Brenda Song may have made a name for herself on the Disney Channel in the early 2000s. But the actress has since moved on from her role as London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. However, as is common with child stars, transitioning into adult roles proved to be rather challenging. The 36-year-old’s re-entry into Hollywood came at a surprising juncture in her life, with the influence of an unexpected individual playing a crucial role—Gia Coppola.
Although the mom of 2 had continued her blossoming career with various projects and small roles over the years, none stuck. In fact, with so much on her plate, Song let her career take somewhat of a back seat until Coppola’s The Last Showgirl.
Brenda Song credits Gia Coppola with her movie return
During the Toronto International Film Festival, Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl debuted and received a lot of attention. Although Pamela Anderson may have taken the film’s lead, the attention ended up falling on Brenda Song. In an interview with Variety, the actress revealed that her comeback would not have been possible without the director.
I wouldn’t be sitting here if Gia (Coppola) didn’t look past the tropes or the stereotypes that people…that people pigeonholed me in. I remember sitting down with Gia and just having the most incredible conversation about just opportunity and wanting more out of life..
With Song crediting Coppola with helping her back to the industry, it is no surprise that the two have built a rather close bond. After all, not only were both women in the same industry, but they could also draw parallels in their lives with them both welcoming kids at around the same time. However, it looks like the director may not be the only one to have faith in the star. In fact, some social media users even took to X to add that “She will get her well-deserved Oscar one day.”
Although Song may be on the up and up, there is no doubt that it has been a long and winding road that has led her to success.
A look into Brenda Song’s journey to stardom
Brenda Song’s journey in Hollywood began at the young age of 3.
As a child star, she starred in the 2006 original Disney movie, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior. With the film having over 5.7 million viewers at its premiere, it was no surprise that the actress wound up becoming a household name. However, it was The Suite Life of Zack & Cody that helped put her on the map.
Song’s portrayal of the spoiled yet lovable hotel heiress, London Tipton, made her an icon to a generation of Disney Channel viewers. However, like many child actors, she too faced the difficult task of breaking away from her childish image and transitioning into more mature, age-appropriate roles.
Luckily for Song, she landed parts in films like The Social Network, Secret Obsession, Love Accidentally, and TV series such as Scandal, but her post-Disney career never quite matched the prominence of her earlier years. Thankfully, it looks like she might have the chance to turn things around now with Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl.
Stream The Social Network and Secret Obsession on Netflix, Love Accidentally on Amazon, and all seasons of Scandal on Disney Plus.
