One Broke Actress the 'hollywood body standard' no one prepares you for with Lynn Chen* it hits different*
Jun 5, 2025
Lynn Chen, an actor and advocate for eating disorder awareness, shares her compelling journey through Hollywood's harsh beauty standards. She recounts early performances at The Met and candidly discusses the emotional toll of struggling with food and body image. Lynn reflects on the pressures of the industry, her experiences of getting dropped by reps, and the resilience needed to reclaim her acting career. Through her blog, The Actor's Diet, she emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and redefining success on her own terms.
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Early Big-Stage Start
- Lynn Chen began performing at age four in the Metropolitan Opera children's chorus and kept doing major stage work as a child.
- She stopped around age 11–12 because she wanted a normal childhood and social life like birthday parties.
From Admin Job To Law & Order
- After college Lynn moved to New York, waited tables, then worked as an assistant to a principal before quitting to pursue acting.
- She booked Law & Order after an intensive workshop and got her SAG card, which launched her acting career.
Saving Face Led To A Personal Crisis
- Lynn booked a lead in Saving Face and lost weight for the role, which triggered binge-eating issues she hadn't recognized as a disorder.
- The film's success led to industry buzz, Toronto and Sundance runs, and a move to LA.
