We recently connected with WeiJen Liao and have shared our conversation below.

WeiJen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the most significant risks I took was over a decade ago when I left my hometown in Asia to study abroad in the U.S. without fluency in English and without a clear career path. That leap of faith has been transformative, leading me to growth as an actor and as a person. It’s been a journey of embracing uncertainty and discovering opportunities I never envisioned.

While many of the risks have led to positive outcomes, not every decision has been smooth. As an artist and entrepreneur, I’m my own boss, and that means making tough calls. Sometimes, the risks I take don’t pan out as expected. There have been moments where I’ve had to face uncomfortable truths about collaboration, whether it’s parting ways with someone whose work ethic doesn’t align with the team’s standards or making the difficult decision to let someone go to protect the project’s integrity. These are tough, but necessary choices.

In the end, these experiences have taught me a lot about resilience and honesty. It’s about knowing when to persevere and when to step away, always with a commitment to growth and authenticity. And even when the outcome isn’t what I hoped for, each risk has contributed to who I am today and how I approach my art and life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a bilingual Mandarin-English actor originally from Taipei, Taiwan, now based in California. My work spans commercials, films, and theatre projects across the U.S.

As an introverted person, there has always been a part of me that longs to be seen and heard. Before pursuing acting, I worked as a dancer, performing on stage and in music videos for celebrity singers. It wasn’t until I suffered knee and ankle injuries that I began to ask myself a deeper question: what would it be like if I could channel my physicality, dance skills, voice, language, and emotions into storytelling? That reflection led me to discover acting — a path that allowed me to express all those elements in a more profound way.

In the early years of my career, I was young and driven by the excitement of being in the spotlight — the fame, attention, lights, and cameras. Over time, however, my purpose evolved. One of my most inspiring acting teachers once told me, “You have a big responsibility as actors, because often you are the mouthpiece for elements of society that have no mouthpiece.” That quote reshaped my understanding of why I act, and after ten years later, I’m still devoted to this craft.

Many people think acting is easy because good actors make it look easy — whether it’s laughing with friends in a commercial, holding a glass of wine naturally on camera, or delivering just a few simple lines. But behind that effortlessness lies deep preparation and emotional work. Great actors continuously reinvent themselves and invest in their craft; that commitment is what sustains a long-term career.

Even today, I never hesitate to invest significant time and money in acting classes with top teachers and coaches rather than luxury items. That discipline keeps me grounded and accountable. Consistency and self-investment are what set me apart and allow my career to evolve with new opportunities and creative innovations.

Throughout my journey, I’ve met many people who dream of fame or success without consistently putting in the work. But for me, the true reward lies in growth, authenticity, and storytelling. With my background bridging both Asian and American cultures, I aim to portray characters from different walks of life with honesty and depth. I want to continue using my cultural perspective and life experience to bring the most authentic stories possible to audiences everywhere.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn is the need to constantly seek validation from others in this industry — and instead, to always trust myself. When I say “myself,” I mean my highest, most intuitive self — not the insecure or fearful part we all have.

The entertainment industry is unique because it’s built on collaboration, networking, and connection. But sometimes, in the process of wanting to belong or be remembered, actors lose a bit of their authenticity. We try too hard to be likable, unforgettable, or accepted — and that can easily turn into gossip, people-pleasing, or draining behavior. I’m not immune to that; I’ve been there too.

In the past, I blurred the lines between personal and professional relationships, believing that if I put certain people on a pedestal or tried to get closer to them, it would strengthen our professional bond. I learned the hard way that it doesn’t work that way. Those relationships weren’t what I imagined, and I had to accept that I might have overvalued them because I wanted connection and trust in an industry that can sometimes feel isolating.

Once I learned to trust myself — to focus on my craft, my growth, and my own alignment — I became more grounded and resilient. I realized I don’t need to depend on friendships within the industry to feel fulfilled or validated. Having genuine connections is wonderful when they happen, but it’s also perfectly okay when they don’t. My peace and progress come from within.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A story that truly reflects my resilience isn’t about one big event, but a series of choices that reshaped who I am. I used to be a people pleaser and caretaker — always trying to keep the peace, meet others’ expectations, and earn approval. Over time, I realized that kind of living came at the cost of my own voice. Learning to make my own decisions, personally and professionally, required brutal honesty and the courage to not care so much about pleasing everyone.

My resilience was built quietly, through many small but powerful actions: walking away from unhealthy family dynamics, ending a toxic relationship, deleting friends and contacts who no longer aligned with my growth, and even letting go of colleagues who once supported me but later left me feeling betrayed or abandoned. I also learned to speak up for myself, to express my needs and feelings, and to say “no” without guilt or explanation.

Those small steps have built the strength I stand on today. I no longer keep people in my life who weigh me down. If family members don’t respect my path as a full-time actor because of uncertainty or cultural expectations, I let them go. If friends or colleagues betray my trust or disappear during my low points, I let them go. I’ve accepted that people have flaws, but that doesn’t mean I have to keep them close — especially if they’re unwilling to look at their own darkness or take responsibility for their actions.

Resilience, to me, is not about enduring pain silently. It’s about having the courage to choose peace, authenticity, and self-respect — even when it means standing alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weijenliao.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/weijenliao/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/weijenalice
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/weijenliao

Image Credits

Cameron Radice, Michael Scordakis, Kayleigh Shawn McCollum, Steffan Schulz, Caleb Soon