Pisay Pao (born November 1, 1984) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Cassandra in the Syfy series Z Nation.
Early life
Pao was born on November 1, 1984, in Thailand, at a refugee camp where her Cambodian parents were placed to escape political persecution during the Cambodian Civil War.[1] Her parents were granted political asylum in the United States in 1986, and settled in Seattle, Washington, where she was raised.[2][3][4][1][5] Pao stated that she was attracted to the arts from an early age, and began painting, drawing, dancing, and performing as a child. She obliged her parents' wishes to focus on an academic career instead, earning a scholarship to attend the University of Washington.[2] However, she left her university course to instead pursue a career in fashion and the performing arts.[2]
Career
Pao has credited the movie The Motel for showing her there was space for Asian American stories in visual culture.[6] Pao was introduced to a talent agent through a friend that was a model.[2] Pao stated that she exercised several times per week to prepare for her role in the TV series Z Nation.[7][8] Pao reportedly often attends comic book conventions to meet fans, and has expressed her wish to portray Marvel Comicssuper heroStorm.[5][7] In addition to film and TV work, she also appeared in the play what you are now, from Sam Chanse, at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York.[9][10]
Personal life
Pao has stated that her parents' struggle to escape the Cambodian civil war is an inspiration for her work.[8]
Pao has travelled to Cambodia to visit her family members who remained there. Her first trip was in 2001.[5]
Pao is a self-professed advocate for women's rights. She has stated that she "wants to find a way to bring justice for all women who are victims of sexual violence."[2][5]
