used giant irons to straighten her hair even further.
Challenges Of Asian Hair
 One hair topic led to another and I asked Linda how she achieves such gorgeous shiny hair. I also asked her if she faced any unusual hair challenges. (Photo credit: Bill Morris)
Linda told me that majority of Asian hair is very straight and therefore almost impossible to curl. She explained that as a rule, Asian hair is also very thick and coarse, which adds to the problems with creating styles that other people can more easily wear with their hair type. Note: Photo above is my own personal favorite photo of Linda Linda also mentioned that it is frustrating that her Asian hair does not give her a lot of choices in how she wears her hair.
Unless she really works hard at curling her hair and uses a really strong hairspray, her hair will just not hold a curl for more than a few hours. As a sidebar, Linda explained that many older Asian women love to get permanents for their hair because they really want lasting styles with curls. She also mentioned that the younger Asian teens are really into wild hair colors and going blonde.
Linda's Current Hair Care Favs
 I asked Linda what products she uses on her hair. She explained that she rotates the products that she uses because she finds that her hair needs to have different products to avoid build up. (Photo by: Robert M Putko).
Linda really likes Pantene and Head & Shoulders as well as Vidal Sasson's conditioners. She explained that she doesn't use Pantene and Head & Shoulders just because she modeled for their products. She really does like the products.
Linda did say that from time to time she will also use different hair products that appeal to her or that will provide a great hold for her hard-to-hold hair. Linda also added that once a month she uses Alberto V05 hot oil treatment as a treat for her hair.
Linda's Rebellious Hair Period
Linda has not always had an easy or traditional hairstyle. She related to me that she went through a rebellious hair period during her years in high school. During this period Linda actually shaved and spiked one side of her
head and left one side long in various shades of colors.
She said her traditional Asian parents were extremely unhappy with her rebellious hair style. Her father was very upset and told her that she would have to leave home unless she stopped wearing her hair that way. Her mother was also upset and actually refused to go out with her in public.
As all teens do, Linda grew out of that rebellious hair phase and currently she is into wearing her hair in a simple but easy style. She prefers "no fuss" for her hair at the current time.
Linda's Current Hairstyles & Tips
 While Linda's hair has, in the past been very long (to her waist), she recently had approximately 3 1/2 inches cut off the ends because she felt her hair was too long and needed to be trimmed. Linda did say that she will probably let it get long again over time. (Photo by: Robert M Putko).
While Linda currently wears her thick hair mostly straight, she does take pride in how healthy her hair is. I asked Linda her thoughts on how to get really healthy, shiny hair. Linda told me that she believes that there are some set rules that everyone needs to follow in order to have healthy hair.
She believes it is important to get enough sleep, live well and eat well. Linda also said that she believes you should give your hair a "day off". Therefore she lets her hair rest one day a week from shampoo and washing. Linda believes that if you follow these principles you will be on the right path to having really great hair.
I asked Linda if she had bad hair days or if her hair always looked as beautiful as it did in the commercials and in her photos.
Linda laughed and told me that she has bad hair days like everyone else. Her hair, which is moody, tends to get oily in the summer and it is definitely a problem when
she gets hot or starts to sweat. She also laughed and told me that she has frightful hair especially in the mornings when she walks her dogs after she has slept on her hair all night.
Hair Linda Admires
 We talked about people whose hair that Linda admired. She is a big admirer of singer Shania Twain and actress Nicole Kidman's beautiful copper colored ringlets. Linda said that Nicole has gorgeous hair and she really admires not only how beautiful Nicole's hair is but how curly it is. (Photo by: Robert M Putko).
I told her that I had read that Nicole sometimes wishes her hair was straight like Linda. Linda laughed and said that it seems that we all think the hair grass is always greener on the other side of the hair pastures.
People with curly hair want straight thick hair like Linda while Linda would love to have hair that holds a curl and can be done up in some of the different hairstyles but her hair at times just won't hold.
I asked Linda if she had a favorite "celebrity" stylist or salon that she liked to go to. We talked about Laurent D in Hollywood and Sally Hershberger who "does" Meg Ryan's hair. Although Linda agreed that it is nice to have
your hair worked on by one of the great hair stylists, at this point she is focused on trying a lot of different stylists and salons and to keep her hair simple.
Linda said that she likes to experiment a lot and will try different salons for the benefit of a new hair experience. Because she is wearing her hair very simply, longer and no fuss, she only needs to get regular trims and doesn't currently spend a lot of time in the salon scene.
Since Linda was so knowledgeable about so many topics, I asked her if she was into Asian herbs, acupuncture or Asian astrology. Linda (who is an October 10th Libra) told me that she is really not into any of those subjects at the present but maybe she will look into them some day. She did say that her mother who practices "Tai -Chi" every morning is really into Asian herbs & foods and definitely finds lots of benefit in them.
Next On The Acting Agenda
I realized that an hour had flown by like the wind talking to Linda and I realized that our time was almost over. So I asked Linda what was next for her.
She told me that she is working on several potential roles and is very open to any character that will help advance her skills and ability as an actress. Of course she could not talk about the roles that she is working on in detail, but she told me that acting is her passion and she wants to find
roles where she can communicate her love of her craft through her characters.
Linda's Quote For HairBoutique.com
Linda also told me that she likes to give a special quote with each interview that is a special and a unique one-of-a-kind quote. I was honored when Linda told me that she had written a special quote for Hairboutique.com visitors. Linda's quote: "My survival depends on clean air, pure water and opportunities from agents, casting directors and industry
referrals like Hairboutique.com."
Conclusion I enjoyed chatting with Linda so much, that I stopped and went back and read her many bios on the Web. I noticed that sometimes she will say that she "Was Made in Taiwan". I could hear her saying that. Linda has a fabulous
sense of humor and fun that definitely radiates through her charming and gentle side.
I have to admit that I am now one of her biggest fans. After spending so much time with Linda, I have no doubt that someday I will see this beautiful and gifted lady walking up those steps at some of the awards shows. I just hope she writes and tells me who did her hair for the show.
Special Thanks
The Hairboutique.com would like to give special thanks to Linda for her gracious gift of time and for sharing her private photos with me so that we could create the Linda Wang gallery which is an exclusive new gallery now available at HairBoutique.com. Finally we would like to thank Pete of the Linda Wang ring who started this whole ball rolling. (Thank you Pete). |