Shannon Dang is one of the breakout stars of the popular CW series Kung Fu. As Althea Shen in the reboot of the 1970s David Carradine series.
While Kung Fu has thrust Dang into the spotlight, there’s still a lot that fans might not know about this up-and-coming actress. To help get better acquainted with Shannon Dang, here are 10 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about this rising star:
1. Shannon Dang was born and raised in Pasadena, California.
She was born on May 29, 1992 to a family deeply connected to entertainment. Her grandparents wanted all their grandchildren to be in the entertainment industry, so she grew up doing commercials, film, and even did a film with Tzi Ma when she was 11.
2. Shannon’s early foray into the entertainment world was through dance.
By the age of 13, she was already showcasing her dance skills for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. But Shannon’s dance journey didn’t stop there. She went on to dance for three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and another three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
3. Her big break came with the TV series “Kung Fu”
While she has had roles in series like “Sorry for Your Loss” and “The L Word: Generation Q,” her most significant break came in 2021 with the CW’s television series “Kung Fu.”
This series is unique as it features a predominantly Asian cast and is led by Asian American writer Christina Kim and co-showrunner Robert Berens.
Dang emphasizes that the series is not just about kung fu or superheroes but is a genuine representation of the Asian community, breaking away from the usual xenophobic and racist ideas often portrayed in Hollywood.
4. Shannon’s grandfather, Walter Soo Hoo, was part of the original “Kung Fu” series.
She recalls her great grandfather, She Wing Soo Hoo, being one of the first in Los Angeles Chinatown and how Hollywood would often scout for Asian actors in Chinatown.
Her grandfather, Walter Soo Hoo, even appeared in the original “Kung Fu” series in the 70s. This rich family history in the entertainment world influenced Shannon’s early involvement in commercials, films, and dance.
5. Shannon’s television portfolio is impressive.
She has had recurring roles on Facebook Watch’s “Sorry For Your Loss”, starring Elizabeth Olsen, and Netflix’s “American Vandal”. Other notable appearances include “Doubt,” “The Off Season,” “Major Crimes,” and “The L Word: Generation Q,” alongside Jennifer Beals and Kate Moennig.
6. Shannon Dang is a passionate advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community
Through her roles, especially in “Kung Fu,” she aims to break stereotypes and provide genuine representation of the Asian community in Hollywood.
She is a supporter of AAPI-owned fashion brands. Some of her favorites include Prabal Gurung, Sandy Liang, Kim Shui, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Monse, Sau Lee, The Jewelry Edit, Covry, Popflex, and Kayu.
7. Shannon has a passion for travelling
When she’s not on set or dancing, Shannon loves to travel. She’s also a frequent visitor to Disneyland and remains a dedicated LA Rams fan.
While studying abroad in college, she visited 12 different countries in 4 months. She loves collecting passport stamps, seeing new things and trying new food.
8. She graduated from the University of California Riverside
Beyond her artistic talents, Shannon is also academically accomplished. She graduated with a Business degree from the University of California Riverside.
9. Dang has showcased her acting prowess in several films.
She starred opposite Romany Malco in the comedic film “Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison” and also appeared alongside Diane Lane in Amazon’s “The Romanoffs.”
She played a young version of actress Bai Ling in “The Gene Generation” and had a supporting role in Marshall Cook’s “Film Fest,” which premiered at the 2020 Austin Film Festival.
10. Her personal style has evolved to be more sustainable, influenced by her “Kung Fu” character Althea.
Inspired by her character Althea, she has become more mindful of her shopping habits, focusing on thrift shopping and sustainable brands like “For Days” that use recycled fabric.
She also has a preference for vegan ice cream brands like Halo Top and Cool Haus due to her lactose sensitivity.
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