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"Coming from Taiwan, I have spoken Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese since I was very little. Then I learned English and French, so I'm not afraid of new languages or accents," Chen said. "You just have to be very observant and have good ears."

Looking ahead, Chen is determined to continue her acting career in the US.

"In Taiwan it's a popularity contest. People become popular not necessarily because their artistry is better, or their artistry makes people think more, or because it moves society forward," said Chen. "So I guess it might not be as free as it is for me here in the US."

Chen's next project is Hedda Gabler by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.

"I'm very obsessed with this character. The more I dig into the play, the more I learn and the more possibilities I never thought of open up," she said.

Zhang Yang contributed to this story