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Michelle Chen Defends Acting Against Age and Range Criticism: 'Don't Watch If You Don't Like It'

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Actress Michelle Chen, 43, directly addressed online criticism about her acting range and age, stating that viewers are free to watch other actors if they dislike her performances.
  • Chen acknowledged the industry's scarcity of suitable roles for actresses over 40, emphasizing that the issue lies with script availability rather than her age.
  • She also reaffirmed her commitment to her son, stating that spending time with him was a crucial part of her life and she does not regret prioritizing it over her career.

At 43, actress Michelle Chen has firmly pushed back against online detractors who have criticized her acting abilities and perceived age-related career limitations. Following her divorce from Chen Xiao last year, Chen has been focusing on her career, recently starring in the drama "Sniper Butterfly" with Zhou Keyu.

I can only say I don't think so. It's your problem if you think so. You can watch me, or you can watch others. If you don't like it, don't watch.

— Michelle ChenResponding to criticism about her acting range.

During a recent appearance on the variety show "My Daughter's Little Sisters," Chen confronted pointed criticism, including remarks that her acting was "one-dimensional" and that she was only suited to play "sweet girls." Her response was direct and confident: "I can only say I don't think so. It's your problem if you think so. You can watch me, or you can watch others. If you don't like it, don't watch." She added, "I don't think so, aesthetics are very personal." This composed and assertive stance earned praise from fellow guests.

I don't think so, aesthetics are very personal.

— Michelle ChenResponding to criticism about her acting range.

Chen also addressed the challenge of ageism in the industry, acknowledging that finding suitable scripts for actresses over 40 is difficult. However, she pinpointed the core issue as a lack of quality roles being produced, rather than a personal limitation due to her age. "It's not my age problem, it's that there are very few scripts suitable for actresses over 40 in the industry, and even fewer good scripts," she stated, expressing hope for more opportunities for mature actresses.

It's not my age problem, it's that there are very few scripts suitable for actresses over 40 in the industry, and even fewer good scripts.

— Michelle ChenAddressing the scarcity of roles for older actresses.

Reflecting on her decision to step back from acting to raise her son, Chen dismissed any notion of it being "wasted time." She spoke with maternal warmth, emphasizing that being with her child was a profoundly important part of her life. "I don't think so. Having stars is a very important part of my life, and I won't put anything before it," she said, indicating no regrets about prioritizing her role as a mother.

I don't think so. Having stars is a very important part of my life, and I won't put anything before it.

— Michelle ChenReflecting on prioritizing motherhood over her career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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