Insights from her Numéro Netherlands interview
American actress Michelle Mao is stepping into a defining phase of her career. With her casting as Rosamund Li in Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4 and a slate of film projects gaining international attention, the actress reflects on years of steady groundwork finally converging. In her conversation with Numéro Netherlands, Mao opens up about ambition, artistic purpose, cultural identity, and what it truly felt like to enter the world of Bridgerton as both a fan and a performer.
Becoming Part of Bridgerton: A Fan Turned Cast Member
Joining Bridgerton was not just another job for Michelle Mao—it was a surreal milestone.
“I came into the project as a huge fan of the series… booking this project felt like winning the lottery.”
She describes the early days on set as overwhelming in the best way—from costume fittings to physically holding a Lady Whistledown pamphlet—moments that made the fantasy tangible.
“I remember I was freaking out at every small thing… getting fitted for my first ball gown, meeting the cast and crew. It felt like being a kid in a theme park.”
Playing Rosamund Li: Embracing the Antagonist
Rosamund Li is not designed to be universally liked, and Mao was intentional about leaning into that.
“I knew immediately that I didn’t want to shy away from Rosamund’s vanity and cruelty because it plays as the perfect foil to Sophie’s character.”
Rather than softening her character, Mao chose to understand Rosamund’s role in the narrative ecosystem—how tension, ambition, and unkindness can sharpen the story for everyone else.
Cultural Presence in the Bridgerton Universe
One of the aspects Mao is most excited for audiences to notice is the subtle inclusion of Chinese cultural elements in Season 4.
“I am really excited for eagle-eyed audiences to see how the season incorporates Chinese culture into the aesthetic and cultural melting pot that is the Bridgerton universe.”
For Mao, representation isn’t performative—it’s woven into texture, detail, and world-building, allowing culture to exist naturally within the fantasy.
Working with Director Kogonada: Trust and Collaboration
Speaking about her film A Big, Bold Beautiful Journey, Mao highlights how meaningful collaboration shapes her creative confidence.
“From day one on set, Kogonada made me feel at home, respected, and valued… yet he found time and energy to connect with every single one of us.”
She credits his balance of precision and openness for creating an environment where actors feel safe to explore.
Her Acting Philosophy: Letting Go of Overthinking
With a strong academic background, Mao admits she once relied too heavily on intellectual analysis—but her process has evolved.
“When I’m acting, it sits in a completely different part of my brain than when I’m breaking down a script.”
Now, she focuses on preparation followed by release.
“I try to leave all of that at the door and enter every scene like a newborn baby, trusting that all the prep is baked into the cake.”
Art as Comfort, Not Just Confrontation
While Mao appreciates challenging and provocative art, her relationship with storytelling is shifting.
“I love art that disquiets, disturbs, and disgusts… but increasingly, I also hope to use art as a balm.”
She sees performance as a space where audiences can pause, rest, and feel safe—especially in an exhausting world.
The Scenic Route and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her journey, Mao doesn’t frame success as sudden.
“I took the scenic route with my career… for so many years it felt like I was planting seeds without knowing when they’d grow.”
That patience paid off, with projects premiering at major festivals like Sundance, and Bridgerton placing her on a global stage.
Conclusion
Michelle Mao’s story is one of quiet persistence, thoughtful ambition, and artistic clarity. Whether stepping into the opulence of Bridgerton or choosing projects that heal as much as they challenge, she approaches her work with intention and humility. As her career accelerates, her grounding—in culture, craft, and curiosity—remains firmly intact.
Content Sources: Media interviews
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