Cheeky Fiona Xie

Starting her career at the budding age of fifteen, Fiona’s parents shied her away from the encapsulating entertainment industry. Instant success on her first show catapulted her into ferocious fame and her growth was unstoppable. “I was possibly very privileged and sheltered while growing up,” Fiona says, “lacking the exposure and ability to explore the world and other cultures.” Her father – a strong creative influence in her life, impressed a love of architecture upon her. “I grew up with creatives and libraries of architecture bibles. I was fascinated by design, philosophical elements of structure and the emotions and engineering behind functional art pieces,” she shares.

Traveling filled much of Fiona’s time during her extensive break away from the industry, allowing her to re-center and fully circle back to herself. “I was happy to be away from the limelight and keep a low profile. Sometimes when you’ve already been at the top, you crave for your life to be quiet and shrouded in mystery instead. I think once you’re in the entertainment industry, you can never really escape it’s clutches,” Fiona shares.

Citing her role as Kitty Pong in Crazy Rich Asians as ‘divine intervention,’ Fiona was presented with the part by a good friend that strongly encouraged her to take the role. “I had reservations about being Kitty Pong and everyone had to convince me,” she says. Feeling as though it was truly meant to be after all the stars were aligned, Fiona delved into her character within a film that delivers rich color, culture and community for us all to enjoy.

Not taking for granted her experiences that have led her to where she is now, Fiona is a role model for us all to continue to follow our dreams and passions. “Every decision is a journey for growth and new sparks,” she says, “it has brought me to where I am today.”

You can catch Fiona Xie in Crazy Rich Asians in theatres now and follow her @xplacidacidx

by Amanda Szczembara