In a Guardian interview, Crazy Rich Asians star Gemma Chan described how she “pole-danced with Celine Dion on a bus” after this year’s Met Gala.
Chan, who is starring Channel 4’s new drama I Am Hannah said her character’s struggle with social pressures were not reflective of her own life.
“I mean, God. I have friends who are so happily married with children, on their third, some friends who’ve done it who are struggling with elements of it, and other friends who have no interest in it, are free and single,” the 36-year-old said. “Yeah. It’s weird. I do find it strange that in your 30s, suddenly, you become more aware that, if I’m going to do it, try to have a biological child, I need to think about it now.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Chan described being Asian in the film industry and how she would feel like an outsider. “I’d be on a set and not only would I be the only Asian, I’d be the only actor of colour. For the longest time.” She said. “Because I also feel like I’ve been incredibly lucky, to be able to work and make a career out of it. But definitely at the beginning, there was nothing out there that was remotely a good part that I would be able to audition for.”
“I wouldn’t be called in for anything that was a lead role. I knew it wasn’t going to be handed to me in any way. I suppose that’s what I mean.”
At this year’s Met Gala, Tom Ford dressed Chan in an Elizabeth Taylor-inspired look – an experience that she described as “surreal”. However, what was even more surreal was what occurred at the Gala’s after party where she found herself with Celine Dion.
“[Dion] was an absolute fucking legend,” Chan said. “It was me and her and her dancers, just dancing on this bus. It was the best half an hour of my life. I can’t believe it happened. Nothing will top that. I pole-danced on a bus with Celine Dion.”
In other news, Chan recently explained how she doesn’t want to be “the only successful British Asian actress”.
I Am Hannah airs on 6 August at 10pm on Channel 4.
