NINA YONG: Bridging Art, Life, And Film

Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Colorado Springs and Germany, Nina Yong’s life has been shaped by art, culture, and ambition. “I’ve always lived an art-based life,” she shares. From participating in drill dance teams to playing musical instruments, drawing, painting, and sculpting, Nina’s early years laid the foundation for her artistic inclinations. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with an associate’s degree in Occupational Science, Nina’s career path began in culinary arts before her passion for the film industry took center stage.

Passion For Acting

For Nina, acting is more than a profession—it’s a creative outlet and a thrilling challenge. “Acting and being an actress is fun to me,” she explains. “I love that I can take a script, read about a character, then figure out how to bring this character to life and make her believable or relatable for the audience to either love or hate.” This passion for bringing characters to life has fueled her career in the entertainment industry, where she has worked on various projects, including roles in Girl in the Basement, Saints and Sinners, and The Family Business.

One of her most impactful experiences was her role in Legendary, a short film and music video with Tyrese Gibson and CeeLo Green, which highlighted the ongoing fight against police brutality. “It was something bigger than just acting—bigger than myself,” Nina reflects. “I felt a presence there that day, something really powerful, and an experience I will never forget.”

Stepping Behind The Scenes

Nina’s curiosity and love of learning drew her to producing. “Producing started when I realized I wanted to learn what goes on behind the scenes,” she says. “I’m a student at heart, so I figured if I learn everything that goes into making a film, it can only make me a better actress.” Her dedication to mastering the craft of filmmaking has expanded her skill set and deepened her appreciation for storytelling in all its forms.

NAVIGATING LIFE’S CHALLENGES

Behind Nina’s professional success lies a story of resilience and determination. At 18, she became a mother and was diagnosed with cancer just three months later. “I was told if I was lucky, I might make it to 22,” she recalls. After an 11year battle, she was declared cancer-free in 2015, only to be diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain disease later that year. These experiences plunged her into a deep depression, leading her to take a step back from her career to focus on her mental health.

“I took a break from everything for a while, enrolled in therapy, and began working on me,” Nina shares. “Now I’m doing much better and looking forward to everything coming my way.” Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of prioritizing self-care.