True multihyphenates like Lauren Tsai are usually hard to come by. As a model, actress, and visual artist, the 26-year-old Chinese-American excels in every domain she’s ventured into.
As of late, her name's been in the headlines causing quite a buzz among K-drama fans due to her rumored romance with Hallyu actor Park Seo Joon. But there's way more to the Tokyo-based artist than being someone's rumored flame.
Ahead, we list down 10 facts about Lauren Tsai. Read on.
Who Is Lauren Tsai? 10 Things About the Chinese-American Model and Actress
1. Lauren is an Aquarius.
Lauren Tsai was born on February 11, 1998 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA, making her 26 years old as of writing.
2. Lauren is of Chinese-American-European descent.
Although she is an American citizen, her father Stephen Tsai hails from Beijing, China, while her mother, Linda Marie has European-American roots.
3. Lauren grew up in Hawaii.
Her family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii when she was seven years old. In a magazine interview, Lauren shared that island living deepened her connection with nature, which later influenced her work as a visual artist and illustrator.
4. Lauren ventured into modeling when she was just 15 years old.
At 15, Lauren went on a six-week exchange trip in Hiroshima, Japan. Having been acquainted with Japanese magazines during her time there, she eventually sent out applications to modeling agencies, as encouraged by her colleagues who urged her to take the leap. Having sent out digital headshots, which she photographed using her laptop's webcam, Lauren got a callback from a Tokyo-based agency, prompting her to return to Japan the next summer to work as a model.
5. Lauren made her television debut through a reality show.
Lauren's career took off when she was 18 years old, after she was cast in Netflix's Japanese reality show, Terrace House: Aloha State. From 2016 to 2017, the 36-episode series followed the lives of six young adults living in Hawaii. The show was a huge success among viewers, which subsequently led her to move to Tokyo to further pursue her career.
6. Lauren is a Hollywood actress.
Lauren made her acting debut in 2019, where she portrayed Switch, a time-travelling mutatant in FX's series, Legion. Two years after, in 2021, she starred as Claudia in Netflix's film Moxie.
7. Lauren is an illustrator and visual artist.
Art has always been her first love. In fact, during an interview for Zalora Singapore, Lauren revealed that she once considered quitting modeling to pursue art full-time, a medium that she's always loved growing up.
Her work, as evidenced through her art Instagram account @unreal.is.m, showcases her affinity for surrealist elements and fantastical creatures, each portrayed in a dark-colored story world. Among art fans, Lauren has gained acclaim for her intricated line drawings, dreamlike imagery, and profound emotional expression.
8. Lauren has released art collaborations with big brands.
In 2018, Marc Jacobs released a line of handbags and apparel that featured Lauren's artwork emblazoned all over. Later that year, Lauren partnered with Nike Tokyo, where she handpainted two pairs of Nike Air Force 1's, which featured comic book-like motifs over the shoes' exterior.
Her most recent collaboration was with phone case manufacturer, Casetify. First introduced last May 15, the collection includes iPhone, iPad, and Macbook accessories printed with Lauren's sketchbook drawings.
9. Lauren is a self-confessed introvert.
Lauren's introverted self became evident while she was on Netflix's Terrace House: Aloha State. A striking contrast to the often congenial demeanor associated with reality stars, viewers seemed to have resonated with her reserved nature.
10. Lauren's first experience with public speaking happened in Manila, Philippines.
Last February, Lauren was in Manila as one of the guest speakers at Graphika Manila, an arts convention where international and local creatives gather annually. In an Instagram post, Lauren shared that it was her first public speaking engagement, where she also performed a live sketch in front of a 5,000-person audience. "It’s been a surreal journey from drawing in my room, to sharing it online, to getting to sketch live on such a stage," she wrote in the caption.
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