Constance Lau: The Life Of Actress Is An Emotional Roller Coaster

The "Crazy Rich Asians" star shares her highs, the lows, and everything else in between.

Published: November 25, 2024

Constance Lau: Life As An Actress Can Be An Emotional Roller Coaster — Photo: Sanja Bucko

Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of being in a Hollywood film. I remember watching movies and thinking, “One day, I’m going to be up there!” Acting always felt magical to me—a way to step into someone else’s shoes, explore different lives, and tell meaningful stories. But it wasn’t until theatre school in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts that the dream began to feel real. As part of my final-year project, I had to write and perform a solo piece, playing five distinct characters. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but being on that stage, fully immersed in those characters, made me realise: This was it. Acting wasn’t just a dream—it was my calling.

My first steps into the industry were humbling. Auditioning gave me my first real glimpse into the industry’s reality—it’s tough, competitive, and unpredictable. I vividly recall one particular audition where the waiting area was filled with actors, intensely focused on their scripts, waiting to be called. The atmosphere was so quiet and tense, it only heightened my nerves, making the experience even more daunting before I even stepped in. Dealing, with rejection was one of the biggest challenges for me. Even a stellar audition doesn’t guarantee the role—you can pour your heart into it, but there are always factors beyond your control.

In Singapore’s smaller film industry, opportunities are even more limited, making it feel like an uphill battle with no clear path forward. You often compete with the same pool of actors, and there’s a tendency to be typecast, especially for women. For five years, I juggled selling insurance with auditions, questioning if I should pursue a more stable career where the path seemed clearer.

But then, Crazy Rich Asians happened, and it changed everything. Playing Celine Lim—also known as “Radio One Asia”—was a small but life-changing role. Before that, I was often cast in minor parts, sometimes just as an extra in the background. But suddenly, I was being invited to audition for bigger projects, ones that gave me more room to grow as an actress. I landed roles such as Principal Chiang on Lion Mums, a lawyer on 128 Circle, and a budding wayang starlet from the ’50s in Titoudao. There were even auditions for some Netflix series. Being considered for such large-scale productions was a huge confidence boost and showed me that bigger opportunities were now within reach.

Stepping into the world of an international film production was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The sheer scale and complexity of everything—the crew, the sets, the meticulous attention to detail—was beyond anything I’d experienced before. But what really stood out to me were the moments off-camera, bonding with my co-actors and our director over personal stories. We shared similar journeys—many of us had faced the same struggles and challenges. It left an indelible mark on me, reinforcing how much we all learn from each other along the way.

The impact of Crazy Rich Asians went far beyond my personal experience. For many, it was the first time they saw an all-Asian cast in a Hollywood blockbuster, and that representation mattered. Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me on screen. Being part of that film felt like a step towards changing the narrative. I’ve had people reach out, telling me how the movie made them feel seen for the first time. That’s something I’ll always carry with me—a reminder that stories have the power to connect us in ways we never expect.

While the industry has made strides in recent years, there’s still room for improvement. Asian actors are breaking into mainstream media, and streaming platforms are giving visibility to stories that would’ve been overlooked in the past. The industry is evolving, and it’s an exciting time to be part of this shift. I hope to see future generations of Asian actors play complex, nuanced characters that break away from stereotypes. Representation should be the norm, not the exception.

For anyone aspiring to break into the industry, my advice is simple: Persevere and create your own opportunities. The film industry is tough, and you will face a lot of rejection, but stay focused on honing your craft. Surround yourself with supportive people, and always remember why you started. It’s not an easy path, but it’s incredibly rewarding!

If you ask me for my top five Asian-led films, I’d say: Crazy Rich Asians, of course; Memoirs of a Geisha for its stunning storytelling and cinematography; Kung Fu Hustle—Stephen Chow’s comedic genius is unmatched; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, because seeing an Asian superhero in the Marvel universe was a game-changer; and Past Lives—its emotionally honest narrative really hits home.

Crazy Rich Asians was just one chapter in my story, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I try not to live with regrets. Every experience, even the tough ones, has been valuable. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to trust the process a little more and not be so hard on myself. I’ve learned that sometimes, things take longer than you expect, and that’s okay.

These days, I’ve been exploring new ways to tell stories. Acting will always be my first love, but content creation has given me a different kind of creative freedom. It’s exciting to share my voice and connect with audiences directly through my own platform. I’m also hopeful for what’s next—maybe another Hollywood project, who knows? Stay tuned to my socials (@constancelaujm) for updates!