Always evolving: Get to know actor/artist Josie Ho

Josie Ho may have earned her rest after producing and appearing in Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice and working with acclaimed filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh and Derek Kwok. However, the rising star is far from resting on her laurels. For the lucky few she shares her thoughts with, it seems she is only just getting started.

Fortunately, we were one of those lucky few! Here’s everything we gleaned from Josie upon asking where she has been and what she sees for herself in the future!

Tell us about your history as an artist. How did you start your journey?

Thank you for the questions!! My journey began when my family brought home a Karaoke machine!! I instantly fell in love with singing!! 

My family would have parties and I would get a chance to sing to the aunties and uncles! One of my first performances was when I was in high school in Canada. I rounded up a bunch of friends to join the school talent competition. 

I got to perform a couple of Madonna numbers with my friends dancing for me!! When I got back to Hong Kong I got an opportunity to do a charity show at the Hong Kong Colosseum in front of 12,500 people!! 

I got to perform “La Isla Bonita” (Madonna), and I even got to choreograph my own dance routine!! The show was on TV and was seen by the whole of Hong Kong! From there I got a lot of interest from major labels! I was meant to sign up to Virgin at that time but fate has it that I ended up at Rock Records Taiwan!

After finishing my tenure there I came out and through some great advice from my friends, I went independent. At the same time, I was starting to get into some acting! From there on it has been the 1, 2 punch of music and film!!

Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?

Madonna, Anita Mui, Danny Chan, Leslie Cheung, disco/club music, and Hong Kong as a whole!!

You’ve acted in a variety of different films. Do you use the same process to help get into character or does it depend on the specific role?

My preparation for films and different roles is always evolving!! In recent times I’ve been heavily influenced by Philippe Gaulier the French Clown Master – an anti-method approach! 

You’ve won awards for acting in both film and television. How do the two differ and do you prefer one over the other?

 Just having the opportunity to do any type of project is a bonus nowadays. Film will always be my romance but TV  is a great medium as well. TV takes a bit too long to work on, so the roles need to be spot on!

What was the inspiration behind your new documentary, Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice?

It was actually when Hong Kong Comedian Jim Chin took me to one of Philippe Gaulier’s classes in Hong Kong. I laughed so much and had so much fun, I wanted to share that with people!

You serve as both producer and star of Finding Bliss. What was the most difficult part of pulling double duty on the documentary?

 It’s tough and you’ll end up schizoid but hey I’m used to schizoid now!!

Do you find that your experience as an actor has been beneficial now that you’ve taken up a larger role behind the camera?

The acting definitely helps give you more perspectives from behind the camera! You get a more balanced and greater understanding and awareness of what’s happening 360!!

You’ve worked with several acclaimed filmmakers like Steven Soderbergh and Derek Kwok. Since you’ve already made the leap to producing, do you have an interest in directing at some point?

 Yes!! At some point I will probably head into that direction!! I’ve been offered a couple of times to direct but it probably wasn’t the right timing! Now with the experience I have in front and behind the camera it would be an easier transition!!

What is the biggest thing you want audiences to take away from Finding Bliss?

Hopefully people can chill a bit more and not take oneself so seriously! 

Your band Josie and The Uni Boys is going to be the focus of an upcoming doc called The Hong Kong Sound. How has it been combining two passions into a single project?

This project has been on hold during the pandemic. I really love this project and the prospects of combining the two mediums!!!

You wear many different hats: actor, singer, producer. Is there a facet of show business you want to attempt that you haven’t gotten a chance to yet?

A musical would be a great film project to explore!!

What has been your greatest professional success?

To still be rolling and alive!! 

What about your biggest professional setback? What did you learn?

When I first signed to the major labels, at one of my first performances at an award show when I got my award I sang out of tune, I was traumatized by that! I think I’m still recovering!!

Can you tell us about any other upcoming projects?

There are some film projects I need to work on but at the same time I’m looking into doing some film studies as well! 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Enjoy the process!!

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What other mediums would you like Josie to explore and take on? What other roles do you feel would fit the actress like a glove? Let us know in the comments!