By: Dani Morton
Old Hollywood is fading, and a new generation of stars is emerging. In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, the spotlight shines on one of these rising talents, Audrey Ly.
Audrey Ly, an up-and-coming star in the world of acting, has captured the spotlight as the lead in the short film “CELYNA” directed by Emmy nominated Producer Artisha-Mann Cooper. This film explores the delicate balance between familial obligations and personal dreams. Audrey explains, “It’s a story about a girl navigating her teenage years, torn between honoring her family’s legacy in ballroom dancing or chasing her own dreams of musical stardom.” To bring her character to life, Audrey took on the challenge of mastering both choreographed dance sequences and guitar playing, guided by her coach, Steve O’Reilly.
Reflecting on her time on set, Audrey shares the camaraderie and creative energy that filled each day. “A typical day on set starts with getting my makeup done. A special look was my rocker makeup with a blue wig. Then, I get into my costume, which was very elaborate with jewels, leather jackets, and cool boots. After that, the shooting begins,” she says. Audrey embraced new experiences, like deliberately smudging her eyeliner for a scene—a small detail that shows her dedication to fully immersing herself in her character’s world.
Seeing herself on the silver screen was a surreal experience for Audrey. “Seeing myself up there, it’s like a pinch-me moment every time!” she exclaims. Although acting wasn’t her initial childhood dream, Audrey has discovered a deep passion for the performing arts, cherishing each opportunity to take on diverse roles.
A key part of Audrey’s journey is the support from her director and fellow crew members. Their encouragement fostered a collaborative environment and spurred her artistic growth. “The entire crew, especially our female director, was incredibly supportive and nurturing,” she says, highlighting the strong bonds formed on set and beyond.
Audrey has learned about her own versatility as an actress through this project. “I’ve learned that I can stretch myself further and tackle roles that push me beyond my comfort zone,” she reflects. This newfound confidence drives her aspirations to explore a wide range of genres and characters in the future.
Audrey looks up to industry role models like Zendaya, admiring her journey from stage performer to Hollywood star. “An actress I look up to is Zendaya. I feel like she is a nice person all around, and I love that she started out as a theater kid. She is also an amazing dancer, and I’ve enjoyed the shows she did as a teen and the movies she’s in,” says Audrey. She envisions herself in Disney productions and starring in musical films, showcasing her ambition and dedication to storytelling.
Despite the glitz and glamour, Audrey remains grounded and offers sage advice to aspiring young performers. “To pursue your dreams, you must be willing to put in the hard work and maintain belief in yourself,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of self-assurance and resilience in her acting career and personal growth.
Balancing her acting career with academic pursuits and volunteer work is challenging, but Audrey approaches each endeavor with unwavering determination. “The show must go on,” she asserts, embodying resilience and commitment, and serving as an inspiration to young artists.
Outside of acting, Audrey connects with her audience through her YouTube channel, sharing engaging content. She loves the TV series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which resonates with her and serves as a source of representation for young Asian girls.
Audrey’s journey embodies the power of storytelling and the spirit of resilience. As she continues to pursue her dreams with passion and dedication, this rising star is set to leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry, one captivating performance at a time.
Published by: Martin De Juan
