At the age of 12, a talent agent scouted Michelle Krusiec in her hometown of Virginia Beach. She began formal training at the Virginia Governor's Magnet School for the Arts and graduated with a Theatre and English Degree from Virginia Tech in 1995. She completed additional studies on scholarship at Oxford and then found herself globe-trotting as the host of _"Travelers" . Krusiec's independent forays have premiered in festivals such as Sundance and the Toronto International film festival. In 2002, Michelle was invited to premiere her one-woman solo show, "Made in Taiwan," at the HBO Aspen Comedy festival. Hollywood Reporter named her one of the Top Ten Rising Stars. Recently, the Hollywood Reporter once again highlighted Michelle as part of their "Faces of Sundance" feature 2005.
Speaks English primarily and Mandarin Chinese as a second language.
She grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Has two brothers
Although her surname is Western, she is fully ethnically Chinese who was raised in the United States by adopted parents - her Taiwanese aunt and American uncle (hence the Krusiec surname). Her Taiwanese parents sent her to live with her aunt when she was five, so that her mother could better cope with Krusiecs two other siblings. In Taiwan, she is better known by her Chinese name, Yang Ya-Huei, with Yang being her biological fathers surname.
Saving Face is her first leading role in a film.
While attending Virginia tech, she went to a workshop featuring director Oliver Stone and actually fell asleep during the workshop but eventually landed a small role in his film Nixon .
Interests include Asian cultures, African dance and world music, all a result of having traveled around the world.
Enjoys taking dance classes in everything from ballet to hip-hop.
Michelle is an "extreme sports" enthusiast who enjoys hang-gliding and snowboarding.
Received her undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts and English from Virginia Tech in 1995.
She was raised in the United States by adopted parents - her Taiwanese aunt and American uncle (hence the Krusiec surname).
"It is different because there is something delicate about it, at least,the way we played it. We were both a little shy, both a little awkward.
love scenes with men).
