Brenda Song Blocked from Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino Audition by Disney

Brenda Song Spills Tea on Her Disney Days: "They Wouldn't Let Me Grow Up"

In a candid speech at the Bentonville Film Festival, actress Brenda Song opened up about her tumultuous experience working for Disney Channel, revealing that she was stifled from pursuing more mature roles while still under contract with the network. The 37-year-old star of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody received the Variety Virtuoso Award over the weekend, but her acceptance speech was anything but sugarcoated.

Song recalled trying to branch out into adult roles while still playing hotel heiress London Tipton on Disney's hit show, but the network wouldn't let her. One such role was in director Clint Eastwood's 2008 film Gran Torino, which she had auditioned for but was ultimately denied due to Disney's restrictions.

"I wanted to grow up and play more adult roles, but they wouldn't let me," Song said, her voice laced with frustration. "I felt like I was stuck in a box."

But Song didn't give up on her dream of becoming a serious actress. She went on to land a role in The Social Network, a move that required her to fight for the part. The film's producers had initially intended for her character to be involved in a scene depicting sexual assault, but Disney nixed it, prompting Song to express her disappointment.

However, with the help of Disney Branded Television COO Gary Marsh, Song was able to secure her role in The Social Network, which ultimately changed her life. She praised Disney's support, saying, "They allowed me to do this film that truly changed my life."

Song also touched on the challenges she faced as an Asian-American actress in Hollywood during a time when representation was scarce. She credited actresses like Ming-Na Wen, Michelle Yeoh, and Lucy Liu for inspiring her, adding that working with Wen at just eight years old had been a formative experience.

"I remember being so grateful because she was so encouraging, so kind, and just so supportive," Song gushed about her early mentorship from Wen.

In another surprise revelation, Song revealed that she had worked with Night Court star Richard Moll on the Nickelodeon series 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd, calling it a "long-term project" that had been special to her.

As Song's career continues to flourish, her speech at the Bentonville Film Festival was a powerful reminder of the struggles she faced in her early days in Hollywood. With her Variety Virtuoso Award, she has cemented her status as a talented and courageous actress who refuses to be silenced.

**For more on Brenda Song's journey to stardom, check out TheScholarlyNote.com!