Pop Culturalist Chats with Crazy Rich Asians’ Janice Koh

Renowned Singaporean actress Janice Koh is no stranger to the stage or screen, having done over 50 theatre productions around the world, in addition to films and television shows including Hitman: Agent 47, The Pupil, and C.L.I.F. Having spent a majority of her career in Asia, she’s accustomed to telling diverse stories that represent her culture and community. This summer, she’ll star in one of the most anticipated films of the year, Crazy Rich Asians, featuring Hollywood’s first all-Asian led cast in over 25 years. The groundbreaking project is more than a movie: it’s a movement with the potential of blazing a new trail in Hollywood. Pop Culturalist had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Janice about the film, its universal message, and what being a part of the production has meant to her.

Crazy Rich Asians Questions

PC: Tell us about Crazy Rich Asians, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Janice: Crazy Rich Asians is a satirical romantic comedy based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. Asian American, Rachel Chu, is invited to Singapore, where she meets the parents of her boyfriend, Nick Young. What she doesn’t know is that Nick hails from one of the richest families in Singapore and that she is about to step into a world of excessive wealth and opulence.

I play Felicity Young, one of the crazy rich aunties in the movie. She is Astrid Leong’s mother, and sister-in-law to Eleanor Young (played by Michelle Yeoh). As for what drew me to the project, the fact that this is a Hollywood movie set in my home country, Singapore, starring an all-Asian cast felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted to be part of that.

PC: Were you familiar with the source material before you began filming?
Janice: I only got down to reading the novels when I was asked to audition for the movie. I never read so quickly in my life! [laughs]

PC: How much of Janice is in Felicity?
Janice: Felicity has my sensible, assertive, no-nonsense approach, and like me, she doesn’t suffer fools easily and gives a mean side eye! Despite being married to the world’s third richest man, though, she’s frugal with her spending, and would rather walk four blocks in the rain than pay for a taxi! I’m afraid I’m not as thrifty!

PC: How faithful is this adaption to the novel? What are some of the major differences?
Janice: While the novel goes into the backstories of the various characters in great detail, the movie focuses primarily on the love story of Rachel and Nick and Rachel’s struggle to gain acceptance in the world of the Young family. The use of Singapore colloquialisms and local references is very funny in the novel, but is less apparent in the movie. To a Singaporean, it is hilarious to read the footnotes in the novel. Nevertheless, the film does capture the comedy and humor in its own way, and remains true to the theme that love will prevail in the end.

PC: It’s been 25 years since we’ve had an all-Asian cast in Hollywood. What has being a part of this production meant to you? What will it mean for the community?
Janice: It’s been a real privilege to have been involved in a film that might be a real game changer in the industry. We rarely see Asian men and women in leading roles in Hollywood and the Asian American community has been largely invisible on the big screen. I think a mainstream romantic comedy like Crazy Rich Asians, starring an all-Asian cast, could be a very important step towards ‘normalizing’ Asian faces in Western cinema, and its success could open more doors for Asian actors in Hollywood. In contrast, representation is less of an issue for those who live in Asia, and have always had access to great Asian cinema and stories.

PC: The film has received a lot of buzz. What do you hope audiences take away from seeing the film?
Janice: At the end of the day, the movie is about love and integrity overcoming age-old barriers of status and tradition. It’s about finding acceptance in the eyes of others through knowledge of your own self-worth. The film’s themes are universally understood, and I hope audiences will simply be moved by the story.

PC: Besides Crazy Rich Asians, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Janice: My next project is a collaboration called The Reunification of the Two Koreas written by Joël Pommerat, which will premiere in Singapore before touring to France in November.

Career Questions

PC: When did you first discover your passion for acting?
Janice: I fell in love with acting at 16, when I first studied drama at school. I’ve been doing it ever since.

PC: It’s a notoriously difficult industry. Were there any moments of self-doubt? How did you overcome those feelings?
Janice: I think self-doubt is an inevitable part of putting yourself out there as an actor. The continual process of auditioning, going up against others for the same role, losing that part to someone else, or having your performance judged so publicly is harsh for anyone’s ego. I have had many moments of self-doubt, especially when taking on roles that are more challenging or out of my comfort zone. I try to focus on the work and avoid reading the reviews.

PC: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself in your career?
Janice: That I am often limited by my fear of failure. As such, I am always mindful about not letting it get in the way of accepting the opportunities given to me, especially the challenging ones.

PC: What is your dream role?
Janice: I don’t really have one. I do occasionally come across roles that I wish I could sink my teeth into. The last one was the role of Nora in A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath, which I saw on Broadway—an amazing part.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Janice: Sex & the City

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Janice: Guardians of the Galaxy

PC: Favorite book?
Janice: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Janice: A play written by Singaporean playwright Kuo Pao Kun, called Descendants of the Eunuch Admiral

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Janice: Mandarin pop artist, Jay Chou

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Janice: The Crown

PC: Hidden talent?
Janice: I am very good at cleaning up after a party, especially after a few drinks!

Make sure to follow Janice on Twitter and Instagram, and check out Crazy Rich Asians out in theaters today!