Glamour:Congratulations on the fourth season!
Is Mindy moving to Rome now?
Ashley Park:I hope so!
Louis Vuitton dress; Susa Beck earrings and ring
Mindy definitely gets that typical girly girl moment where she says, Im coming.
How much has your life changed sinceEmily in Paris?
But some of it would have happened without the series.
AB+DM
Its been with me since my late 20sa special time when I learned a lot about myself.
Like the characters, I also found my voice.
The series has accelerated my development and opened up opportunities for meincluding cover shoots.
Jonathan Simkhai dress. Susa Beck earrings, bracelet, and ring. Manolo Blahnik pumps.
Im now part of conversations I never expected to be a part of.
Susa Beck earrings, bracelet, and ring.
You sing and perform in the show.
AB+DM
Were producers specifically looking for a multitalented person for Mindy?
No, that was a coincidence.
Mindy wasnt exactly defined yet, but the producers knew my work on Broadway.
Gucci jacket, choker, and slingback pumps.
The vocals came in after I asked if I would sing in the show.
It shows Mindys emotional side behind her confident facade.
How much Ashley Park is in Mindyand how much Mindy is in Ashley Park?
Coperni dress. Cartier bracelet and ring. Ferragamo pumps.
We are both vulnerable and openhearted, nonjudgmental, and valuefriendships.
But Mindy is less of apeople pleaserI could still learn that from her!
Mindy is also a real power player when it comes to fashion.
AB+DM
Do you have similar taste?
We definitely both have our own style.
And Mindy sometimes wears Balmain, sometimes pajamas.
I know that well.
We also both have a completely different background to those around us.
I grew up in MichiganI didnt even know what a luxury item was back then.
I can empathize with this difference.
Would Mindy have to fight more in real life?
We know the common stereotype of women in short skirts or with platinum blonde hair who are considered superficial.
Growing up often means dealing with pigeonholing and realizing that it happens whether you like it or not.
Gucci jacket, choker, and slingback pumps.
In my 30s, I developed my self-esteem and found it easier to walk into a room proudly.
That doesnt mean I no longer have challenges or that social problems have disappeared.
But being comfortable in your own skin plays a big part.
Of course, there are misunderstandings and conflicts, but they grow from them.
What are your thoughts on diversity in Hollywood?
Specifically within the Asian community?
A lot still needs to change!
Many creatives are still fighting for a seat at the table.
I feel particularly responsible as there are very few Asian actors in my privileged position.
But weve only just started.
The difference compared to 10 years ago is that we can now talk openly about these issues.
Representation is no longer a taboo subject.
You were diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and suffered from septic shock this year.
How do you handle extreme health situations?
Every trauma has given me a new perspective.
My struggles have taught me that everyone has experienced something we cant see.Empathyhas become my foundation.
And Ive become more solution-oriented and motivate myself when Im feeling down.
In this way, I hope to inspire others.
No one benefits from a mentality where everyone thinks theyve had the worst.
I know what it means to get through trauma and to move on.
But its also important to feel the pain.
Cartier bracelet and ring.
Whats your approach to mental health?
An important lesson was not to be so hard on myself.
It was incredibly difficult not to let myself get frustrated.
My biggest lesson has been to not see doing less as a failure.
My friends Paul and Lily saved me in many ways.
The press tour was also surprisingly healing.
Meeting people who told me I helped them get through a bad day was healing.
And becoming Mindy again, slipping into her incredible outfits, helped me too.
Some people think distraction is the opposite of healing, but for me its not.
Ive learned that everyone heals differently.
You and Paul are such a great couple, in the show and in real life.
How did it start?
Just before Paul joined the show, I swore I would never date an actor again.
Besides, he lived in London and I didnt want a long-distance relationship.
But then he blew me away.
I had never met a straightwhiteman who was so thoughtful and so generous.
He challenged the script when his character was mean to Mindythats rare in the industry.
After Paul was cast for the role, we spent a weekend together working on our parts.
On our trip to Warsaw, I realized, I am so in love with this man.
I never believed in fate, but the timing was right.
Hes the perfect person for me, and Im more confident in our relationship than ever before.
This interview first appeared inGlamourGermany.
