The Complete Guide to Rosalie Chiang

Rosalie Chiang is an American actress best known for voicing Meilin "Mei" Lee in Pixar's Turning Red (2022) — a role she landed at just 12 years old.

Here are the key facts at a glance:

What makes her story remarkable isn't just the role itself. She started as a temporary voice placeholder — recorded on her mom's iPhone 6 — and ended up being so perfect that Pixar never replaced her.

Director Domee Shi even offered her the permanent role on the spot, mid-recording session in the booth. Chiang initially thought it was part of the script.

Beyond acting, she's a published poet, a Mandarin speaker, a hip-hop dancer, and a self-described anime lover whose all-time favorite show is Cowboy Bebop. She's a genuinely multidimensional young creative — not just a voice behind an animated character.

Rosalie chiang definitions:

To understand the meteoric rise of Rosalie Chiang, we have to look back at her roots in Fremont, California. Born on October 1, 2005, Rosalie grew up in the Bay Area, though her career has frequently brought her to the vibrant creative hubs of Southern California, including Hollywood and Culver City.

Her heritage is a beautiful blend of cultures; her mother is from Taiwan and her father is from Singapore. This background has played a massive role in her identity and her work. For instance, she is fluent in Mandarin, a skill that has served her well in both her personal life and her professional endeavors. Growing up, her mother even called her "Mei-Mei," a term of endearment that coincidentally mirrors her famous Pixar character's name.

According to her IMDb Biography and Credits, Rosalie stands at 5'4" (1.63 m). While she may have become a household name overnight following the release of Turning Red, her journey began much earlier with minor roles in short films and commercials. Her upbringing was filled with a variety of interests—from piano and hip-hop dancing to baking and traveling.

We find it particularly inspiring that despite her early success, she remains grounded. She has often spoken about the "messy, awkward, and cringey" moments of her own adolescence, which allowed her to bring such authenticity to the screen. Her parents have been a cornerstone of her success, supporting her transition from ballet and piano to the more "unpredictable and risky" world of acting.

The story of how Rosalie Chiang landed the lead role in Disney and Pixar's Turning Red is the stuff of Hollywood legend. It wasn't a typical high-stakes audition in a fancy studio. Instead, at age 12, Rosalie recorded her initial audition using her mother's iPhone 6.

At first, Pixar hired her to provide "scratch vocals." In animation, scratch vocals are temporary tracks used by animators to time the character's movements before a "real" celebrity actor is brought in. However, as the production progressed, director Domee Shi and the production team realized they couldn't find anyone who captured the essence of Meilin Lee better than Rosalie.

For two years, Rosalie worked on the project without knowing if she would actually be the final voice. The big moment came during a recording session when Domee Shi decided to surprise her. Mid-scene, Shi changed the script to include an official job offer. Rosalie, thinking it was still part of the dialogue, was stunned when she realized it was a real-life offer to lead a major Pixar feature. Her genuine, emotional reaction—tears and all—was captured right there in the booth.

This role catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her praise for her ability to navigate the complex emotions of a 13-year-old girl dealing with family expectations and the literal "beast" of puberty. You can see the critical acclaim for her performance on the Rosalie Chiang on Rotten Tomatoes page, where the film maintains high marks for its fresh and honest storytelling.

One of the reasons Turning Red resonated so deeply with audiences is the undeniable parallel between the actor and the character. Rosalie Chiang has been very vocal about how much she relates to Meilin's journey.

While Turning Red is her most famous credit, Rosalie Chiang has built an impressive resume across various media. She has successfully transitioned from voice acting to live-action and even video game performance.

Her work on The Simpsons was particularly noteworthy, as she took over the role of Hubert Wong, a character previously voiced by Tress MacNeille. This move was part of a broader effort by the show to ensure characters of color are voiced by actors of the same heritage.

To date, Rosalie has earned 1 win and 6 nominations for her acting, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Her ability to switch between the high-energy demands of a Pixar lead and the more grounded requirements of a series like American Born Chinese shows a range that is rare for actors her age.

Long before she was a Pixar star, Rosalie Chiang was making waves in the literary world. At just 9 years old, she finished her first poetry book, which was published when she was 10.

Her two published books are:

Inspired by nature, trips to the zoo, and the whimsical style of poets like Shel Silverstein, Rosalie used poetry to explore her curiosity about the world. This creative drive also led her to become the principal in Yamaha Piano's first U.S. television commercial in 2017. Whether it's through verse or voice, Rosalie has always had a knack for storytelling.

When she isn't in the recording booth or on a film set, Rosalie Chiang is just like many other 18-year-olds. She is a massive fan of anime, frequently attending conventions like Anime NYC and Crunchyroll Expo. In fact, she has stated that Cowboy Bebop is her all-time favorite series.

Her interests are as diverse as her acting roles:

Looking ahead, Rosalie has several exciting projects in the pipeline. She is set to appear in the upcoming films Man Imperfect and The Audacious Adventures of Audra Lee. Fans can also look forward to seeing her at WeebCon Texas 2025, continuing her trend of engaging with the fan communities that support her work.

At Edible L.A., we believe that food is the ultimate storyteller, and Rosalie Chiang's connection to her Taiwanese-Singaporean heritage is often expressed through her palate. She has frequently spoken about her love for traditional Taiwanese dishes, many of which can be found in the incredible Asian culinary enclaves throughout Los Angeles County, from the San Gabriel Valley to Downtown L.A.

Her favorite foods include:

During Lunar New Year, Rosalie’s family celebrates with massive feasts, emphasizing the importance of bonding through culture and shared meals. This deep appreciation for culinary heritage makes her a perfect figure for us to highlight, as she embodies the spirit of cultural fusion that defines the L.A. food scene.

As of 2024, Rosalie Chiang is 18 years old. She was born on October 1, 2005.

She originally auditioned at age 12 using her mother's iPhone 6. She was initially hired for temporary "scratch vocals" while Pixar searched for a permanent lead, but her performance was so authentic that director Domee Shi eventually offered her the permanent role of Meilin Lee.

Rosalie is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. She often speaks Mandarin at home with her family, which helped her connect with the cultural nuances of her character in Turning Red.

Rosalie Chiang is far more than just a "breakout star." She is a talented author, a dedicated martial artist of her craft, and a powerful voice for AAPI representation in Hollywood. From her humble beginnings recording auditions on an iPhone to leading a Pixar masterpiece and joining the legendary cast of The Simpsons, her journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and hard work.

Her story reminds us that being "messy, awkward, and cringey" isn't just a phase of growing up—it's a part of the human experience that should be embraced. As she continues to evolve and take on new roles, we look forward to seeing how she influences both the entertainment world and the cultural landscape.

Whether she's exploring the best stinky tofu in L.A. or voicing the next big animated hero, Rosalie remains a relatable and inspiring figure for a new generation of creatives. We are proud to share her story and celebrate her connection to the rich cultural tapestry that we cover every day.

If you're inspired by Rosalie's love for cultural flavors, be sure to Discover local flavors in our Seasonal Produce Guide to find the best fresh ingredients in Los Angeles to create your own heritage-inspired feasts.