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.
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 Philippines.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Tatler Philippines.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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