IN CONVERSATION WITH JACKIE CHUNG
interview by JANA LETONJA
Jackie Chung will be returning for the third and final season of Amazon’s hit series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, premiering on Prime Video on 16th July. She can also be seen in Wayne Wang’s ‘Coming Home Again’, which premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and garnered her rave reviews. Jackie has also guest starred in Hulu’s ‘Deadbeat’, and ABC’s ‘Station 19’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has become a global favorite. How does it feel to return for the final chapter of such a beloved show?
I don’t think any of us could have anticipated the response this show has received. The fans are incredibly passionate, and opinionated. Coming back for the 3rd season post-strikes felt like a delayed homecoming. We worked with the kindest people in a beautiful setting and getting to return was a wonderful gift.
Laurel has been a steady, grounding force for Belly and Steven throughout the series. How would you describe her journey heading into Season 3?
Laurel has been through the wringer. She has been the rock for her soulmate and friend, Susannah, as well as a pillar for her family. She has mourned and will likely continue to mourn the loss of Susannah, but moving into season 3, Laurel has had 4 years without Beck and is ready to explore new opportunities professionally and personally. She is also committed to filling Susannah’s shoes and being a maternal figure for not only her own kids, but Susannah’s as well.
The show captures so many layers - family, grief, first love. What themes in Laurel’s story resonate most deeply with you?
The theme of family, both chosen and given. One of the aspects of Laurel that drew me to the role was her commitment to Susannah. They have such a beautiful, supportive, long-lasting friendship. I value my relationships with the women in my life and do my best to nurture and sustain them. I, like Laurel, also prioritize my family. My kids are still quite young, so my current challenges are different from Laurel’s, but the struggle is the same. How do I thrive as an individual, while also giving my all to my family? How do I best support my needs and theirs at the same time? Laurel doesn’t always get it right, neither do I, and I think it’s important to see that.
What can fans expect from Laurel this season that might surprise them?
I think fans can expect to see the Laurel that they’ve come to know: steadfast, responsible, and fiercely protective of her family, but I think they’ll also be surprised to see Laurel cut loose a little.
Your performance in ‘Coming Home Again’ was described as “devastating” and “luminous.” What drew you to that role, and how did it challenge you as an actor?
Wayne Wang drew me to the role. As a young Asian-American woman, ‘The Joy Luck Club’ had been incredibly impactful. There were so few Asian faces onscreen at the time, and it made me feel seen and less alone in my experiences.
The audition was for a short film based on Chang Rae Lee’s short story ‘Coming Home Again’, and Justin Chon was already cast as the son. I was younger than the character and close in age to Justin, so I wasn’t sure how it was all going to work, but I went for it. Auditions can be anxiety-inducing, but this one was lovely and fun, which was also the vibe of the shoot despite the weight of the material. We improv’d much of the film, which was new to me, and we ended up making a feature, not a short. I was also a fan of Justin’s films and watching him work - his presence, his dedication and work ethic - taught me so much.
You’ve also had guest roles on major network series like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Station 19’. How did those experiences differ from a long-term role like Laurel?
You have much more ownership over your role when you’re part of the regular cast. I was able to discuss my character with Jenny and have input on my costume, hair, and makeup choices. I was able to build relationships with my fellow actors, and members of the crew as well. We all collaborated in showing Laurel’s growth and development over the past three seasons. That’s the joy of having time with a character. We were able to explore many facets of Laurel’s life, including her personal and professional wins and losses.
Has motherhood, on screen or off, influenced the way you approach storytelling or choose roles?
The logistics of parenting have definitely impacted my choices in roles. I’m married to an actor, and figuring out childcare and maintaining consistency for our kids in a business that takes actors all over the world for months at a time can be very challenging. But it does help narrow down what is truly important and what roles seem necessary, both creatively and practically.
As an Asian-American actress, how have you seen the landscape shift in the past few years? Are there more stories being told now that you wish existed earlier?
I wish the Jenny Han-verse had existed when I was younger. She alone has given many Asian actors opportunities that didn’t exist before. She’s an inspiration and it was truly wonderful having her at the helm of this show.
With ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ wrapping up, what is coming up next for you?
I’m having a wonderful time promoting Season 3 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ and enjoying the mini-reunions with my castmates. I’m looking forward to some summer beach time and finding my next interesting role.
CREDITS
photography RIKERS BROTHERS
