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Julie Tan
Julie Tan
from Wikipedia

Julie Tan Shao Yin (born 22 September 1992)[1] is a Singaporean actress and video game streamer. She was the female lead in That Girl in Pinafore.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Tan was born in Malaysia. She received her education in Singapore and studied Drama at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.[2]

Career

[edit]

In 2008, she debuted in the telemovie The Promise as a girl with intellectual disability. She was also the first runner-up in The New Paper's New Face.

In 2010, Tan starred in television episodes, including The Illusionist, No Limits and New Beginnings. She auditioned for Alpha Entertainment in 2011, and was given a chance to be part of K-pop girl group Skarf, which she turned down.[3] She worked in television dramas A Tale of 2 Cities and A Song to Remember, as one of the female leads.

In 2013, she starred in movies Judgement Day and That Girl in Pinafore. She became the host for A Date with K-pop Stars, which debuted on 21 February 2014, where she travelled to South Korea[4] and spent time with idols.[5]

In 2013, Tan got her first individual lead role starring in 96°C Café. In the same year, she also starred in Gonna Make It. In 2015, Tan starred in The Dream Makers II as the main villain. It was her breakthrough role and she won her first acting award starring as Dong Zihuai in the drama. In May 2016, it was announced that Tan will take a 6-month break from acting in order to take a four-month acting course at New York Film Academy's school of acting.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

Tan struggled with childhood trauma and self-harm when she was young, and had gone through treatment with her mother when she was between seven and twelve years old.[7]

Tan revealed that she started her oocyte cryopreservation procedure in August 2023, after ending a 4-year relationship.[7]

Filmography

[edit]

Television series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Mister Flower (花花公子) Zou Xiaoman
2019 True Lies (大话精) Nadia
2018 Till We Meet Again (千年来说对不起) Hua Caiyue
Till We Meet Again - Prequel (千年来说对不起-前传) Xiao Hua Xianzi
2017 The Lead Fang Anya
2016 My First School Xu Leqing
Peace & Prosperity Huang Zihong
2015 The Dream Makers II Dong Zihuai
The Journey: Our Homeland Yao Jiahui
Tiger Mum Chen Huixin
2014 Three Wishes Zhao Xiaomin
In The Name of Love Bai Xiaoshan
2013 Gonna Make It Su Xiaoxiao
96°C Café Tang Yuchen
It's a Wonderful Life Hao Ping'an
2012 Unriddle 2 Fu Lelin
2011 A Song to Remember Liu Jiumei
Let's Play Love Isabelle
Secrets for Sale Yumi Cameo
A Tale of 2 Cities Pan Lexuan
2010 Secret Garden Abby
No Limits Liu Xinyu
New Beginnings Luan Xiaofang
The Illusionist Zhang Ting

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2009 The Promise (向日葵的约定) Lee Shanshan Telemovie
2013 Judgement Day Xiaolu
That Girl in Pinafore May Sun Xiaomei
2017 Wonder Boy Linda

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Nominated work Result Ref
2013 Star Awards Rocket Award It's a Wonderful Life (as Hao Ping'an) Nominated
Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Nominated
2014 Star Awards Star Awards for Most Popular Regional Artiste (China) N/a Nominated
Star Awards for Most Popular Regional Artiste (Indonesia) N/a Nominated
Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Nominated
Favourite Onscreen Couple (with Xu Bin) Gonna Make It (as Su Xiaoxiao) Nominated
London Choco Roll Happiness Award In The Name Of Love (as Bai Xiaoshan) Nominated
2015 Star Awards Star Awards for Most Popular Regional Artiste (China) N/a Nominated [8]
Star Awards for Most Popular Regional Artiste (Indonesia) N/a Nominated
Star Awards for Most Popular Regional Artiste (Malaysia) N/a Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Three Wishes (as Zhao Xiaomin) Nominated
Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Won
BottomSlim Sexiest Legs Award N/a Won
2016 Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Won
Bioskin Flawless Skin Award N/a Nominated
Rocket Award The Dream Makers II (as Dong Zihuai) Won
Best Supporting Actress Won
Favourite Onscreen Couple (with Zhang Zhenhuan) Nominated
Asian Television Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominated
2017 Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Nominated
2018 Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes N/a Nominated

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Julie Tan (Chinese: 陈欣淇; : Chén Xīnyǐ; born 22 September 1992) is a Malaysian-born an actress and former model and streamer. She rose to prominence in the Singapore entertainment industry with her leading role as a student in the 2013 coming-of-age That Girl in Pinafore, which highlighted local music and 1990s culture. Tan began her career as a model, placing second in The New Paper New Face competition in 2009, before debuting as an actress in the 2009 telemovie The Promise. She gained further recognition through television series such as 96°C Café (2013) and The Dream Makers II (2015), earning the for Top 10 Most Popular Female Artiste in 2015 and 2016, as well as Best Supporting Actress and Rocket Award for the latter role in 2016. After leaving in April 2017, she pursued acting opportunities in , founded her own management agency in 2018 (later managed by another firm), and co-founded the restaurant Botany, while expanding into livestreaming on Twitch as Julavender from January 2021 to 2023, amassing over 4,500 subscribers as of 2023. In addition to her professional achievements, Tan has been vocal about her challenges, including depression and , sharing her experiences in 2021 to promote awareness and resilience. She underwent elective egg freezing in July 2023, shortly before turning 31, to maintain flexibility in her career and following the end of a long-term relationship. She appeared in the 2024 anthology film and went public with her relationship with digital content creator Douglas Tan on her 32nd birthday in September 2024.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Julie Tan was born on September 22, 1992, in , , to a family. As an only child, she grew up in a well-to-do household with her mother, Doris Khaw, playing a central role in her early life. At a young age, Tan immigrated to with her family, where she was primarily raised and adapted to the new environment. Her childhood was marked by emotional challenges stemming from family dynamics, particularly difficulties in her mother's expression of emotions, which contributed to formative trauma experiences. She received alongside her from ages 7 to 12, during which Doris Khaw provided crucial support for her emotional recovery, helping her navigate and address these early difficulties.

Formal Education and Early Interests

Julie Tan received her primary and in Singaporean schools, where she developed an early interest in the . Born in , , she relocated to during her childhood, immersing herself in the local educational system. However, Tan chose to forgo completing her O-level examinations to pursue a specialized path in , reflecting her bold decision to prioritize creative training over traditional academics. In 2008, Tan enrolled in the Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) program at the (NAFA), Singapore's oldest art institution, completing her studies in 2013. This formal training provided her with foundational skills in , voice, and movement, honing her abilities in Mandarin-language and performance. During her time at NAFA, Tan balanced rigorous coursework with extracurricular explorations, which further ignited her passion for the stage. Tan’s early interests in were sparked by participation in talent competitions, notably placing as first runner-up in The New Paper's New Face modeling contest in 2009, which exposed her to the entertainment industry and encouraged her acting aspirations. This achievement, at age 17, marked a pivotal moment in recognizing her potential on screen and stage. Additionally, in 2011, she auditioned successfully for the under South Korea's Alpha Entertainment but ultimately declined the offer due to concerns over the long-term contract, opting instead to focus on her acting career in .

Professional Career

Debut and Early Television Roles

Julie Tan made her professional acting debut in 2009 at the age of 17 with the telemovie The Promise, where she portrayed a teenage girl with an . This role came shortly after she placed as first runner-up in The New Paper New Face modeling competition in 2009, marking her entry into the entertainment industry while still a student at , where she pursued drama studies. In the early , Tan built her experience through guest appearances in various Channel 8 and Channel U series. She starred in episodes of The Illusionist, No Limits as Liu Xinyu, New Beginnings, and Secret Garden as , often playing youthful supporting characters that highlighted her fresh, relatable presence on screen. These early television stints allowed her to gain visibility and hone her craft amid the competitive local drama landscape. By 2013, Tan secured a more prominent supporting role as Tang Yuchen in the family-oriented series 96 °C Café, alongside leads Desmond Tan and , which explored themes of sibling bonds and personal growth in a café setting. Her performance in this production demonstrated growing versatility beyond one-off episodes. In , she took on the challenging role of Dong Zihuai in The Dream Makers II, a high-profile about entertainment industry rivalries, which served as a pivotal moment in her early career development. Around 2015, Tan joined Global, the talent management agency founded by veteran actor , providing her with professional guidance as she navigated her rising profile. As a newcomer debuting young, Tan encountered significant challenges, including the pressures of sudden fame and public scrutiny, which she later described as contributing to early struggles like self-doubt and the need to manage external expectations.

Breakthrough Roles and Career Hiatus

Julie's breakthrough came in 2015 with her portrayal of the cunning antagonist Dong Zihuai in the Channel 8 drama The Dream Makers II, a role that marked her transition from supporting parts to a central villainous character and earned her widespread acclaim. This performance led to her first major award recognition at the 2016 , where she secured both the Best Supporting Actress and the Rocket Award for rising talent. Following this success, Tan took a deliberate six-month career hiatus starting in late June 2016 to focus on professional growth, including a four-month intensive course at the in New York. She cited the need to step out of her comfort zone after seven years at and to refine her craft beyond local productions as key motivations for the break. Upon returning in October 2016, Tan adopted a renewed approach to her , prioritizing depth in character development and selective projects over volume, which she described as making her "better, bolder, and braver." In April 2017, she left as a full-time artiste to pursue independent opportunities, including acting roles in . She appeared in several Chinese productions, such as the thriller Agent (2015) and later projects, expanding her reach in the regional market. In , Tan founded her own management agency, 1Wolf Entertainment, to disrupt traditional practices, though she later joined LNX Global. That same year, she co-founded the restaurant at Robertson Quay with family members, focusing on organic and aesthetic dining experiences. This shift was evident in her subsequent prominent television roles, such as the ethereal Flower Hua Caiyue in the 2018 period drama Till We Meet Again, a fantasy series that highlighted her versatility in mythological narratives. She further solidified her range in 2020 with the role of the determined Zou Xiaoman in Mister Flower, a exploring personal redemption and relationships. By the late 2010s, Tan's public image had evolved from that of a promising newcomer—following early debut challenges in minor television appearances—to an established actress recognized for her ability to tackle complex, transformative characters.

Film Work and Recent Projects

Julie Tan made her film debut in the 2009 telemovie The Promise, an extended adaptation from its television origins, where she portrayed a young woman with intellectual disabilities alongside . This role marked her transition from modeling to acting in cinema, building on her early television exposure to secure opportunities in feature films. Her first major cinematic success came with the lead role in That Girl in Pinafore (2013), a coming-of-age directed by Woo Ming Jin, in which she played the spirited student Guo Yu Zhen, earning praise for her natural performance and contributing to the film's success in . The movie's positive reception highlighted Tan's versatility beyond television, establishing her as a rising talent in local cinema. In subsequent years, Tan expanded her film portfolio with supporting roles in (2017), where she portrayed Linda in a story exploring family dynamics and personal growth, directed by Boon Ang. Her involvement in these projects demonstrated a shift toward more dramatic narratives, diversifying her screen presence outside productions. More recently, Tan took on challenging roles in independent films, including the anthology Good Goodbye (2024), directed by Tan Weiliang and Ong Dianne, where she played Cindy, a cancer patient and social worker; for this portrayal, she shaved her head to authentically depict the character's vulnerability and resilience in a story centered on palliative care. The film's release underscored her commitment to socially relevant themes, receiving acclaim for its emotional depth. She is also involved in the upcoming film The Fatekeepers (in development, directed by Daniel Yam), an action-adventure fantasy in which she stars as part of an ensemble including Richie Koh and Andie Chen, portraying a young woman harnessing feng shui powers to avert national disasters, further showcasing her range in genre-blending cinema. Beyond traditional filmmaking, Tan has diversified into digital content creation as a video game streamer since 2021, launching her Twitch channel under the handle Julavender to broadcast gameplay sessions and interact with fans, amassing a dedicated following through platforms like Twitch and . This venture, starting during the , represents her entrepreneurial pivot away from Mediacorp-centric work, blending entertainment with gaming to engage a younger audience. As of 2025, no new film projects have been announced beyond those in development, allowing her to focus on streaming and potential independent endeavors.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family Planning

In early 2023, Julie Tan ended a four-year relationship, a decision she described as a step toward breaking generational trauma, amid public reflections on the emotional toll of . She shared that the split prompted introspection about her past, including experiences of pain, hurt, and betrayal in relationships, which she characterized as a "rollercoaster" that left her feeling far from her envisioned milestones. In August 2023, Tan underwent , or egg freezing, at age 30, shortly before turning 31, to preserve her options amid uncertainties in her personal life. She explained the choice as proactive planning, stating she did not want to regret it if marriage came later and conception proved challenging, especially following the recent . This procedure, legalized in for women aged 21 to 37 regardless of , aligned with her hopes for a stable future partnership without rushing into commitments. Tan has openly discussed dating challenges, including past betrayals that eroded trust and delayed her expectations of , noting at 31 that she had anticipated proposals and family life by this stage. Despite these setbacks, she expressed optimism for a meaningful connection, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and adventure in a long-term relationship. On September 22, 2024, her 32nd birthday, Tan publicly confirmed a new relationship with influencer Douglas Tan, posting affectionate content and captioning it as the start of a "lifetime of adventure." The couple, who connected in late 2023, described their bond as transformative, marking a positive shift after her previous hardships.

Health Challenges and Mental Health Advocacy

In November 2018, Tan was hospitalized due to gallstones, suffering from high fever, widespread pain, and elevated levels; the largest stone measured 0.7 cm, requiring medical intervention. In 2022, she experienced a ruptured , which caused severe pain and led her to prioritize her physical more intentionally, including regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments. This health scare prompted her to reflect publicly on the importance of listening to one's body amid a demanding career. Tan has openly shared her mental health journey, including a history of and ongoing struggles with , initially revealed through emotional videos in 2021 that continued to resonate in her 2023-2024 reflections. In interviews, she described turning to for recovery, highlighting how professional support helped her manage negative thoughts and build resilience. By 2023, Tan discussed the persistent stigma around in the entertainment industry, advocating for open conversations to reduce isolation for others facing similar challenges. Her advocacy extends to addressing online harms, where in November 2023, she revealed experiences of from anonymous users on , including manipulated images and explicit threats that exacerbated her emotional distress. Tan drew inspiration from Taylor Swift's public handling of personal and professional setbacks, crediting the singer's vulnerability as a model for turning pain into empowerment. In 2024, she participated as a speaker at events like the Festival and TEDxYouth@NgeeAnnPolytechnic, using her platform to promote mental wellness and . Tying her personal resilience to her work, Tan shaved her head on November 12, 2023, for her role as a cancer-stricken social worker in the film (released in 2024), viewing the commitment as a for confronting illness and vulnerability head-on. This act not only deepened her portrayal but also mirrored her own health battles, reinforcing her message of perseverance.

Filmography

Television Series

Julie Tan's television series appearances span from 2009 to 2020, primarily in productions aired on Channel 8 and Channel U, where she took on supporting and leading roles across various genres including , romance, and fantasy.
  • Secret Garden (2010): Abby.
  • No Limits (2010): Liu Xinyu.
  • Unriddle (2010–2012): Fu Lelin (8 episodes).
  • 96°C Café (2013): Yuchen (lead role in 20-episode series).
  • The Dream Makers II (2015): Dong Zihuai (main villain).
  • Till We Meet Again (2018): Hua Caiyue / Flower Fairy Caiyue.
  • Mister Flower (2020): Zou Xiaoman (20 episodes).
No major television projects for Tan have been confirmed after 2020 as of November 2025.

Films

Tan made her acting debut in the 2009 telemovie The Promise, portraying Lee Shanshan, a girl with intellectual disabilities. In 2013, she starred as the female lead, May Sun Xiaomei, in the comedy-musical film . She also appeared in the Judgement Day as Xiao Lu. In 2014, Tan had a supporting role as Tony in the Mystery. She played Linda, Richard's love interest, in the 2017 musical drama Wonder Boy. In 2019, she appeared in the Chinese crime film Whisper of Silent Body in a supporting role. In 2020, Tan starred as Flower Fairy / Hua Caiyue in the The Great Sage: Prequel. She played Cindy, a cancer-stricken medical social worker, in the 2024 anthology film Good Goodbye.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2009The PromiseLee ShanshanTelemovie debut as a girl with intellectual disabilities.
2013Judgement DayXiao LuSupporting role as a prostitute with AIDS in .
2013That Girl in PinaforeMay Sun XiaomeiFemale lead in comedy-musical.
2014MysteryTonySupporting role.
2017Wonder BoyLindaSupporting role as love interest.
2019Whisper of Silent BodyBai HuaweiSupporting role in Chinese crime film.
2020The Great Sage: PrequelFlower Fairy / Hua CaiyueLead role in fantasy adventure.
2024Good GoodbyeCindySupporting in segment about ; shaved head for role.

Awards and Nominations

Star Awards

Julie Tan first gained recognition at the through nominations in the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes category starting in 2013, reflecting her rising popularity following early roles in dramas such as 96°C Café. She continued to receive nominations in this category in 2014 and 2017, establishing her as a consistent fan favorite among Singaporean audiences. Tan achieved her first win in the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes category at the 2015 Star Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career. She repeated this success in 2016, further solidifying her status as one of Mediacorp's prominent young actresses. That same year, her performance as the antagonist Dong Zihuai in The Dream Makers II—a breakthrough role that showcased her versatility—earned her the Best Supporting Actress award, her first acting accolade at the event. Additionally, she received the Rocket Award in 2016 for her rapid career progression and impactful contributions. Prior to her 2016 wins, Tan was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for her role as Zhao Xiaomin in Three Wishes, highlighting her growing dramatic range. She also contended for the Rocket Award in , underscoring her early momentum in the industry.
YearCategoryResultWork (if applicable)Source
2013Top 10 Most Popular Female ArtistesNominatedN/ATODAY
Top 10 Most Popular Female ArtistesNominatedN/AInCinemas
Rocket AwardNominatedN/ASmart Casual SG
2015Top 10 Most Popular Female ArtistesWonN/AMediacorp
2015Best Supporting ActressNominatedThree WishesTODAY
2015BottomSlim Gorgeous Legs AwardWonN/AMediacorp
2016Top 10 Most Popular Female ArtistesWonN/AMediacorp
2016Best Supporting ActressWonThe Dream Makers IIMediacorp
2016Rocket AwardWonN/A8 Days
2017Top 10 Most Popular Female ArtistesNominatedN/ATODAY

Other Recognitions

In 2016, Julie Tan received a nomination for in a Supporting Role at the for her portrayal of the villainous Dong Zihuai in the Singaporean drama The Dream Makers II, marking one of her early international nods in the regional entertainment industry. Beyond formal accolades, Tan's dedication to her role as a cancer patient in the 2024 film —including shaving her head for authenticity—earned widespread media praise for its emotional authenticity and vulnerability, with critics highlighting her affecting performance as a highlight of the production. Her ongoing advocacy, including public sharing of personal struggles and participation in events like the 2024 Mental Health Festival, has also garnered positive recognition in and wellness media for raising awareness on and emotional resilience, though no major awards have been conferred in this area as of 2025.

References

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