Leia Yan is an exciting and versatile actress whose artistry transcends borders and cultures. Born in 2002 in China and later raised in Michigan, Leia’s journey into the world of storytelling began early, with childhood weekends spent hunting for classic films with her father—a ritual that would ignite her lifelong passion for performance. Her artistic foundation is rooted in a variety of disciplines, from national public speaking competitions to voiceover contests, piano, modeling, and dance, each experience nurturing her creative fearlessness, discipline, and ability to adapt across different mediums.
Leia’s acting debut came in middle school, where she graced the stage in a production of Pride and Prejudice. This was just the beginning of her theatrical journey, as she went on to hone her craft in musical theater, developing an emotional range and physical presence that would become her signature. After relocating to Los Angeles, Leia immersed herself in the rigorous training at a conservatory acting school, where she refined her stage skills. Her two years of intensive study added depth to her technical and emotional craft, but it was the combination of past training, ongoing growth, and raw dedication that shaped the compelling performer she is today.
Now based in LA, Leia continues to evolve as an actress, seamlessly transitioning between roles in short films and stage productions. Whether capturing intimate, heart-wrenching moments on screen or navigating the raw immediacy of live theater, Leia approaches each performance with an unrelenting curiosity and dedication to her craft. For her, acting is far more than a profession; it’s an continuous exploration of human identity, cultural intersections, and the stories that connect us all.
With an insatiable work ethic and a commitment to artistic growth, Leia thrives in projects that challenge her both technically and emotionally. Every role is an opportunity to refine her craft, and she seeks to collaborate with visionary storytellers who share her passion for pushing boundaries. Outside of acting, Leia is a dedicated student of cinema, dance, and the everyday moments that bring depth and authenticity to a performance. As she continues to carve her path in the industry, Leia remains focused on the pursuit of excellence, both on-screen and off.
HELLO LEIA YAN, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL YOUR ACHIVEMENTS TO DATE! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NEW PROJECT, ‘FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW’?
Sure! The story is set on a planet where sunlight burns away memories, an exiled woman meets a boy who runs in it freely. When the dawn comes, she ends up having to face her biggest fear. It is a visually stunning sci-fi story with an emotionally powerful message.
My character Noe is the one that leads the story. She is a ferociously strong woman who was banished from the city for a serious crime. She is a layered character where her internal conflict of fear/revenge/curiosity bottles inside and fuels her strength. In a way, that inner storm guides her destiny till the end of the film. Her relationship with the young man also reflects her biggest fear in a very interesting way.
Working with our Director Fuzhi (Sisi) Zhao has been such an eye opener. I looked up to her unique artistic vision and her passion for storytelling. I have come across her amazing stop motion animation work before I even got to work with her. On set, she gave me a lot of freedom to explore the character Noe, while having a very specific detail oriented directing style. We would talk a lot about different possibilities and our own visions for Noe and the story in general. It is always the best thing for me as an actress where I get to have this kind collaborative process.
There was a specific stunt I had to do where I trip and fall over a hill-the fact that it was a very crucial emotional and physical moment for the character was what made it challenging. But honestly it was like a birthday gift for me- shooting out and open in an actual desert for a creatively inspiring story AND getting to do my own stunts! As an actress what more could I ask for?
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED?
For this one, I auditioned for it online while I was in China. I remember being told after the first round of online audition, that my tape really brought the director’s vision for the Character Noe to life. That gave me so much encouragement for the callback and chemistry read later on in the process. I actually got the good news about the chemistry read on the day I landed back in LA, did the read the very next day and ended up landing the role.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY FUN FACTS FROM THE SHOOT?
Yes! During our last day of shooting for outdoor scenes, it started pouring. We needed the sunset; it was one of the most important moments of the film for a scene that we needed to catch. It rained for hours but right before the sun went down, all the heavy clouds were gone, and it was the most beautiful golden sunset. It was pretty magical, killer timing.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAVE BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR ACTING CAREER?
Pros: Getting to experience a thousand lives and being inspired limitlessly by the work itself and the people that I get to work with. Cons: The instability can feel isolating at times, especially being away from my family.
WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM ACTING JOB BE?
A role that lingers. A role that feels alive and specific. But I’m really not picky, whether it’s a time traveling soldier or a cashier. If it is a character who has a personality and creates universal connection and lets people feel related in some way, it is a dream acting job for me.
CAN YOU TELL US THREE THINGS PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Ok, finding good food is my #1 priority when I’m traveling. I’m OBSESSED with dinosaurs. I wanted to be a paleontologist for the longest time when I was a little kid, and I can make anything with tin foil.
DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING COMING UP NEXT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
I’m currently in talks for a few exciting opportunities that align with the kind of stories I’m passionate about telling! While nothing is set in stone yet, I’ve been actively reading scripts, training, meeting with filmmakers and writing my own materials, just keeping the momentum going. I believe in choosing roles that challenge me and push me as an artist, so I’m taking my time to find the right next step.
Wanna know more about Leia Yan? Check out her work on IMDb.
