Introduction
In a world where representation and diversity are increasingly valued, Highdee Kuan shines as a unique example of multicultural identity, artistic talent, and ambition. With roots that span continents and a career that’s rapidly gaining momentum, she’s capturing attention both for her performances and the path she’s forging. In this article, we’ll explore who Highdee Kuan is — her background, career journey, challenges, and what makes her one to watch.
Early Life & Background
Born in America, Raised in Europe
Highdee Kuan was born in San Francisco, California, on May 3, 1998. Famous Birthdays+2the-brothers-sun.fandom.com+2 However, she didn’t spend her childhood in the United States — instead, she grew up in a small rural village in the Netherlands. IMDb+1
Growing up in a mostly Dutch environment but with Chinese heritage, she often felt like an outsider during her childhood. In interviews, she’s shared memories of being teased or feeling “different” because of her Chinese background — from lunchbox dumplings at school to kulturna (cultural) differences that marked her upbringing. FunX+1
This bicultural upbringing — American by birth, Dutch childhood, Chinese heritage — gave Highdee a rich, multicultural identity that would later shape both her personal outlook and her artistic ambitions.
From Ballet to Acting: Early Artistic Pursuits
Her interest in the arts emerged early. Highdee studied classical ballet at the Dutch Royal Conservatory, immersing herself in dance and performance at a young age. IMDb+2TheCityCeleb+2
Eventually, she returned to the U.S. to pursue theater and visual arts at the University of California, San Diego. IMDb+2The Educationist Hub+2 This formal education in the arts — combining discipline from ballet with the study of theater and visual storytelling — laid a strong foundation for her future acting career.
Career Beginnings & Rise
First Steps on Screen (2016–2018)
Highdee’s first credited role came in 2016 with a short film titled Run for the Truth — a project that reportedly earned her a acting award at the independent film festival level. IMDb+2TheCityCeleb+2
From there, she began gathering small but diverse roles: in 2017 she appeared in a guest role on The Young and the Restless, and in 2018 she appeared in another project (credited as a “shop girl” in an episode of Vida). Wikipedia+2SensaCine.com+2
These early experiences may have been modest in screen time — but they gave her exposure, experience on set, and an understanding of the industry’s workings.
Breakthrough Roles (2019–2023)
Her career began to pick up speed in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, she landed a role in the hit series You (as “Luna”) and also appeared in This Is Us — both high-profile shows that reached wide audiences. The Educationist Hub+2SensaCine.com+2
In 2020, she starred in the sci-fi film Proximity as Sara — a step into feature films after years of guest roles. Hiptoro+2the-brothers-sun.fandom.com+2
These roles helped her showcase range and versatility: from emotional drama to genre film, from brief appearances to more substantial character work. That kind of foundational buildup is common for emerging actors, but what distinguishes Highdee is her multicultural background and readiness to take on varied parts.
Breakout — 2024 and Leading Role in The Brothers Sun
All the groundwork paid off when Highdee was cast as Alexis Kong in the 2024 Netflix series The Brothers Sun. the-brothers-sun.fandom.com+2Wikipedia+2
In interviews, she admitted she was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing she got the part — a response that revealed just how much the role meant to her and how hard she had worked to reach this point. FunX+1
This role — more prominent, more visible — has introduced her to global audiences and given her a platform to shine. Many critics and fans are watching, and her mix of acting skill, authenticity, and cultural background makes her stand out among young actors today.
Identity, Representation & What She Brings to the Screen
A Multicultural Voice in Hollywood
Highdee Kuan’s identity is inherently global: American-born, Chinese descent, raised in the Netherlands, fluent in English, Dutch, Mandarin and even German. IMDb+2the-brothers-sun.fandom.com+2
In a recent interview she admitted that as a child, she sometimes felt ostracized — not quite Dutch, not quite “American,” and with limited Asian representation around her. Her family was one of the very few of Asian descent in her Dutch village. FunX+1
This personal history gives her a unique perspective — and being visible on global platforms like Netflix enables her to represent stories, cultures, and backgrounds often underrepresented in mainstream media. That representation matters — both for her as an artist, and for viewers around the world who find themselves in the same cultural crossroads.
Artistic Sensibility: Dance, Theater & Screen Acting
Highdee’s early background in classical ballet — with its discipline, focus, and physical control — is not just a hobby but an asset to her acting. In interviews, she’s said that dance gave her awareness of her body, movement, and expression — all of which inform her acting style today. schonmagazine.com+1
Coupled with her formal studies in theatre and visual arts, this combination makes her not just another actor — but someone who understands storytelling from multiple angles: physical, emotional, visual. That finesse shows in how she approaches her roles.
Challenges & Triumphs: What She’s Had to Overcome
Growing up, Highdee dealt with feelings of being “different,” which many people of mixed heritage can relate to. As she recently shared, being one of very few Asian families in a Dutch village meant occasional isolation and misunderstanding. FunX
Additionally, breaking into Hollywood isn’t easy for anyone — but for someone with a mixed background and non-traditional origins, it can be even harder. Highdee had to switch continents, adjust to new cultures, study hard, audition frequently, and remain persistent despite uncertainty. But her perseverance paid off.
Her breakthrough roles — culminating in “The Brothers Sun” — are a testament to resilience, talent, and a refusal to conform to narrow definitions of identity or background.
What the Future Could Hold for Highdee Kuan
As of 2025, Highdee is still early in what looks to be a promising career. Here are some paths she might pursue:
- Diverse roles across film and television: With her multicultural background and language skills, she could take on roles in American, European, or even Asian cinema — potentially opening doors globally.
- Advocacy and representation: Given how personal her upbringing has been, she may champion roles or projects that highlight multicultural identity, diaspora experiences, or underrepresented voices.
- Blending art, fashion, and storytelling: Before acting, she even dabbled in fashion — once launching a clothing brand. the-brothers-sun.fandom.com+2TheCityCeleb+2 With her aesthetic sensibility, she could merge acting with creative ventures beyond screen roles.
- Continued growth and impact: As more viewers discover her work, she could become a role model — especially for young people navigating mixed heritage, migration, or cultural duality.
Why Highdee Kuan Matters — More Than Just Another Actress
Highdee Kuan represents something increasingly important in global media: the blending of cultures, identities, and stories. She’s not an “exported star” or a token face — she embodies genuine intersectionality: Chinese heritage, American birth, European upbringing, diverse artistic training. And she turned all of that into fuel for her craft.
In an industry that often gravitates to familiar narratives, she offers something fresh: authenticity, nuance, and a lived experience of complexity. For viewers looking for representation, or simply new voices and perspectives — Highdee offers a hopeful, inspiring example.
Conclusion
Highdee Kuan’s journey — from a childhood in a Dutch village to major roles on international streaming platforms — is a story of resilience, art, identity, and ambition. She brings to the screen not just skill, but a rich multicultural voice that challenges stereotypes and widens representation.
At only her mid-20s, with a growing list of credits and a breakout role under her belt, Highdee is far more than a rising actress — she’s a bridge between worlds, a symbol of diversity in modern entertainment, and a reminder that talent transcends borders.
As she continues to grow, reinvent herself, and choose new roles, she’s definitely someone worth keeping an eye on — whether you care about acting, representation, or simply great storytelling.
