The lure of Hollywood might be strong but the lure of Footscray could well be stronger for actor HaiHa Le.
Growing up in Footscray, the rising star of stage and screen has lived far and wide but has now returned to her roots in a move she says helps keep her grounded.
Le is one of six Australian actors in the spotlight of the ABC1 documentary Next Stop Hollywood, a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the frenzied US TV pilot season. She said being filmed for the documentary was challenging but ultimately worthwhile.
“The whole pilot experience was exacerbated by a camera crew being there to film the whole thing. You face some deeply personal issues and it is all there, exposed to the world. I found that challenging – as an actor you can hide behind a role but that wasn’t possible here.”
Born in Vietnam before joining her refugee father in Australia as a child, Le has enjoyed success in series including Bed of Roses, Rake, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Neighbours.
But she is drawn to Hollywood’s broader range of roles for people not fitting the classic Anglo mould.
“Things are definitely improving in Australia in terms of cultural diversity on the screen, but I think that will only really change when we have more culturally diverse screen writers.
“In the States there is greater cultural representation — you will see African-American actors and it is not about them being African American. Here if you have an Asian character it is about them being Asian.”
Le has been careful not to put all her eggs in the one basket, knowing she is lucky to be able to pursue her acting dream.
“So much of the surrounds of the business or industry of acting can be superficial and vacuous, so it is a constant struggle to find meaning within that. I’m always asking whether what I’m doing is the right thing. In my theatre work I’m able to work more closely on the projects, I’m part of the development process – I’m able to deal with themes that have meaning to me.
“When I work in TV or in a commercial capacity I am at the mercy of other entities.”
Next Stop Hollywood follows Le on her second shot at the highly-competitive Los Angeles pilot season. The whirlwind weeks are crammed with highs and lows that can take their toll on the 98 per cent who miss out.
Experiencing all this under the glare of the documentary spotlight left Le exhausted but reflective.
“You feel you’re constantly under the microscope, but I knew it was going to be challenging when I signed up. I think it was an important exercise in being brutally honest with yourself.”
Next Stop Hollywood screens on ABC1 at 9.30 Tuesday and at abc.net.au/tv/nextstophollywood
