Hollywood Is Witnessing a Rising Star and Her Name Is Phuong Kubacki

Photos Credit: Michael Franco

Actress Phuong Kubacki has been forging a path in the world of acting since her high school days. Her passion for performance arts quickly turned into a serious pursuit after graduation, and her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Phuong's determination and unwavering dedication have propelled her to overcome any obstacles that come her way.

Initially, Phuong faced her fear of public speaking head-on. Overcoming this fear was a crucial milestone in her journey, as it allowed her to grow as a performer and gain the confidence she needed. Over time, she evolved into a powerful presence on stage and screen, enchanting audiences with her fierce performances. Phuong Kubacki's cultural background as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees has had a profound impact on both her work and personal life. She has the ability to effortlessly blend Eastern and Western elements into her acting style, which sets her apart and adds depth and richness to her work.

Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to appear in a wide range of television shows. Her notable appearances include roles in "Better Call Saul," "Chicago PD," "Blue Bloods," "NCIS: New Orleans," and "General Hospital." These high-profile projects have showcased her versatility and ability to resonate with audiences across different genres. "The Bikeriders" is Phuong Kubacki's most recent work, the film perfectly captures a rebellious time in America when culture and people were changing. 

Witnessing the dedication and professionalism of her fellow cast members reinforced her own work ethic and motivated her to strive for excellence, but what better way to hear more details about this amazing experience than from Phuong Kubacki herself! Come on, let's see what she's got for us today.

As a rising star in the industry, how have your Vietnamese roots and Midwestern upbringing influenced your acting career and the types of roles you're drawn to?

Both of those aspects have taught me not to be afraid to follow my dreams and that with hard work and consistency, you can achieve anything.

Can you walk us through the preparation process for your role in "The Bikeriders," particularly mastering the accent and persona of your character?

Of course! Production was kind enough to give the cast access to a dialect coach. They also shared audio clips of the Midwest accent they were looking for, which really helped.

How did Tom Hardy’s intense preparation and interest in your character's transformation influence your performance and approach to the role? 

Tom Hardy is extremely talented, and it was just an honor to watch him work. He was interested in my hair, the process of how it got up that high, and how they were able to bring it back to normal after a long day of shooting. He even suggested I wear a top hat to protect it! Such a funny guy!

How did you feel about missing the callback to "The Bikeriders" due to the Emmys, and what was your reaction when you found out you secured the role via Zoom?

I was heartbroken when I found out I was going to miss the callback. It was my first time attending the Emmys, so I couldn't miss it! When they allowed me to reschedule, I was ecstatic! Then, when I was offered the role over Zoom, I couldn't be happier. It's such a wonderful memory.

Can you discuss how collaborating with high-profile actors such as Kate Hudson and Tom Hardy has helped you grow both personally and professionally?

Working with high-profile actors has been the best learning experience. I feel like I just learn so much by watching great work and absorbing that energy.

You've mentioned admiring powerful female performers like Viola Davis, Reese Witherspoon, and Meryl Streep - what qualities do you admire in their work, and how do you incorporate those qualities into your acting?

I admire so many qualities about these women, but mostly they're all not afraid to try different things. Whether it's comedy, drama, TV, or film, I see so much range in these women. I also love that they have all overcome struggles in their lives and pushed through, making them all stronger.

Photos Credit: Michael Franco

If you could play a character in an upcoming season of any show on TV/Streaming right now, which show would you like that to be?

There are so many great shows, it's so hard to choose! Right now, I'm loving 'Palm Royale' with Kristin Wiig. She is just hilarious, and I love all of the clothing and styles of that era. I also love 'The Morning Show' because I love Reese Witherspoon, as you already know! I have done a lot of reporter roles, so I think it would be a great fit.

Do you feel as though your background in modeling has helped you in acting and vice versa?

Poise in general is a great tool!! Learning to work with the camera has been extremely helpful. It's helped me be more aware of the camera and also see how I read when I do certain things. Sometimes I might feel sad, but I may look bored, so that experience has helped me learn about myself. Film and video are just moving pictures anyway, so it is related.

As you continue to make a name for yourself in the industry, what are some of your biggest aspirations in terms of the types of roles you'd love to portray?

I'd love to do more comedy. I have the best time doing improv and laughing on set that it doesn't even feel like work! I would also love to do more leading roles as well as be featured in more Asian American stories.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?

My advice to aspiring actors would be to just never give up. Audition for everything, (unless it's really bad) and work on as much as you can. Meet people, be kind, and have fun!

As you look ahead to the release of "The Bikeriders" and the next chapter of your career, what are you most excited about, and where do you hope this journey will take you? 

I'm most excited about continuing the journey as a working actor. I'm also at a point where a lot of my friends are starting to see success as well, so it's been really great to see everyone grow.