Brenda Song, known for her iconic Disney Channel roles, recently opened up about her determination to shape her career beyond expected boundaries, sharing how she fought for the chance to appear in David Fincher’s The Social Network despite Disney’s concerns. Reflecting on over two decades in the spotlight, Song highlighted key moments in her career—with nods to the cultural impact of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody—and how she navigated her evolution as an actress.
A Lasting Legacy from Disney Channel Days
Brenda Song became a household name when she starred as London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody beginning in 2005. Her portrayal of the extravagant hotel heiress left an indelible mark on pop culture, with fans frequently referencing the “PRNDL” scene—a humorous moment teaching viewers the meaning behind the gear shift acronym: Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low Gear. Song reflected on this legacy during an event at the Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas, where she accepted Variety’s Virtuoso Award and addressed her ongoing connection with the show‘s fans.
“It’s always the PRNDL and it’s shocking,”
Song shared with the audience, emphasizing how this particular scene has resonated deeply. She further recounted the lasting impression it’s made:
“I didn’t realize how strongly people took to that. People will always be like, ‘You taught me the PRNDL’ or ‘I still use the PRNDL.’”
—Brenda Song, Actress
Song recalled the popularity of her character’s fashion sense and admitted to taking home cherished mementos from the show. She confessed,
“I have the very first outfit from the pilot, the little pink outfit with the beret. I have quite a few outfits – how could I not?”
—Brenda Song, Actress. Besides outfits, she also managed to secure the oversized portrait of London Tipton and her dog Ivana, which has remained with her family ever since. Song joked about keeping its location secret:
“I’m afraid to let anyone know where it is though, because knowing a certain somebody, they would hang it up in our house and I would be mortified.”
—Brenda Song, Actress
Navigating Representation and Early Role Models
Song reflected on her early start in acting and underscored the challenges of representation in Hollywood for Asian-American performers. Entering the industry as a young actress, she looked up to pioneers who paved the way for greater visibility on screen.
“That was the tricky thing growing up, being an Asian-American actress in Hollywood,”
she said.
“Like if you weren’t Jackie Chan or Jet Li — I’m not an Asian man — it was really hard. But I was fortunate to have actors like Ming-Na Wen, Michelle Yeoh and Lucy Liu, who really inspired me.”
—Brenda Song, Actress
Her gratitude extended especially to Ming-Na Wen, whom she worked with at about age eight.
“I’m so grateful because she was so encouraging, so kind and just so supportive.”
—Brenda Song, Actress. Song also described how her early career was shaped by supportive co-stars, like Richard Moll on the Nickelodeon show 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, recalling her awe upon meeting him.
“I remember being so star-struck because he was a very, very large man and I was so intimidated,”
she noted.
“And he was so kind and so gentle. I feel like that was my first kind of long-term project. So that was really special.”
—Brenda Song, Actress
Pushing Career Boundaries Beyond Disney
While many young stars find it challenging to move beyond their Disney Channel image, Brenda Song managed a successful transition to adult roles, thanks in part to her determination and willingness to advocate for herself. As her time with The Suite Life of Zack & Cody was winding down, Song faced hurdles when pursuing outside projects. She recounted being prevented from auditioning for Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino because of sensitivities around a particular plot detail.
“The character had an intended sexual assault scene, so Disney nixed it,”
Song explained.
“And I was very upset but I was like, ‘Okay, I guess it didn’t work out.’”
—Brenda Song, Actress
History nearly repeated itself with her interest in The Social Network, but this time, Song decided to take a more direct approach. She personally appealed to then-Disney television COO Gary Marsh, stating her commitment to her craft and emphasizing that it was the show’s final season.
“I was just like, ‘I am an actor. When you hired me, I was not a hotel heiress. If I have ever done anything in my personal life to ever draw bad attention to your company, I understand. But this is the last season of the show, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.’ And I was so fortunate, they were so supportive. They allowed me to do this film that truly changed my life.”
—Brenda Song, Actress
Engaging with New Projects and Industry Events
Song’s engagement with her craft has extended far beyond her early TV days. Following her Q&A at the Bentonville Film Festival, she joined Oscar winner Geena Davis and other notable talents at the “Geena and Friends” event, which celebrates gender-swapped readings of famous film scenes. Song participated in a rendition of The Producers opposite Davis, followed by a Stranger Things performance that included a cameo from her partner Macaulay Culkin. Her ability to move from comedy to complex roles has continued to earn her recognition in the industry.
Looking Ahead in Brenda Song’s Career
Brenda Song’s journey highlights both the impact of her Disney Channel roles and her unwavering commitment to diversifying her career, despite obstacles. Her efforts to secure parts such as the one in The Social Network demonstrate her determination to defy typecasting, while her pride in characters like London Tipton underscores the lasting influence of her early work. As she continues to take on diverse projects and advocate for broader representation, Song’s story offers inspiration to both aspiring actors and audiences reflecting on industry change.
