Brenda Song Reflects on Disney Career Challenges

Brenda Song, best known for her role as London Tipton on Disney Channel's 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,' discussed her transition from child star to serious actress while accepting Variety’s Virtuoso Award at the Bentonville Film Festival. Song revealed that Disney prevented her from auditioning for Clint Eastwood's 'Gran Torino' due to a sexual assault scene, a decision she initially found upsetting but later accepted. She similarly faced resistance from Disney over her role in David Fincher's 'The Social Network' but successfully advocated with executive Gary Marsh to participate, calling it a life-changing opportunity. Song shared fond memories of taking costumes and props from the Disney set and reflected on the enduring popularity of her 'PRNDL' scene. She expressed pride in her achievements as an Asian-American actress, citing Ming-Na Wen and Michelle Yeoh as inspirations. Now a mother and established actress, Song highlighted both the challenges and opportunities encountered by former child stars in Hollywood.