Growing up in Vancouver, The Wedding Banquet breakout star Bobo Le was surrounded by film sets and a thriving TV industry, but it wasn’t until they took their first acting class that the dream started to feel real. “I would see these film sets out here all the time,” they shared. “So I looked into it, took some acting classes… and realized this is an actual, real career I could choose to pursue.”
Those early days included small co-star roles on shows like Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, and The Irrational. Even one-liner appearances made a lasting impact. “It blew my mind,” Bobo said. “I just couldn’t believe that I was there… it was magical.”
“When I first read for this character… I really just showed up as myself,” Bobo recalled. “I had read the breakdown and prepared like I always do, but I didn’t try to mold myself into what I thought they were looking for. I just brought my own truth to the audition.”
That authenticity is what sparked something in director Andrew Ahn and the producing team to meet with Bobo and the rest of the creative team. “Andrew called me back in person to meet him and our producers, Joe and Caroline,” they shared. “Because I was so myself, it inspired him to rewrite the character.”
The role of Kendall evolved to reflect Bobo’s essence, and that experience solidified a valuable lesson: “The more of me that I bring to [a role], the more people love to watch it… That part of you that shines through these characters—that’s what they’re drawn to.”
Reflecting on their experience with Andrew Ahn, Le pointed out that, as a director, Ahn was very trusting of his actors. “He creates such a beautiful, safe space for us to play and explore. One of his favorite things after each take is “I wonder…” and that’s how he navigates. It keeps us in this creative flow and safe for us to try things that we didn’t think of. It felt so collaborative.”
Finding a Mentor Among a Star-Studded Cast
Starring alongside Academy Award-nominee Lily Gladstone, Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, and Star Wars alum Kelly Marie Tran, Bobo described the experience as surreal. “These are the monarchs of the industry… I couldn’t believe that I got to work with my idols,” they said. “They’re such amazing people. I felt so loved and cared for by every single one of them and they’re great friends of mine [now.] To have experienced this with them, I feel so grateful.”
When we asked if any past co-stars came to mind as someone who led by example, Bobo highlighted their The Wedding Banquet co-star Kelly Marie Tran. “I’m Vietnamese-Canadian, she’s Vietnamese-American and we relate to each other so much. She’s been so supportive… I feel overwhelmed sometimes with all these new experiences, and to have Kelly’s support and mentorship through it all, I’m so grateful for her.”
Audition Anxiety and Growing Confidence
Like many actors, Bobo struggled with audition anxiety early in their career. “I would go in really hoping that I would book the job… I’d try to give them what I thought they were looking for,” they said. “That was something that really stressed me out.”
Their breakthrough came when they shifted focus. “Instead of trying to guess what they were looking for, I started bringing more parts of myself… giving them something they might not see.” That mindset shift has had a major impact. “Now when I go into auditions, I’m a lot less anxious because I have that foundation within me… to deliver what I want and let others witness it.”
Like many working actors, Bobo knows the rhythm of booking gigs and facing dry spells. So how do they stay motivated? “I try to fill my time with things that inspire me,” they explained. “Watching movies that I really enjoy… it just keeps me motivated.”
They also embrace stillness. “There’s beauty in stillness,” they said. “I don’t always have to be doing something. I can just enjoy this moment.” Video games, movies, and trust in the process help them stay grounded. “I have beautiful stories within me that are meant to be told… it will show up, and I will be back on set again.”
A Celebration of Queer Joy
With The Wedding Banquet, Bobo hopes audiences walk away feeling joy—and possibility. “I love that you brought up queer joy,” they said. “As difficult as being queer is, I think there is happiness. Your version of happiness matters. You can build it however you want,” they said. “If you want to live in a house with four queer people and have babies—that’s amazing.”
In a time where representation still matters deeply, Bobo Le’s story and performance are a reminder of the power of authenticity, chosen family, and joy on screen.
You can watch our full interview with Bobo Le above, watch on YouTube or tune in on your favorite podcast platform. The Wedding Banquet is playing in theatres and will be made available to rent or buy on digital on May 13th.
