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Joan Chen of Twin Peaks Reveals Hollywood Exit Due to 'Dried up' Roles; Discusses Asian American Story Shifts
Joan Chen, a Shanghai native who began her acting career in China as a teenager, moved to the United States to pursue further opportunities
Joan Chen, renowned for her roles in iconic TV shows like Twin Peaks and acclaimed films such as The Last Emperor, recently discussed her career journey and the evolving portrayal of Asian Americans in Hollywood.
Originally from China, Chen began acting as a child before moving to the United States to pursue her career. She gained widespread fame with her role in The Last Emperor, which won an Academy Award in 1988. Chen also became well-known for her portrayal of Jocelyn 'Josie' Packard in David Lynch's enigmatic series Twin Peaks during the early 1990s.
Despite early successes and critical acclaim, Chen revealed in a recent interview that she felt compelled to return to working primarily in China because roles in Hollywood "dried up" for her. She expressed frustration with the lack of substantial roles being offered, noting that, despite her talents, she found herself sidelined in the industry.
She said, “Parts dried up for me a long time ago, and that's why I went back to China to work.”
Chen chose to concentrate on China at the same time when Hollywood began to present stories that were more inclusive and diverse. In the last ten years, films like Crazy Rich Asians and television shows like Fresh Off the Boat have taken significant efforts toward depicting Asian American experiences in authentic and diverse ways.
“I have witnessed how Asian-American portrayal has progressed and made great strides from the time I was in my twenties and thirties to now,” she adds. “It's to the point that we don't have to be exotic—you could just be human and tell a great story.”
The actress noted that recent projects like Dìdi, a poignant coming-of-age story set in the U.S., reflect this evolving narrative. In Dìdi, Chen plays a Chinese immigrant mother navigating the challenges of raising her children in a new country, drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant and mother.
Chen's comeback in American movies highlights the diverse and deep aspects of Asian American life. She recently acted in a new version of Ang Lee’s comedy The Wedding Banquet and is getting ready for a part in a Canadian family drama. In this upcoming film, she portrays a Chinese immigrant navigating her identity and relationships.
Joan Chen looked back on her surprising return to success in Hollywood and thanked everyone for the chances and recognition she got in recent years. She was amazed to be considered for awards and felt really happy to see audiences enjoy her work.
As an actress and filmmaker, she feels fortunate to be part of this shift in storytelling. Chen said she hopes to continue contributing to projects that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the diversity of human experiences.
Joan Chen's journey from early success in Hollywood to a temporary departure and subsequent return underscores the evolving narrative of Asian American representation in entertainment. Her story serves as a testament to resilience, artistic integrity, and the power of authentic storytelling in shaping cultural perceptions and understanding.
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