Have you ever experienced the irresistible pull of a new adventure, drawing you away from the comfort of the familiar and into uncharted territory? Yvonne Chapman, a former mergers and acquisitions professional, faced a pivotal moment when she chose to transition into acting. She found the shift from a structured corporate setting to the unpredictable realm of auditions and casting to be both intimidating and thrilling. Requiring a leap of faith, a readiness to welcome change, and a profound passion for the craft of acting.

“I actually really liked my job. I just really love acting,” Chapman explained when asked what caused her to want to leave her corporate job to pursue something so uncertain.

She expressed contentment with her current company and position yet felt a strong inner drive. It was drawing her towards the call she knew was truly meant for her. Yvonne remembered the significant moment she shared with her ex-supervisor. Chapman recalled the moment when he told her that he too took time off; understanding the importance of taking the time to explore other career opportunities of interest at her age. Her dreams were pursued with the support of others in her life, which gave her courage.

“It was interesting when I first started. I knew I liked acting, but I had no idea how the industry worked,” Chapman stated.

Her path to becoming an actress was marked by challenges and personal growth. She candidly described how the beginning was a steep learning curve but utilizing the skills she had acquired from her previous career helped her to navigate and understand the business side of the industry. She quickly moved past the initial shocks that come with transitioning into a new career and delved deeper into understanding the entire process. Bridging her past to her future prospects was used as a focal point at the intersection of these two worlds, empowering her to pursue it boldly.

“I love stories and how they tell you how people become the people we see today,” Chapman stated.

Yvonne passionately shared what draws her attention and heart to this industry as our conversation progressed. Her passion for acting stems from her intrigue with individuals and their narratives. By depicting a range of characters and exploring their unique experiences, she establishes a deep bond with the essence of being human. Her passion for acting is fueled by the power of storytelling, allowing her to step into various lives and perspectives. Her journey is filled with empathy, understanding, and discovery, which serve as constant sources of inspiration in all her endeavors.

“We’re seeing them at the forefront of storytelling. We’re in the golden age of Asian representation,” Chapman expressed.
Yvonne expressed her excitement about the increasing Asian representation in the industry. This statement highlights a larger movement towards embracing inclusivity and diversity. She recognizes the significance of highlighting genuine depictions of Asian characters and experiences, going beyond stereotypes and tokenism. “You are now witnessing us as the main characters, heroes, and anti-heroes, rather than the supporting characters on the sidelines,” Chapman stated. She elaborated on the emergence of a beautiful and diverse Asian voice, emphasizing its prominence and authenticity in storytelling.

This was ideal to transition into the discussion of her recent portrayal as Avatar Kyoshi in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.

“I was surprised that there was such a big moment for her,” Chapman explained. She elaborated on how being a fan of the cartoon, she is aware that Avatar Kyoshi doesn’t make frequent appearances in the series. However, throughout this experience, she discovered the origins of her fandom and the reasons behind the audience’s adoration of her in the series. Yvonne cherished this moment in her career and was determined to do it justice, not just for herself but also for the loyal fanbase.

“The diversity that shows through this live-action series from Netflix was really well crafted and thoughtful,” Chapman stated.

She detailed the company’s consultations with numerous Asian and Indigenous communities to ensure the accuracy of cultural details. They aimed to guarantee that honor and respect would be given to all those represented. “The choreographers of the stunts also deserve a lot of credit. They were truly crafted with cultural influences in mind,” Chapman explained. Viewers couldn’t get enough of Avatar Kyoshi after her impressive fight scene, sparking excitement on social media. It truly speaks to her incredible talent as an actress.

Yvonne’s transition from the corporate world to acting showcases the impact of pursuing one’s passion. She demonstrates a strong dedication to embracing change, tackling new challenges, and promoting diversity in storytelling, showcasing a deep commitment to artistic integrity and social impact. Yvonne’s impact on the entertainment industry is profound, as she paves the way for aspiring artists and advocates for authentic representation.

Photography Credit: Richie Lubaton