We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andy Law a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andy, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I don’t. I just accept that perfectionist inside of me. Just say that “hey, I hear you. Let’s find a middle ground so we don’t get burned out.” In an acting class I’d watch my fellow classmates, learn from them and appreciate their work ethics. Not only does it humble me, it is a proof that self-doubt, feeling unworthy of success; such emotions are shared by everyone of us. The belief that there’s always room to grow goes a long way but of course it’s important to enjoy the process as well. All artists would agree with me that they’re never satisfied with their work. It’s like navigating that spot where I can be a little bit of a narcissist and a humble person at the same time. Celebrate the Ws, take the time-offs – these are imperative for the long run.
Throughout these 3 years in NYC, I’ve learned to self-evaluate my work in a way that’s non-judgmental. Most of the time it’s self-appreciation more than evaluation. One of the best things I remember from one of my acting teachers is that “Who cares what you should’ve done? You’ve done it and you’ve done it right there!” Indeed, letting go of my own judgement toward myself could very well be the kindest thing to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I grew up in Hong Kong. Three years ago, I’d come to New York to pursue the dream of acting. I was trained in HB Studio for two years. Right now I’ve been a working actor for a little more than a year. During the slow days in summer, I’ve written my first play Blue Bottle – a surrealistic family-war story making its debut in New York Theatre WinterFest.
Ever since my childhood I’ve always wanted to create without limitations. I wanted to be fully me and say what I want to say. As a man in his mid-20s from the first world, I’ve fantasized about war because all I’ve heard about war is from the news, textbooks, movies, and novels, but I’ve never actually experienced it. Perhaps romanticizing about war might not be the most virtuous thing you could do. The novel 1984 by George Orwell, who has inspired millions of readers, has told us that war can be constantly happening and everybody would have to believe it from the news! Radical, but very haunting and awakening. Where I’m from, or even in the United States today, people are gullible, vulnerable to the news, but rarely question it. I’m not going to sit on a high horse and make a comment on political activism, because what’s worth fighting for is always subjective to the mind. Sometimes in a collective fashion, sometimes individual. Blue Bottle is a dramatized version of that, plus my personal life. What I mean by that is — I’ve lost a meaningful relationship before; I’ve been swayed by propaganda; I’ve questioned my political beliefs. Perhaps we have all done these things. Humans are the only species on Earth capable of thinking about their thoughts. Most species only DO.
Self-producing and performing a play that I’ve written is the most indulgent thing I’ve done in my life so far. I love the idea of creating a character with my painting and giving it a voice. The burden worries me sometimes, but the excitement is there — being able to put up a play with the actors I’ve taken classes with. In an acting class, there are times when you really want to work with that particular person, although the scene partners are mostly assigned unless you request it. This HB gang has become my sanctuary where actors are not just co-workers. The camaraderie will be brought to its peak by working on this play together. At least that’s what I hope. For more information, please check the website.
bluebottleplay.com
Coming to Teatro Latea January 2026. Starring Andy Law, Erdem Erdal Ülker, Zoé Fonck and Kathy Files DiBiasi. Directed by Burak Tatar.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
– Reading to nurture the appetite for words. Pick a book about anything. Fiction or non-fiction. Carry it everywhere you go. As a non-native English speaker, I was not a reader until my college years. I saw a youtube video interviewing Sophie Turner recommending The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Then I bought the book and read it. It was definitely one of the first times I cried for a novel.
– Painting helps me develop independence in my artistry. Sometimes it comes handy when I have to make a choice for a character I’m playing. For an audition, say, the directors generally want to see the actor making.a choice. In the process of painting, my creativity allows me to make interesting choices that speaks for my inner life and what I’m going through in my psyche. It also holds up my independence as an artist, believing “Actors are also artists, we create what we believe in.”
– Being kind. People remember you most likely because of this.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I’m going to die at the age of 35, I’d allow myself to close this chapter in the US within five years max, and then spend my last five years back in Hong Kong with my parents and family. Meanwhile I should tell everyone that I’ve got ten more years of life and I’m going to keep doing what I’m passionate about, not to be remembered necessarily but to make this promise to myself that I won’t regret any second for the rest of my life. Acting, writing, painting, playing basketball, gaming, playing music, traveling the world – these are the only things I will be doing. Granted, there won’t be enough time to do everything. But don’t we all?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andy2000622.wixsite.com/andytclaw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andytclaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/law.andy.87/
- Other: https://bluebottleplay.com
Image Credits
COCOJOURDANA_PHOTOGRAPHY
Luke Liu
Dylan Lam
Ruf Production LLC.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
