Hong Kong born Karen Mok almost needs no introduction. Her face is plastered all over the city as the spokeswoman for countless products, but above all, she’s an accomplished singer and actress. With an upcoming concert tour of the mainland looming, and starring roles in the forthcoming play “Rent” and the new film “Wait 'Til You’re Older,” Scott Murphy finds out what makes this driven woman tick.
My father is half Welsh and half Chinese. My maternal grandmother was Chinese and my grandfather was half Persian and half German - so I’m quite a mix. My brother looks very Caucasian, whereas I probably took after my grandmother.
I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be in the entertainment field. I just love being in front of people and doing my thing.
I liked my childhood. I thought I was pretty cool. I used to tag along a lot after my brother. I used to admire him because he’s smart and because he’s my BROTHER. He’s like a genius as far as I’m concerned. He’s got a photographic memory.
I did a lot of extra-curricular activities and Hong Kong is a great place to do them. Everything is really close by so you can do 10 things in one day. I learned piano, learned a Chinese instrument called the gu qin, I learned Chinese dancing... My schedule was full everyday after school. All these things have come in handy for my career.
I wasn’t allowed to go to clubs. I was a goody-goody good girl.