Katie Leung Reflects on Her Journey from Cho Chang to Bridgerton

Katie Leung, known for her role as Cho Chang in the "Harry Potter" film series, has recently shared her thoughts on her early acting career and her current role in Netflix's "Bridgerton." In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Leung expressed that she would not want to return to her experiences during her time in the "Harry Potter" franchise, stating, “I was so young at the time, and I was so easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn’t know who I was.” She emphasized the importance of personal growth, noting that she feels more confident and self-aware in her current work.

Variety Magazine

Leung made her debut as Cho Chang in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) and continued to portray the character in subsequent films. Reflecting on her early experiences, she described feeling overwhelmed and lost while filming, stating, “I can’t say I had the time of my life.” In contrast, her recent role in "Bridgerton" has allowed her to embrace her identity as an actress, feeling deserving of her place in the production.

Variety Magazine

Leung has also spoken candidly about the challenges she faced during her time in the "Harry Potter" series, particularly regarding racism and public scrutiny. In an interview with The Guardian, she recounted her experiences with online backlash, stating, “I remember being very curious about what people were saying about me, and I was Googling myself.” She acknowledged that this scrutiny affected her behavior and self-perception, leading her to feel less outgoing.

Variety Magazine

Leung's role in "Bridgerton" has provided her with a supportive environment, which she described as a stark contrast to her earlier experiences. She noted that the cast and crew made efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing her to explore her character without the fear of judgment. “I was a new mother with a one-year-old... I didn’t really have the capacity for anxiety or to overthink,” she explained, highlighting how her personal life influenced her professional mindset.

South China Morning Post

In her interviews, Leung has consistently emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. She advised future actors, particularly those taking on the role of Cho in the upcoming HBO adaptation of "Harry Potter," to “be themselves” and not to let external opinions diminish their unique qualities.

Variety Magazine

• “I was so young at the time, and I was so easily influenced by what people would say about me because I didn’t know who I was,” — Katie Leung, Actress

Variety Magazine

• “I remember being very curious about what people were saying about me, and I was Googling myself.” — Katie Leung, Actress

Variety Magazine

Katie Leung's journey from a young actress in a global franchise to a confident performer in a leading role illustrates her growth and resilience in the face of challenges, marking a significant evolution in her career.

South China Morning Post