When I grew up in Pittsburgh in my parents' restaurant, I was almost like a country bumpkin.

Both my parents are chefs... I grew up in a restaurant and was always surrounded by cooks. I love food.

I'm like Madonna: I'm Ming-Na. Just my first and middle name. That's it. Pure and simple.

I'm sort of a gypsy at heart and don't like to stay in one place too long.

Mulan is so important in Chinese folklore - a fearless girl who cared about her family and country so much that she was willing to join the fight and sacrifice herself.

Growing up as an Asian American in this society, there were a lot of times where you feel isolated or out of place as an Asian. And growing up in White America, that's absolutely my experience. And I think that's why I got into acting because I wanted to be anybody else but Asian.