Here comes a new star—or should that be étoile? Broadway singer-turned-actress Ashley Park discusses her smash-hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, why filming in France was the happiest time of her life and how Lucas Bravo was her "Mindy"
American actress and singer Ashley Park has been a star on Broadway for years, appearing in productions such as Mamma Mia!, The King and I and Mean Girls, the latter of which earned her a Tony Award nomination for best supporting actress in 2018. This year she has made her mark on the small screen, appearing as Lily Collins’ quick-witted and fearless best friend, Mindy, a nanny with a hidden singing talent, in Netflix’s hit Emily in Paris, which has been renewed for a second season.
What was the audition process like for your character Mindy?
Ashley Park (AP) In June 2019, I received an email from my agent to audition in New York. A few weeks later, I was rehearsing for a play in Massachusetts and my agent called to tell me that [series creator] Darren Star wanted to call me personally from Paris to discuss the character. As soon as I heard Darren’s voice on the phone, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed. He said lovely things about seeing me in Mean Girls on Broadway. I got the part a few days later and in less than two weeks, I was in Paris.