American actress and singer Ashley Park has been a star on Broadway for years, appearing in productions such as Mamma Mia!, The King and I and Mean Girls, the latter of which earned her a Tony award nomination for best supporting actress in 2018. This year she has made her mark on the screen, appearing as Lily Collins’ quick witted and fearless best friend, Mindy, a nanny with a hidden singing talent, in Netflix’s hit Emily in Paris, which has been renewed for a second season.
What was the audition process like for your character Mindy?
In June 2019, I received an email from my agent to audition in New York. A few weeks later, I was rehearsing for a play in Massachusetts and my agent called to tell me that [series creator] Darren Star wanted to call me personally from Paris to discuss the character. As soon as I heard Darren’s voice on the phone, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed. He said lovely things about seeing me in Mean Girls on Broadway. I got the part a few days later and in less than two weeks, I was in Paris.
What drew you to Emily in Paris in the first place?
Seeing a project with these names attached: Darren Star, Patricia Field, Lily Collins. Then seeing Paris in the headline. It was a city I’d always wanted to go to. I read the audition scene, which was Mindy’s very first scene in the pilot when she meets Emily. I immediately felt connected to her. It has only happened a few times to me before, when I have read the scene once and I feel like I’ve already memorised it. I was drawn to Mindy’s warmth, genuine nature and instinct for friendship.
How was working with Lily, Patricia and Darren?
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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