A former child model, Brenda Song first rose to fame on the Disney sitcom, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005). Of Hmong and Thai descent, she appeared in several television commercials before making the plunge to acting as a young girl. At the age of six, she made her small screen debut in the TV series, Thunder Alley (1994).
Born on March 27, 1988 in Carmichael, California, Brenda Song grew up in the suburbs of Sacramento with her two younger brothers, Nathan and Timmy. Thanks to many years of taekwondo training, she currently holds a black belt in the sport. When she was five years old, she was spotted by a model agent at a shopping mall in San Francisco.
Shortly afterwards, she made her television debut in a Little Caesar commercial. Before long, she was cast in her first acting role in the comedy series, Thunder Alley (1994). Another minor role on TV later, she appeared the short film, Requiem (1995). Despite her young age, it was apparent to everyone around her that she had a natural flair for acting in front of the cameras.
Over the next few years, Brenda landed several roles on television in the shows One on One (2003), Stuck in the Suburbs (2004), Phil of the Future (2004), and That’s so Raven (2003). However, it wasn’t until 2005 when she was seventeen, that she scored her first lead part in the Disney sitcom.
How Brenda Song Became Famous
Ultimately, it was through that role that she first rose to prominence. One of the main cast members, Brenda played as London Tripton, a spoiled heiress.
Created by Jim Geoghan and Danny Kallis, the show centered around a pair of troublesome twins, Cody and Zack Martin in the Tipton Hotel in Boston. Starring alongside Brenda were Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale, Kim Rhodes, and Phil Lewis. Premiered on March 18, 2005, the Disney Channel Original Series attracted well over a million viewers throughout the course of its run.
Her first major role on television, the series brought her much attention as a young actress. One of the greatest highlights of her career to this day, she remained on the show for three years until its end in 2008.
Brenda Song’s Continued Acting Career
The actress’s next big role came in September 2008, in yet another Disney sitcom called, The Suite Life on Deck. A spinoff of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, it followed the twins and Brenda’s character as they attend classes at Seven Seas High School aboard the SS Tipton.
Originally released on September 26, 2008 on the Disney Channel, its series premiere drew in over 5.7 million viewers in the United States. Especially popular among children and preteens this was her reprising her role as London Tipton, the socialite of the group. Ultimately, the series ran for three seasons before coming to an end in May 2011. At one point, it was revealed that the creators had pitched a continuation to the network; however it was later rejected, causing the franchise to be abandoned.
Then in 2012, Brenda landed a recurring role in the Emmy Award nominated political drama, Scandal. Playing the role of Alissa, she made her debut in the sixth episode of the first season. Afterwards, she reappeared for a handful of episodes in season two.
Soon afterwards, she played as Daisy- a supporting character in the Fox sitcom, New Girl. Starring Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, and Damon Wayans Jr., its series premiere aired on September 20, 2011. Having said that, it wasn’t until the latter half of season two that Brenda made her first appearance as Daisy.
After playing several supporting roles, Brenda returned as protagonist in the sitcom, Dads in 2013. A fox series, it revolved around two video game developers whose lives go upside down after their father decide to move in with them. In the comedy, the actress played as Veronica, the pair’s sarcastic and cunning assistant. Despite having pulled in 5.75 million viewers during its premiere, it was later cancelled by Fox after one season.
Since then, she’s appeared in many other series including Miles from Tomorrowland (2015), Life in Pieces (2015), and Take it From Us (2015). Most recently, played as Angie Cheng in the medical drama, Pure Genesis (2016).
Brenda Song on Film
After making her film debut in Requiem (1994), Brenda appeared in the movies, Santa with Muscles (1997), Leave it to Beaver (1997), and Costume Party Capers: The Incredibles (2004), albeit in minor roles.
It wasn’t until 2006, that she starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior, a title that she also helped to co-produce.
Since then, Brenda has also appeared in College Road Trip (2008), Boogie Town (2009), The Social Network (2010), Little Sister (2010), and The Little Engine That Could (2011).
Brenda Song’s Romantic Life
In October 2011, it was announced that the Disney actress had gotten engaged to Trace Cyrus, a musician who also happened to be Miley Cyrus’ brother. After a relatively rocky relationship, the two announced that they had broken up in June 2012.
Brenda Song’s Philanthropic Efforts
Throughout her career, Brenda has supported numerous charities and causes. For instance in 2006, she helped host A World of Change, a charity fashion show in which the proceeds go towards the Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services.
In 2008, she also participated in the Power of Youth carnival, an event that benefitted the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Awards Received by Brenda Song
For her role in the TV film, The Ultimate Christmas Present, Brenda received a Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Young Actress in 2011. Since then, she’s also been nominated for a Kid’s Choice Award, an Asian Excellence Award, and another Young Artist Award.
Brenda Song Snapchat Name – b33song
In November 2015, the star revealed her Snapchat account on Twitter. If you’d like to add Brenda Song to your friend’s list, you can do so by clicking here.Â
Brenda Song’s Other Social Media Accounts
Brenda Song’s Facebook Account
Want to follow the 29-year-old star on Facebook? You can do so by liking her official Facebook page at @BrendaSong. As of 2017, she’s already amassed over 6 million fans on the site!
Brenda Song’s Instagram Account
Want to catch a glimpse of her every day life? You can do so by viewing her photos and videos on Instagram under her username, @brendasong.
Brenda Song’s Twitter Account
One of the easiest ways to stay up to date with the actress is probably through Twitter. You can join over 260K followers in following her at @BrendaSong.
Brenda Song’s Youtube Account
Although she hasn’t updated her Youtube channel for over eight years, you can still view her page at @OfficialBrendaSong.
