When a new talent captures attention on a global streaming platform, curiosity naturally follows. That’s the case with Highdee Kuan, the actress gaining recognition for her role in Netflix’s The Brothers Sun. Beyond her breakout performance lies an inspiring story of cultural diversity, artistic training, and dedication. This article delves into her background, early career, and rise to stardom.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Highdee Kuan was born on May 3, 1998, in San Francisco, California. However, she spent much of her childhood in the Netherlands, where her family relocated. Growing up in Europe exposed her to a blend of cultures that would later shape her artistic identity.
While in the Netherlands, Kuan trained in classical ballet at the Dutch Royal Conservatory, one of Europe’s premier dance schools. Ballet instilled discipline, physical awareness, and expressive movement, which would later enhance her acting skills.
After returning to the United States, she attended the University of California, San Diego to study theatre and visual arts. This combination of dance, theatre, and visual arts provided a well-rounded foundation that would support her career in film and television.
Kuan is also multilingual, speaking English, Dutch, Mandarin, and German — an advantage that positions her well for international roles.
Learn more about her background on IMDB and Wikipedia.
From Early Roles to Television
Highdee Kuan started her career with small roles that allowed her to gain experience in front of the camera. She appeared in short films and had guest roles in popular series such as The Young and the Restless, Vida, You, and This Is Us.
In 2020, she played Sara in the science-fiction film Proximity, demonstrating her ability to carry emotional scenes in a feature-length production.

These early experiences allowed Kuan to refine her craft, learn the rhythms of screen acting, and build relationships within the industry.
Breakthrough Role: The Brothers Sun
Highdee Kuan’s breakout role came in 2024 when she starred as Alexis Kong in Netflix’s action-drama series The Brothers Sun. The series combines family drama, crime, and action, providing Kuan a platform to showcase her versatility.
Her character, Alexis, is intelligent, emotionally nuanced, and morally complex — giving Kuan the opportunity to demonstrate depth and range. The series’ global reach introduced her to audiences worldwide and significantly boosted her profile.
Read more about the series and its cast on Netflix Tudum.
What Sets Highdee Kuan Apart
Multicultural and Multilingual Advantage
Kuan’s fluency in four languages and her upbringing across multiple countries allows her to authentically portray characters from diverse cultural backgrounds. This versatility is increasingly valuable in global entertainment.
Strong Artistic Foundation
Her classical ballet training, combined with theatre and visual arts education, gives her physical poise and creative depth. This makes her particularly effective in emotionally intense or physically demanding roles.
Versatility Across Genres
From drama to science fiction, action, and character-driven storytelling, Kuan has proven she can handle a wide range of genres, which will contribute to a long and diverse career.
Gradual and Sustainable Growth
Kuan’s career has been built steadily. Her careful selection of roles and commitment to learning demonstrate professionalism and a thoughtful approach to long-term success.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like any rising actor, Kuan faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while avoiding typecasting. Transitioning from supporting roles to leading parts requires strategic choices, and her multicultural background gives her a broader set of opportunities in international productions.
Future Directions
Given her skill set, Highdee Kuan is poised for:
- Major roles in television and film dramas
- Action-oriented roles utilizing her ballet training
- International projects that leverage her multilingual abilities
- Independent films emphasizing nuanced performances
For updates on her latest projects, see her IMDB profile.
Key Takeaways
Highdee Kuan’s journey offers valuable lessons:
- Embrace your cultural background as a strength.
- Small roles build experience and credibility.
- Artistic training enhances career longevity.
- Versatility opens doors to more opportunities.
- Gradual growth often leads to sustainable success.
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Highdee Kuan is more than a rising actress — she’s a talented, multilingual, and versatile performer with a rich artistic foundation. From her early ballet training in the Netherlands to her breakout role in Netflix’s The Brothers Sun, she has demonstrated dedication, skill, and adaptability.
As she continues to take on new roles, Kuan is a rising star to watch. Her career trajectory suggests she will continue to make a meaningful impact in both Hollywood and international cinema.
Explore her work and stay updated on her career: Highdee Kuan on IMDB | Wikipedia | The Brothers Sun on Netflix
