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Peng Peng is an actress and artist based in Las Vegas – but you might recognize her from Nickelodeon’s “Warped,” A24’s “Overcompensating,” the “Gold Over America” tour with Simone Biles, or from her own music videos! Peng Peng fell in love with the arts at a young age, but initially pursued a career in gymnastics (just shy of the Olympics) before stepping into the performing arts. When she’s not performing, Peng Peng works with an organization benefiting children battling cancer, and turns to video games to help her decompress. Her advice for young artists? “Learn to be your biggest supporter, because at the end of the day, no one is going to believe in you as much as you.” Read on to learn more about Peng Peng and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Peng Peng
Heritage: Chinese
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Current City: Las Vegas
Current project: EP: PENG PENG: The First Salute
What are some of your favorite credits/projects:
“Warped” (Nickelodeon), “Overcompensating” (A24), “Gold Over America Tour” with Simone Biles, and any of my music videos I absolutely loved doing!
Photo: Overcompensating (A24/Amazon Prime)
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
I would say the journey will have so many ups and downs, and honestly more downs than ups – but I think if you remember that it is such a blessing to even be able to dream and go after something that you love, you’ll learn to appreciate the journey. Also, learn to be your biggest supporter, because at the end of the day, no one is going to believe in you as much as you, and as soon as you flood your thoughts with negativity, the journey will be a thousand times more tough.
How did you get your start?
I started to go after this professionally after my gymnastics career. I started singing before I started gymnastics, but I had a love for flipping more at the time. I knew I always wanted to get into music and acting but unfortunately I had to wait until my gymnastics career was over. I was a collegiate gymnast at UCLA and at that time we were not allowed to use our name likeness in anything else besides our sport, not allowing me to audition or do any music. The road was extremely unconventional and honestly I believe getting on TikTok allowed me to get noticed and network with other artists. My parents are accountants, so I really didn't know anyone in the entertainment industry. I was just putting it out there to anyone I knew that acting and music is what I wanted to do. Social media just so happened to be the only platform I could fully control, and I thought of it as an online resume showcasing my other talents other than gymnastics.
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
My absolute favourite moment was filming my first music video. I just remember the rush I had that day, and as a gymnast, I got injured right before the Olympics, so my Olympic dream never happened. I remember working so hard to make my “Pretty Please” music video happen, and I am so thankful for all the support I had that day. It truly felt like my Olympic moment where it was a day I was dreaming about!
Photo: Pretty Please Music Video 2024 by Lexi Hunsaker
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
Doubt. I think the biggest challenge in my career are all the negative thoughts that flood through my brain day to day. Sometimes I think I'm too old, I got a late start, I’m not good enough and it’s been a really big challenge to not have consistency. In gymnastics I’m used to having a schedule and being able to work towards the next competition. This industry feels very self-motivated. But honestly when I work and get to go on set, or perform, I’m so grateful. It feels like such a treat to be able to work. But one thing that has helped me is that no matter what anyone else thinks, no one can take away your work ethic or your power to become the best you possible. I’ve been vocally training consistently, almost as if I’m back in gymnastics training as well as refining my craft in acting as well. I believe that by allowing myself to get even 1% better everyday helps me to know I'm growing in a space that I love.
What are some interesting facts about yourself?
I was a competitive gymnast for over 15 years, representing Canada from age 12-19. I competed at World Championships, am a 2 time Pan American Games medalist, and was the Honorary Olympic Team Captain in 2012. I went on to UCLA where I scored 2 perfect 10’s at the 2018 national championship, clinching UCLA the national championship title by the smallest margin in NCAA history.
Do you have any organizations or non profits you work with you’d like to highlight?
Yes I work with a company called Handstand Walk for Kids to support kids with cancer. I was lucky enough to share my music with them, teach them the dance, and be a part of this amazing community that embodies positivity and strength.
Who do you admire?
I really look up to the Rock! Sounds kind of strange, but he was an athlete and now in entertainment doing acting and music. So it’s really cool to see someone who has had a similar path like myself. I don't see a lot of elite athletes really sticking with acting or music, I notice that they give it a try and then stop.
Do you have any mentors?
I don’t have a specific mentor, but I feel like everyone who I work with helps me learn something new about the industry or how to grow into the best artist/actress I can be. I do have people who have helped me out so much, and I’m forever grateful for them for believing in me – someone who had no idea what they were doing coming from a completely different space and giving me a chance.
Did you always want to be in the arts or did you have another path before you got here?
I always wanted to be in the arts. I loved gymnastics and athletics but deep down I think I was afraid to really say I wanted to be an artist and an actress. But if you were to take a look at my childhood, all I would do is sing, throw mini concerts in my room, and sign up for acting classes. I just chose gymnastics first at the time, but now I’m so happy to be able to go after my first dream!
Is where you are now where you thought you’d be?
Yes and no, I would love to be performing on stage more and be filming more shows, but I know great things take time and some people get extremely lucky that a gig just so happens to align with them. I am grateful for my path because it led me to where I am today and I have such a clearer vision of what I want.
What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career?
A positive attitude and dedication! Definitely finding the positives instead of the negatives helps me get through difficult times, and dedication to my craft allows me to get better and know that as soon as a project comes up, I’m ready to go!
What are some goals you hope to achieve?
I’m a small person with big goals, and I hope to achieve being a lead in a TV series and movie as well as a world tour!
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to connect and put a smile on people’s faces in this crazy world. I remember being young and stressed and sometimes you just need a breather from life, and I hope to put a smile on people’s faces and boost their confidence with the music I make and the acting roles I do.
How do you deal with performance anxiety?
I truly think, this is exactly what you wanted. And when you have fun with what you’re doing and are free, the audience will feel free and have fun with you!
Do you have any self care practices you do to stay focused and sane?
I have a vocal coach that I work with once a week and I think I can get really critical of myself when I sing or act. Something that helps me is honestly singing freely and allowing myself to make mistakes. A self-care activity I love to do is play video games. I'm a huge Nintendo girl, but this helps me to get off my phone and honestly disassociate and live in another world for a bit.
To find out more about Peng Peng, please visit her at:
All social media platforms: @pengpengclee
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