Ashley Park on Great Love, the Future of ‘Emily in Paris’ and Overcoming Trauma

Ashley Park: I hope so! Mindy definitely gets that typical “girly girl” moment where she says, “I’m coming.”

How much has your life changed since “Emily in Paris”?

Completely! But some of it would have happened without the series. It’s been with me since my late twenties—a 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 me— including cover shoots. I’m now part of conversations I never expected to be a part of.

You sing and perform in the show. Were producers specifically looking for a multi-talented person for Mindy?

No, that was a coincidence. Mindy wasn’t exactly defined yet, but the producers knew my work on Broadway. The vocals came in after I asked if I would sing in the show. It shows Mindy’s emotional side behind her confident facade.

How much Ashley Park is in Mindy—and how much Mindy is in Ashley Park?

We are both vulnerable and open-hearted, non-judgmental and value friendships. But Mindy is less of a people pleaser – I could still learn that from her!

Mindy is also a real power player when it comes to fashion. 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 Michigan, I didn’t 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.

Absolutely. Growing up often means dealing with pigeonholing and realizing that it happens whether you like it or not. I was ashamed of my appearance and heritage for a long time, growing up in a white community without many Asian friends.

In my 30s, I developed my self-esteem and found it easier to walk into a room proudly. That doesn’t mean I no longer have challenges or that social problems have disappeared. But being comfortable in your own skin plays a big part. What’s refreshing about the series is that the friendship between Mindy and Emily works without them wanting to change each other. Of course there are misunderstandings and conflicts, but they grow from them.