Chelsea Muirhead on Telling Human Stories
Mixed Asian Media - September 22, 2025
By Bri Ng Schwartz
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Photos credit: Calyssa Lorraine
Chelsea Muirhead is a Filipino Scottish American actress, known recently for her role of Yan Mi in Warrior. In her newest role as Dr. Sophie Chan in Pulse (a Canadian medical drama now streaming on Netflix), Muirhead steps into a world that more closely resembles hers: one with a high-pressure job, work relationships, and a desire for work-life balance.
Interview
In your opinion, what sets Pulse apart from other medical dramas?
I do think the stories we're telling are quite unique, particularly the personal relationships that are going on with each character. (Creator) Zoe (Robyn) did a wonderful job at writing very human stories. It’s a beautiful amalgamation of The Pitt and Grey's Anatomy, but new stories.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
You play Sophie. Are there any big similarities or differences between you and her?
Sophie is juggling having a career and a personal life. I've discovered that I’ve also been struggling with that. As an Asian person, I was raised with the mindset of: Do your work, you're gonna be fine. The most important thing is work ethic. Not necessarily friendship. Not necessarily love, relationships, or affection—all of these things that I crave, and I know Sophie craves too.
Sophie develops a friendship with Camilla, a medical student. Why do you think friendship is important in high-pressure work environments?
In a high-stress environment, when it's so doom and gloom, having that someone you can trust to co-regulate with is so important.
You identify as Filipino Scottish. How has your identity showed up in your career?
I get it all the time, “You could just be anything.” It's like I don't really belong anywhere, almost like the whiteness cancels out the Asian, and I'm not Asian enough. I never had a lot of representation for myself.
Almost every mixed Asian actor I've spoken to has said the same thing.
At the end of the day, telling stories that are human first is what interests me. I've been lucky so far that my resume has quite a range. I still can’t believe it, because I didn't think it was possible for me. I really internalized some negativity growing up, but screw all of the voices!
Photo courtesy of Netflix
What is your advice for other mixed Asian actresses entering the industry?
If you have a dream (in whatever industry) no one's gonna pave the way. Even if you have fear, do it anyway. Even if you don't see your reflection on screen, start the path. If you have a story to tell, tell it.
End of Interview
Pulse is streaming on Netflix now!
Bri Ng Schwartz (she/her/hers) is an artist and administrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She is committed to the dismantling of gatekeeping in arts and culture, and uses her experience in community engagement and education to develop meaningful partnerships. She is the Education & Community Outreach Manager at Primary Stages. Her early credits come from her time in Chicago, notably at Free Street Theater in various titles. Since relocating to New York, she has served in various administrative capacities. She has also written for publications such as HowlRound and American Theater Magazine.
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