Brenda Song, best known for her iconic role as London Tipton on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, is stepping into a bold new chapter with Gia Coppola’s latest film, The Last Showgirl. In a candid interview with Bustle, the actress discussed shedding her Disney persona, swearing on screen, and embracing a more mature role in a story set in the world of adult entertainment.
From Disney Darling to Las Vegas Showgirl
Song admits that fans may be shocked to see her playing a character far removed from her Disney roots.
“It’s funny because up until these last couple of years, I feel like I’ve never sworn on screen,” Song shared. “Coming from a Disney Channel background, I think people are almost scared. It feels weird to see you that way.”
The actress, however, is no stranger to profanity in her personal life. “In L.A., ‘f—‘ is a verb. It’s a noun. It is an adjective. It’s natural in my language,” she said with a laugh, adding that becoming a mother has made her more conscious of her language around her children.
A Career Shift and a Surprising Call from Her Agent
Although Song hasn’t shied away from adult roles — appearing in The Social Network, New Girl, and Dollface — The Last Showgirl marks a significant departure from her previous work.
She revealed that she was caught off guard when she received the call about the role while shopping at Costco with her fiancé, Macaulay Culkin.
“Mack was sitting there going, ‘Babe, we’re sitting in a Costco. I’m wearing Crocs. Costco’s not even open yet. You’ve tamed the beast, honey,’” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘How dare you, sir!’”
Moments later, her agent called with a new opportunity. “My agent says, ‘Hey, I have this really great script for you. What are you doing?’ And I said, ‘Oh, I’m sitting in the parking lot at Costco before it opens.’ She goes, ‘I need to get you a job.’”
Song admitted that playing a Las Vegas showgirl pushed her out of her comfort zone, especially after giving birth to two children.
“This is the least amount of clothing that I’ve ever worn in my career,” she confessed. “I just had two kids. I feel so insecure.”
However, she credited the supportive women on set for helping her feel confident. “Working with these women — who every day uplifted and supported me, made me feel beautiful — made me feel comfortable,” she said.
A Legacy Beyond Disney
Though The Last Showgirl marks a new chapter for Song, her Disney legacy remains beloved by fans. As The Suite Life continues to find new generations of viewers through streaming, Song is excited to show her versatility as an actress.
The Last Showgirl hits theaters this Friday, marking a turning point in Song’s career that fans — both old and new — won’t want to miss.
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“Mack was sitting there going, ‘Babe, we’re sitting in a Costco. I’m wearing Crocs. Costco’s not even open yet. You’ve tamed the beast, honey,’” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘How dare you, sir!’”
Moments later, her agent called with a new opportunity. “My agent says, ‘Hey, I have this really great script for you. What are you doing?’ And I said, ‘Oh, I’m sitting in the parking lot at Costco before it opens.’ She goes, ‘I need to get you a job.’”
