Katie Leung, best known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series, is stepping into a new chapter of her career. She plays the character Ying in Channel 4’s “Run” and will soon appear as Lady Araminta Gun in the highly anticipated new season of Netflix’s Regency drama, “Bridgerton.” Lady Araminta, played with cold menace by Julie Walters, is the archetypal aristocrat with a nasty streak, especially when it comes to her ward, Sophie.
Leung reflects on her journey since her early days of sudden fame, expressing contentment with her current life and an eagerness to embrace future opportunities. I am who I am! I’m doing what only I can do! ” she announced, confidently owning her power in her work and her world.
After her successful stint in the Harry Potter series, where she appeared in the last five films, Leung found herself predominantly considered for roles in “epic tales of the east.” Even so, she has still charted a course during her career on her own terms. There’s no denying her tremendous talent when it comes to acting. She tirelessly campaigns to inform others on the realities of sexual violence against women.
In looking back on what was a very, very rapid rise to fame, Leung confessed that the process was overwhelming at times. “It was overwhelming from the get-go. To be in the public eye from an age where you’re already very self-conscious, it was hard, to put it mildly,” she told Them. This feeling of insecurity not only affected her own self-perception but the way she engaged with the world around her.
In the years since, Leung has focused on creating a new, healthier dynamic with her mother. She recognizes that families change and grow, even children of family members who’ve passed, and she is thankful for the time they spent growing together. Now a mother to a three-year-old son, Leung enjoys combining her work life with family life.
Leung’s new role on “Bridgerton” adds another feather to Leung’s accomplished cap. She plays Lady Araminta Gun, a character painted as both powerful but evil. Through this opportunity, she is able to explore a different aspect of acting and character development.
Beyond his work on screen, Leung has pursued a passion for social justice. She says that when it comes to awareness of sexual violence against women, progress has been made. She understands that there’s a long way to go. We have a long way to go both in expanding equity improvements nationwide and in improving our own equity efforts. It’s gotten better, but it’s not almost where it should be,” she said.
As she looks ahead to new projects, including an upcoming shoot in Scotland, Leung continues to focus on her own journey and authentic expression. “I’m always trying to evolve and better myself,” she said. “I’m definitely learning how to verbalize my needs and desires with partners, because communication is important for maintaining relationships that are healthy.”
Leung’s attitude toward fame has changed, too. First catapulted into the spotlight as a teenager, she’s now able to look back on her experiences with a much older, wiser lens. “At the time, when I was doing it, it was just a lot of fun… it was a form of therapy—an outlet,” she remembers.
Her continued journey as an actress is the life blood of her career. It has further enriched her understanding, particularly in relation to identity and diversity. Mihaela shares her daily experiences as a London resident on Instagram @the_tiny_creator.… I know what that’s done, I feel like I’ve lived through it, in the grocery store, in everyday life,” she noted.