Frequently Asked Questions about Mayleen

Q: What ethnicity are you?
A: I’m half Chinese (Mom) & half French-American…a proud hapa! :)

Q: How tall are you?
A: Had a “major” growth spurt and gained a much-needed quarter inch, which puts me at an official 5′5″.

Q: Do you speak Chinese or French?
A: I “spoke” Cantonese growing up (mostly responding to my frustrated Mother in English). I studied Mandarin in college and abroad, also acquired some Spanish while living in Ecuador, and recently…have been studying French.

Q: Is “Mayleen” your real name? And what does it mean?
A: Yes, all me. My mom ‘Americanized’ a Chinese name, Mei-Ling, which means beautiful and determined/strong, as I’m told.

Q: Where else have you lived?
A: My Father was an US Diplomat, so I spent my childhood overseas. I grew up in Turkey, Ecuador, Zambia, and Malaysia, then moved to the U.S. when I was 11. While living abroad, we were able to travel extensively and experience so many different countries and cultures. It was amazing!

Q: What makes you the happiest in life?
A: Creativity, compassion,family & friends, nature, truth, beauty & love…yes, so Bohemian! As well as, FOOD- i love discovering complex, new flavors and hidden spots!  DANCING- i am the most free when i’m dancing.  i listen to all types of music, but mostly dance to world & latin music. TRAVEL- i’m always planning my next adventure! I also enjoy tennis, watching great films, reading, photography, laughing, learning, helping others, trying new things and planning (parties, trips, whatever…I’ll plan it).

Q: Any dislikes?
A: Believe it or not, I’m not very keen on shopping…especially having to buy clothes on a deadline (e.g. upcoming event/show/party), which completely stresses me out! Plus, being color-blind doesn’t help.

Q: How often do you play tennis & what racquet do you use?
A: I play on average twice a week, which isn’t nearly enough! I recently switched to a Head Youtek Speed Elite and am loving it!

Q: What are you favorite films & tv shows?
A: I’m a huge movie buff! Sunset Boulevard, Moulin Rouge, Love Actually, Good Fellas, Fight Club, The Secretary, Amores Perros, Magnolia…to name a few. My taste in TV is a bit less refined: Ugly Betty, Top Chef, and a bunch of other reality/teeny booper shows that I’m embarrassed to admit :)

Q: When’s your birthday? What zodiac sign are you?
A: I’m a Libra. My bday is October 22nd…and that’s all you get!

Q: If you didn’t end up a tv host, what would you have been?
A: If you’d asked me this in elementary school, I would have told you “an ambassador”. In high school, “a child psychologist”. In college, “a business consultant, event planner or life coach”. Now, I plan to do it ALL…I’m going to continue hosting, but I’d eventually like to go back to school for an MBA or PhD in Psych or Family Therapy.

Q: Are you single?
A: Nope, I’m married. A newlywed, actually!

Q: How did you land your first hosting job? Did you get an agent, how? I want to be a host/get into acting, help me!

A: I ended up in the right place, with good fortune on my side, I suppose. I auditioned for and booked first hosting gig without a headshot, resume or agent. BUT, I wouldn’t suggest this at all, instead…

1. Invest in good headshots- good doesn’t necessarily mean super expensive! Shop around.
2. Work for yourself- submit yourself for jobs through a number of online casting sites. Your demo reel is your most
3. Build a demo reel- this is your most valuable marketing tool. Even if you haven’t booked a show, put yourself on tape.
3. Find an agent- once you have your headshot & reel, use the Hollywood Creative Directory or other resources to scope out potential agents and send them your materials.
4. Hone your craft. Keep reading, practicing, working on camera or even trying a hosting bootcamp class (I’ve heard of Marki Costello’s class, but never tried it personally).
5. Stay grounded, optimistic, and humble.

Best of luck, or as we say in the “biz”…break a leg!