Los Angeles is no stranger to talent, but when Taiwan-born actor Justin Chien steps into the scene, you know something special is about to unfold. Known for his role in Netflix's action-comedy series "The Brothers Sun" alongside Michelle Yeoh, Justin is gearing up for what could be his breakout year. He's all set to star in the second season of Netflix's highly anticipated live adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" – and he's not stopping there. Justin's also making waves in "The Season," a series that's already drawing comparisons to hits like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "White Lotus."
Picture this: Hong Kong's elite summer playground gets a shake-up when Jessie Mei Li's mysterious character, Cola, rolls into town. That's the backdrop for "The Season," a six-episode drama premiering this week, featuring Justin Chien at its core. The show promises a thrilling ride with a stellar cast, including Chris Pang, Yvonne Chapman, and Celina Jade. If you love a mix of glamour and intrigue set against the backdrop of one of Asia's most vibrant cities, "The Season" is your ticket.
"It wasn’t necessarily the applause or the attention that I enjoyed. I just really enjoyed playing a character and reading – not even a script at the time – but reading a story," Justin Chien shared in a candid interview with Femina.
Before the bright lights of Hollywood called, Justin Chien had quite the journey. Born in Taiwan, Justin spent much of his childhood in Hong Kong, where his passion for acting first sparked during a church play. "Figuring out creative ways to tell it, figuring out props and costumes," he said, was what truly captivated him.
With a prominent banker father, Carl Chien, and a diplomat grandfather, Fredrick Chien, Justin's family background is impressive. Yet, the call of the stage led him to the Taipei American School and later to the University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts. Here, he honed his craft and embraced the challenge of performing in different languages, as he shared with Behind the Blinds magazine.
Justin's passion for acting goes beyond just the roles he plays. "I relish the challenge of attempting to play characters in other languages and markets," he confessed to Behind the Blinds. English might be his first language, but he's eager to push his boundaries. That kind of pressure, he believes, is what will propel his growth as an actor.
With "The Season" about to premiere and his role in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" gaining buzz, it's clear that Justin Chien is a name we'll be hearing a lot about under the Hollywood sun.