Renowned 47-year-old Taiwanese actress Ruby Lin, celebrated for her iconic role as Xia Ziwei in the drama “My Fair Princess” (1998 to 1999), recently shared her journey from facing criticism over her appearance to mastering the art of emotive acting.
In a candid interview on the local talk show “Hear U Out,” Ruby revealed the challenges she encountered during the early days of her career.
“Not Good Looking Enough”
Ruby disclosed that she was almost replaced as Xia Ziwei in “My Fair Princess” due to being deemed “not good-looking enough” for the lead role. The criticism surfaced after filming had commenced, with a prominent figure expressing concerns about her appearance, leading to discussions about finding a replacement.
Despite the two weeks of filming that had already taken place, Ruby’s manager intervened and stood up for her. The manager argued that replacing Ruby would jeopardize her career and insisted that adjustments could be made to her styling if needed. This support ultimately saved Ruby from being replaced and allowed her to continue her pivotal role in the popular series.
Ruby Lin faced additional challenges while filming in Beijing, particularly acting alongside mainland Chinese actors with different accents and professional training. Notable names like Vicki Zhao, Fan Bingbing, and Zhang Tielin presented a formidable acting environment. However, Ruby’s determination and adaptability allowed her to hold her own, earning praise for her performance.
Perfecting the Art of Crying on Cue
Addressing another challenge, Ruby discussed criticisms about her crying scenes in the series. Some felt her tears didn’t flow convincingly, leading Ruby to introspect and improve her emotive skills. Drawing from personal experiences, Ruby practiced crying in front of a mirror, striving to look graceful even in moments of distress. This innovative approach not only enhanced her performance but also served as a coping mechanism.
Ruby highlighted the meticulous expectations of renowned Taiwanese novelist and producer Chiung Yao, the creative force behind “My Fair Princess.” Chiung Yao demanded precise adherence to the script, specifying details like pauses and punctuation. Ruby’s commitment to these nuances contributed to the series’ success.
Ruby’s journey continued with a guest appearance in the sequel, “New My Fair Princess” (2011). Despite initial challenges with crying on cue, Ruby’s confidence grew, allowing her to embrace moments when tears didn’t come naturally. This marked a significant evolution in her approach to acting and emotional expression.