Brenda Song: A Biography

Talented, beautiful, and versatile, Brenda Song is one of Disney Channel's breakout stars. She is best known for her role as spoiled but lovable hotel heiress London Tipton on Suite Life on Deck and Wendy Wu in the DCOM Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.

Brenda Song was born on March 27, 1988 in Carmichael, CA (suburban Sacramento). She is the daughter of a Hmong father and a Thai-American mother. Brenda began acting and modeling at age six. She also studied taekwondo as a child and holds a black belt in the sport.¹

An excellent student, Song was named an All American scholar in ninth grade. She was homeschooled and earned a high school diploma at age 16. She then took community college courses and online courses from the University of California at Berkeley.¹

Brenda Song: Early Career

Brenda Song landed her first acting role at age 5 appearing in a Little Caesars commercial. Her first film role came in 1995's Requiem. She also appeared in a number of television roles including Fudge, Leave It To Beaver, 7th Heaven, Judging Amy, ER, Once and Again, and Bette.^2,3

In 2001, Brenda Song won a Young Artist Award for her role in the DCOM The Ultimate Christmas Present.⁴ In 2002, Brenda signed a contract with Disney and has become a Disney Channel staple.² That year she appeared in the DCOM Stuck in the Suburbs. She later appeared on Disney Channel shows That's So Raven and Phil of the Future.³

Brenda Song's Breakout Role: Suite Life

In 2005, Brenda Song landed her breakout role as spoiled dim-witted hotel heiress London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Her character is a possible spoof of Paris Hilton.⁵ Her performance drew praise from critics.

As an MSN writer observed, "Multitalented actress and singer Brenda Song continues to rake in the laughs on 'The Suite Life on Deck.' Playing the melodramatic, but likable, hotel heiress London Tipton, Song is one of the reasons why the "Suite Life" franchise remains one of the most successful and highly rated series in the Disney Channel stable."⁶

In 2008, Song reprised her role as London Tipton in the series' spin-off Suite Life on Deck. The second season began airing in August 2009. Brenda/London is Disney Channel's longest continuous female character.⁷

Brenda Song as Homecoming Warrior

Brenda Song's other notable role was Wendy Wu in the 2006 DCOM Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, her first film as the lead character. One of the scriptwriters observed that she had "the perfect combination of wit and martial arts."²

Song's martial arts abilities came in handy for the film as she performed most of the stunt work herself.⁸ She was also able to show her versatility, as Wendy Wu's character was a significant departure from the character of London Tipton.

Brenda Song: Personal Life

Brenda Song is one of the more down-to-earth young celebrities. Unlike many young celebrities, Brenda tries to avoid the Hollywood party scene. She hopes to set a positive example for young kids.

As she remarks, "Besides Hollywood grand-openings and award shows, I try to stay away from the parties. It's so easy to be swept away from that whole scene because it's expected of you. I've never drank or smoked in my entire life, but I've seen 15-year-olds drinking and smoking and I just think that's gross."¹

Brenda Song is proud of her Hmong heritage, speaks the language at home, and enjoys the customs of her culture. At the same time, she's also proud of being American.

As she explains, "We're all Americans, really. I think that's why there's so much division and turmoil sometimes, because people are always categorizing each other. I'm proud to be Hmong, but I'm more focused on being American."¹ She also points out that in the entertainment industry, it doesn't matter which culture you come from.

Sources:

1 Bonafide Star: Brenda Song, Hmong Today

2 The Sweet Life of Brenda Song, Mochi Mag

3 Brenda Song, IMDB

4 Twenty Second Annual Young Artist Awards

5 TV Insider: When London (Brenda Song) Met Paris, Gateway

6 Q&A : Brenda Song of 'The Suite Life on Deck,' MSN

7 Disney Channel orders more 'The Suite Life on Deck,' TV By The Numbers

8 Asian Pop: Warrior Women, San Francisco Chronicle