Renegades | Stephanie Hsu on the Art of Keeping Them Guessing

Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s newsletter series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. This week features Stephanie Hsu, academy award nominated actress and star of LAID. Though she got her start on Broadway, Stephanie ultimately pivoted to film and television before going on to star in cultural phenomena and Oscar-winning Best Picture Everything Everywhere All At Once.

In her latest project, LAID, Stephanie plays Ruby Yao, a 33-year-old single woman who is searching for love, but finds herself at the center of a mystery. Stephanie talks to us about the breadth of her work across theatre, film, and television, the experience of both acting and executive producing LAID, and the moments that have defined her storied career! Laid premieres on Peacock TOMORROW, December 19th!

What did you want to be when you grew up and how does that compare to where you are now?

I think the first thing that I ever wanted to be was a marine biologist or an archaeologist. I loved animals and also excavating things from dirt and under rocks. I guess now, in some ways, I am still studying the animal that is the human being and excavating emotions and human behavior as opposed to … dinosaur bones and bugs.

You started your career involved in short films, which is valuable experience for any actor. How did being part of these projects in your early career shape your perspective on storytelling and inform your approach to acting today?

I really think of my career start in experimental theater actually. But the truth is, when I was first starting out, I just wanted to try everything. I really thought of every opportunity as a learning opportunity, and so I just said yes to truly everything and anything that came my way. There wasn’t really a career trajectory or intention behind it other than to just learn and make. That spirit of collaboration and just taking risks or throwing yourself into process is something I still try to hold onto.

You’ve showcased incredible versatility with your roles in dramatic films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, which earned you an Oscar nomination, and comedic ones like Joy Ride. How do you navigate shifting between genres and what do you find most enjoyable about working in each space?

I love to keep ‘em guessing! And to keep myself guessing. For me, it’s less about genre and more about the “why” of the story. If I resonate to the “why” something is being made, then whatever genre it is I feel excited to stretch into. I love philosophical films just as much as I love hard comedies or rom-coms or quiet foreign films—it just all comes down to the story for me.

In recent years, you’ve ventured into voice acting for films and TV shows like Leo, Blue Eye Samurai, and The Wild Robot. What’s the most exciting part about the process of bringing a character to life through only your voice?

When I was first starting out, it was such a dream of mine to do voiceover work. Partially because I love to do voices, but also just because I love the process of working on voiceovers. Again, for me, I just love to make and collaborate. I love to play. So any opportunity that feels exciting and nourishing to play, I’ll take it.

You have been part of truly memorable performances and groundbreaking moments in Hollywood. Is there a particular moment in your career so far that stands out as a major turning point for you?

I mean … as cliche as it might be, I have to say getting to sit front row at the Oscars, down the row from the legendary James Hong, watching Michelle make history, Ke’s comeback, all of it. Not only to get to watch it happen right in front of me, but to be a part of it. It truly felt that evening that the Asian community officially was woven into the fabric of American cinema, and I will forever be so proud to be a part of that.

In your upcoming series LAID, your character “Ruby” is grappling with the consequences of her past relationship choices while on a journey of personal growth. How did you prepare for this role and what did you learn about “Ruby” as filming each episode progressed?

As flawed as Ruby may be, I had to figure out a way to love her and understand her. Yes, she is selfish and a bit of a narcissist, but her very genuine desire for finding “the one” is a want that I think a lot of people can relate to. All Ruby wants is to be the center of a love story, but she just can’t seem to figure it out. And I think she’s asking a question that a lot of single people I know, who are trying to date out there in the wild, are asking: how do you know when you know? And is it me? I love that she’s flawed and a little chaotic and so love-lusty, but through this coming-to-terms story has to contend with her history and her past.

In LAID, you not only star as the lead actress but also serve as an executive producer. Talk about what it was like balancing this on set – did being involved in both the production and performance change your creative vision for the project?

I am really lucky that Nahnatchka Khan, Sally Bradford McKenna and Jen Carreras really took me under their wing as a producer. They invited me into the collaborative process behind the scenes. We really built such a lovely working relationship, so that when it was time for me to show up on set and just be an actor, I was able to just switch hats and surrender into the process of filming. I think it is not easy to switch between the two roles, but our incredible creative team made it possible. I would say that Natch and Sally really spearheaded the vision, and I was invited to help shape that with their expertise and guidance.

Looking ahead, are there any genres or roles you’re eager to step into for the first time? Who is a dream collaborator that you’d love to work with?

I am really having the desire to do a very quiet, intimate film. The Before Trilogy is one of my favorite (three) movies, and working on something that is durational and Linklater-esque feels very special and honestly rare these days. I’m trying to find it! And there are personal projects of mine that I’m really trying to get off the ground.

Lightning Round

Favorite Book: Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown and How Should A Person Be by Sheila Heti

Guilty Pleasure Film/TV Show: Key & Peele

Go-To Theater Snack: Buncha Crunch mixed with popcorn!

Bucket List Vacation Destination: All over Japan!

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: “Treat everyone you meet as if they were a God in drag.” - Ram Dass