Angie Lin: A Rising Star Redefining Cinema Across Borders 

Angie Lin, award-winning Taiwanese actress, has made a name for herself internationally with her powerful  performances across various mediums. In this interview, she shares insights into her career, her creative  journey, and her Taiwanese heritage’s influence on her acting. She opens up about overcoming challenges,  her bold performance choices, her passions outside of acting and her hopes for the future, offering an  inspiring message for those chasing their dreams. 

1. Tell us about yourself. Career and personal highlights. 

Hello! I’m Angie Lin, born and raised in Taiwan. I’ve been in Los Angeles for 10 years, and acting has  always been a dream of mine. I’ve always been a shy person, but when I’m on stage or in front of the  camera, I feel free to express myself. My acting journey began at 13, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I pursued it seriously despite my parents’ opposition. In the past three years, I’ve been fortunate to work on 42 short films, 4 feature films, 1 TV show, and 1 national commercial. I’ve won 4 Best Actress awards, and I’m  also excited to be training in stunts and expanding into theater with The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman  Theatre. 

2. Tell us about your film Manchukuo, 1943, Summer. Could you give us a brief review and what  made you decide on your bold choices? 

Manchukuo, 1943, Summer was such a special film. I met the director, Yifang Xiang, on a photoshoot, not  knowing he was a rising filmmaker. A few months later, he sent me the script and asked if I’d play the  huntress—then revealed the character was based on his impression of me. I felt so honored and trusted,  which gave me the confidence to bring out my best performance. 

The huntress is innocent yet wise, with no concept of manipulation but strong survival instincts. She lives in  the present, accepting life’s ups and downs without being consumed by grief. Since this was a silent role, I  relied on internal shifts and subtle behavior. My slow, careful movements reflected her lack of trust. I  communicated emotions through my eyes, from a murderous look to soft warmth. I wanted to capture her  purity and wilderness, letting the performance speak through quiet, nuanced choices. I conveyed my thoughts through behavioral choices. I had a strong sense of what kind of world she came from, which allowed the  character-driven choices to shape a very nuanced performance. 

3. How has your Taiwanese heritage influenced your approach to acting? 

My heritage was very apparent in my approach to acting when I first started. Growing up in Taiwan, I was  encouraged to be the peacemaker instead of the troublemaker. The repression I experienced had a huge  impact on my acting. For example, I would often play a character in a softer, apologetic way instead of  fighting for what I need (which is closer to my feisty personality in real life). I would also act to please  others, trying to give the “right” performance and controlling every detail of my performance, instead of  bringing myself into the character and allowing myself the freedom to play – which I believe is very  important because we, as artists, should bring something unique to the table. Luckily, I have an exceptional  coach, Gregory Berg who taught at Yale School of Drama and told me “You’re not small, and I don’t mean  that in terms of stature. You have a big spirit.” He encourages me to own my power and intelligence, not to  hide behind a front and stay in my comfort zone.  

4. How do you continue to grow as an artist? 

Every medium I work in enhances the others. My background in dance has helped my acting by making me  more comfortable with my body. I also enjoy singing, and I’ve auditioned for Broadway musicals. In film  and TV, I often experiment with music, dance, and singing during rehearsals to find creative ways to deliver  my lines. This cross-disciplinary approach allows me to tap into different aspects of my creativity and grow  as an artist. Additionally, speaking several languages has opened doors for me, particularly in roles requiring  Mandarin. I’m excited to work on a short film where I’ll speak in Taiwanese dialect—something rare in  American films.

5. Are there any specific roles or genres you’re eager to explore in the future? I’m really interested in exploring science fiction and fantasy roles where I can play a completely transformed character, perhaps even a creature. The challenge of embodying a new form through body language excites  me. I’d also love to explore action films, especially now that I’m training in stunts. Overall, I’m open to all  genres, as I love learning and pushing myself creatively. 

6. How do you hope to inspire others through your work? 

I want to show people that they can achieve their dreams with kindness and integrity. The entertainment  industry can be competitive, and it’s easy to fall into ego-driven behavior. But the most successful people  I’ve met have been the kindest and most generous. I want to be an example of staying humble and authentic,  even in the face of challenges. I also believe in the importance of preserving your inner child. Life is fragile,  and joy should be cherished. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace creativity, kindness, and  playfulness. 

7. Can you share a memorable project that pushed you out of your comfort zone? One of the most memorable projects was Big Jay’s Day Out Remastered (2024), where I played a split  personality character. This role required me to portray a college-dropout otaku and a psychotic, abusive  girlfriend. The director, Mitch Silva, often tackles sensitive topics like violence and substance abuse in his  work, and I had to find ways to make my character relatable despite her extreme behavior. It was  challenging, but I used music and movement to bring depth to the role. It was a freeing experience to explore the character’s raw emotions. 

8. Outside of acting, what are your passions? 

I collect whiskey! While I’m not a connoisseur, I’ve learned a lot about whiskey and enjoy blind tastings. I  love recommending bottles to my friends based on their preferences. I also love to travel and have visited 19  countries. Iceland is one of my favorite places—it’s humbling to be surrounded by such untouched beauty.  I’ve always dreamed of touring the Island of Islay for my honeymoon! 

9. Anything else you’d like to share? 

I’ve recently become passionate about writing. I’m working on a short film about a blue-collar man who  struggles with expressing emotions and the pressures of providing for his family. I’m also writing a feature  film about an interracial relationship and the challenges faced by a couple due to cultural and familial  prejudices. I hope to tell stories that spark conversation and empathy, bringing different perspectives to light. 

Actress Angie Lin’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion and the power of embracing  vulnerability. From overcoming cultural barriers to tackling complex roles, she continues to evolve as an  artist, inspiring others with her kindness and dedication to her craft. Learn more about the talented actor, Angie Lin, at angielinofficial.com.