NAME: Phillipa Soo
AGE: 26
HOMETOWN: Chicago
TWITTER: @Phillipasoo / INSTAGRAM: @phillipasoo
NBC Asian America asked celebrities and industry leaders to nominate individuals for our inaugural list, and Phillipa Soo was nominated by celebrity fashion designer Prabal Gurung: "Phillipa is a tremendous stage talent, and was a brilliant trailblazer in 'Hamilton.'"
How do you introduce yourself?
I'm Phillipa Soo, I'm an actor and I love food.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by people and their stories...by nature, music...by my loved ones.
What challenges you?
I have a horrible habit of being too hard on myself. I always try to remind myself to let go of my anxiety. Am I doing this right? Am I doing my best? Life isn't perfect, any failures you have are actually learning moments. They teach us how to grow and evolve.
SEE THE LIST: NBC Asian America Presents: A to Z - The 26 Emerging Voices of 2017
Tell us about the biggest risk you ever took.
I came to New York City at the age of 18 with two suitcases. At the time I didn't think of it as a risk, but now that I look back on that moment I'm so amazed at my ability to adapt to the chaos of NYC. I loved it.
What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?
Watching "Big Little Lies" on HBO, reading "The Morning Breaks: The Trial of Angela Davis" by Bettina Aptheker, listening to S-Town podcast.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what job would you want to have?
I would like to open a restaurant.
What’s your motto?
Follow your bliss.
I celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because…
...I am proud to be a mixed race woman, and I am proud to honor and celebrate my Chinese heritage.
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