AMY SHI: MOON GODDESS ON THE RISE

Delicate and delightful actor Amy Charlotte Shi comes complete with her own mythology. She’s played a scientist, Samurai master, Anime character, super hero, and…Moon Goddess.

Born in China’s Hunan Province, Amy was secretly raised by her doting grandmother in a tiny rural village far away from the city where her parents lived. Five years later, Amy returned to the family fold to greet her baby brother, but the impact of her earliest years close to nature, safe in the love of Amy’s granny left an undying impression on her. “Those years when I was allowed to run free, forever changed me.” Amy grew up liberated in spirit and innocent of heart. “My grandmother was very kind, and sweet, I hope that I have kept that part of her in my personality.” Amy also took the quality of fearlessness with her from those early years. She studied intensely, earning top grades; her first great goal was to be a scientist. “Madame Curie was my ideal.” This studious quality led Amy to develop diverse talents. When the time was right, Amy secretly applied to Ohio State, and was accepted. “I didn’t tell my family until I got my plane ticket!” This was her turning point. “In the U.S. I have the freedom to be myself and to follow my passion.” Amy earned her BA in computer science and also received an MBA. After graduation she was hired as a management consultant in Chicago.

In Chicago, however, things took a very different turn; Amy studied improve at Second City for a year, and attended “all the major acting schools” in Chicago. “People ask why I made the change. I tell them it’s been inside me forever.” Amy was cast as the girlfriend of Tony in “Shameless” out of Chicago, and did TV shows, including “Chop-Chop Chicago,“ I played the fast talking friend. People tell me I have great comedic timing.” Suited to all media, Amy’s preference is film; she loves the deep dive into character it offers. Her recent experience in the science fiction short, “Whisper” gave Amy the chance to explore her scientist character, Diana, from a young woman to a character in her 60’s. Always focused on improvement, Amy studied with private coach Vincent Chase; she continues polishing her technique at Beverly Hills Playhouse. On the theatrical side, Amy’s role as Chang’e the Moon Goddess, in Autumn Moon, the Chinese mythological tragedy casts her as a fallen idol banished to earth. This, with her two stage roles at LA’s Next Stage Theater as Ultra Girl and Night Shade, in “Wonder Women” seems like a delicious metaphor to those familiar with her story; powerful women are part of her DNA.

Amy’s arrival in LA in April 2016 marked the launch of a very busy time. “That year I did Samurai Cop 2.” Cast as Funai, she played a Japanese Samurai master; her indefinable Asian look offers great flexibility in English speaking roles. Amy studied martial arts moves and despite being small framed, she’s tough, fit, and ready to rumble. “I work out every day!” Amy’s attracted challenging roles from the start as directors noticed the exciting contrast of her outer fragility and her brainy inner strength. In Tales of Frankenstein, a series of 4 shorts, written by Don Glut [Empire Strikes Back], Amy plays the assistant to the legendary mad scientist. Roles in smart, action-y roles in “Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance” showcase Amy’s slim, athletic physique, brainy character, and sometimes draw on her past experiences. Her next big project is “Street 2” the sequel to the hugely successful action/drama with a MMA theme, “Street.” In “Street 2, “Amy’s character, Changying, is abducted and must find the strength to help others and fight back. Amy is also a co-producer on the film, bringing finance to the production. On “Whisper” her aging scientist no doubt drew on her memories of her beloved grandmother and her idol, Marie Curie for inspiration. Amy also began competing in beauty contests and was recently voted Ms. Los Angeles, a title celebrating both brains and beauty. Amy Shi is deep but seeks to be a light to the world. “I want to inspire!” As everything comes together on her curious path, witness the rise of the Moon Goddess, AKA, Amy Shi.