Julie Chen is a major force on television.
How did the Queens native make it to the big time?
The journey was an exciting, and often difficult one.
Here’s how Chen became a household name.
From then on, she became diligent and studious, a self-professed “geek.”
By her junior year of high school, Chen knew she wanted a career in broadcasting.
Strict parenting inspired her career
Chen’s strict parents had a major influence on her life.
“They were classic Chinese parents,” she toldMediaVillage.
According to Chen, her father controlled what his kids watched on television.
“And back then, any time you saw any Asian face… it was a very big deal.
It was a special moment.”
She is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Her grandmother was particularly upset, convinced it was shameful to only have daughters.
If you don’t get the surgery, you won’t.'"
It was a drastic measure, but one that Chen doesn’t regret.
“The surgery doesn’t define who I am; it’s just a chapter in my life.”
The lower pay was frustrating, but she said “it made me work harder to prove myself.”
She toldSoap Opera Digestthat she had been a fan of the show ever since she was a little girl.
No one understands a woman like another woman
Chen is outspoken about her support for other women.
Chen added, “I love working with women because no one understands a woman like another woman.”
Her unexpected talent
It turns out that Chen’s gift of gab isn’t restricted to hosting.
She shocked the audience onThe Talkwhen she performed “California Love” alongside Grammy-winning rapper Eve.
Here’s hoping that Chen shows off her musical chops more in the future.
“I never said I would never get married, but I never envisioned it.
Chen ended up being wrong on both counts.
She has a husband, son, and stepchildren.
“He’s tall,” she said onThe Talk(viaBusiness Insider).
“He can be very charismatic.”
“It made me so angry,” she said.
“I was disgusted by this story… That Hollywood Walk of Fame is iconic.
I don’t care what your politics are.
That is disgusting.”
She really lets herself let loose onThe Talk, unleashing her true personality.
“If you really want to judge me, watchThe Talk,” she toldPeople.
Co-host Shannon Osbourne commented on Chen’s transformation.
“She has found her wings and is unstoppable.”
