Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month - with Actor ESTHER MOON, from the Oscar Winning Film Minari
Today, we are celebrating Esther Moon Wu! I first met Esther in 2015 at a toddler program in Manhattan Beach, California. I had just given birth to my daughter 2 weeks old postpartum when our two 2 year old boys were in the same class. I had a lot of mom guilt back then about missing out on my this new surrounding for my 1st born, and arrived that first day of the program, super sleep deprived and emotional…in hindsight I probably should of just rested and let go of guilt!
After the first hour of being there, I sat down on the floor and put my head on the wall. Esther was sitting there watching over her son Deacon. I noticed her pixie haircut and complimented her. She opened up to tell me she had recently finished chemotherapy and before you know it, we were both sobbing messes.
It was the most raw way of becoming friends with a stranger that I have ever experienced, and I am so fond of those early days of motherhood we shared.
Today, our boys are 8 years old and we recently got together last week, talking about our “big ideas'“ and Esther said we are both so similar in that we kind of have to be a little delusional to dream and aspire so much for our life. It’s true— when you find someone with big dreams that take action on them, you will always be in good company.
When Esther shared she was in the film called Minari, watching her on our TV screen during the pandemic was surreal! And if you missed out on seeing that film, you’ll definitely want to. It went on to be nominated for 6 Academy Awards and actress Yuh-Jung Youn made Oscars History as First Korean Acting Winner for best supporting actress. Minari was nominated in 2021 for the Best Motion Picture of the Year, and it was the winner for the Golden GlobeBest Motion Picture - Foreign Language category among countless other awards and nominations.
I am so proud and honored to share a bit more about Esther, who I believe is not delusional in receiving her own Academy Award nomination one day when I asked her what “the dream” was. . When I met Esther, she was practicing as a therapist, and today she is pursuing acting full time. We cover a lot more in a podcast I can’t wait to share! For now, please enjoy me in celebrating Esther Wu!
Q:What part of Asia does your family descend from and let us know your lineage (ex: immigrant, 1st generation, 2nd generation etc..)
ESTHER: Korea. We call ourselves 1.5 - born in Korea, but came to the US at a young age.
Q:Tell us about your upbringing, where your parents very strict for instance? Were you pressured to study what they wanted or did you feel you had freedom to do what you wanted?
ESTHER: My upbringing was a bit unusual -altho not uncommon in our community. I was a "parachute kid" meaning my parents lived in Korea while I stayed in the US with friends or relatives. My dad was a student while I was growing up and when I was 10 he accepted a professorship and returned to Korea. I stayed behind with various families (a story in and of itself) until I went off to college. My parents were super strict and super conservative. There were a handful of acceptable career options and to this day I think my dad laments that I have a masters degree but is now engaged in a "lowly" career like acting.
Q: Share how you got started in doing what you are doing today!
ESTHER: I've always loved acting and did theater all through high school and college. But it wasn't till after a (successful) battle with cancer (in my late thirties) that I decided to pursue it professionally.
Q; What’s your favorite piece of advice to give others?
ESTHER: Find your people and find your coping skills. Get therapy!
(of note, Esther is actually a Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
What advice do you have today for your peers who are looking to do what you are doing now?
First, it should go without saying - hone your craft. Work on your art! And then you have to prep yourself mentally -for the grind that is auditioning and rejections. Deal with your past traumas bc this industry will trigger you. Find your coping skills, find your people - both in the artist and non artist community. Engage daily in small things that bring you peace and joy.
Q: What’s coming up next for you?
ESTHER: I'm in an upcoming Netflix show! The best way to find out more is to watch it unfold on my Instagram!
Q: If you're like me, you were taught to be very humble. This is NOT the time to be humble, please share sis!! Tell us all the things that make you feel really proud!
ESTHER: I'm a WORKING actor!!!
Congrats Esther on your success and please consider giving her a follow on Instagram!