MELINA - FILIPINA AMERICAN

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Name: Melina Kay

Ethnicity: Filipina-American

Role(s) in the industry: Actor, stunt woman, content creator

Communities you identify with: Asian American community

what are you Stereotyped as: Book smart, love interest, young mom (the first picture is something I’d wear for a young mom role which I get often now that I’ve hit my later 20s), sassy friend. Being in the Southeast market, I'm typically sent out for Hispanic roles because I don't "look" Asian or Caucasian enough to casting directors. I went to a boating commercial audition once and when I mentioned I was there for the 2nd girl role (wanted an Asian actress) I had 2 people assisting the casting director question me about my ethnicity, asking me if I was Asian while in front of my audition group in a way that called me out in front of everyone. So when I told them I’m Filipina American, then they were “nice” to me again.

What are you actually like (even the things people may not know about you!): The second picture is me at my premiere party for my horror film Unsheltered that’s now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu. This picture just really encapsulates me as a whole and my personality: for the most part I'm a pretty happy go lucky person, am cheesy at times, and overall like to be a positive influence to others because I know how tough life can be.

what's a dream role for you: A dream role of mine would be as the lead in a tv sitcom in a style similar to Jane the Virgin about an actress who’s biracial in the entertainment industry. The show would highlight the difficulties she faces being biracial not only from the industry, but also both sides of her heritage. As the show goes on she learns to embraces both sides both Filipino and American, stop trying to fit someone else’s mold, and steps into her power by fully embracing everything that makes her unique.

My values as an actress are to portray strong, multifaceted women in stories that empower viewers and make you see a different point of view of life. I love to create and tell stories so I’m in the process of bringing my own art to life through media and I’m really excited for this upcoming chapter of my life.

What message would you like to send to the entertainment industry: My message to the entertainment industry is to be a voice for biracial/multiracial actors that feel like they are not represented accurately in tv/film. I'm Filipina-American however I'm constantly sent out for Latina roles based on the way I look and I would love to be accurately represented as a part of my kultura. Also to be a voice for people that feel out of place for being who they are, inspiring them to break the mold they were put in, and to always stay true to yourself and your values.