Speaks English and Mandarin Chinese as second language
grew up in Virginia Beach, VA
Has two brothers
Although her surname is foreign, she is ethnic Chinese who was raised in the United States by adopted parents - her Taiwanese aunt and American uncle (hence the Krusiec surname). Her Taiwanese parents sent her to live with her aunt when she was five, so that her mother could better cope with Krusiec's two other siblings. In Taiwan, she is better known by her Chinese name, Yang Ya-Huei, with Yang being her biological father's surname.
BG: Got her undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech in BG: 1995.
"Saving Face" is her first leading role in a film.
while attending Virginia tech, she went to a workshop featuring director Oliver Stone and actually fell asleep during the workshop but eventually landed a small role in his film Nixon.
Interests include Asian cultures, African dance and world music, all a result of having traveled around the world.
Enjoys taking dance classes in everything from ballet to hip-hop.
Michelle is an "extreme sports" enthusiast who enjoys hang-gliding and snowboarding.
Received her undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts and English from Virginia Tech in 1995.
Won the "Audience Choice" award for her film Saving Face (2004)at Taiwan's 42nd Golden Horse film awards on 13 November 2005 (Golden Horse film awards are the Chinese-speaking equivalent to the Oscars).
Michelle Krusiec Detailed Biography
Whether performing as an actor, writer or fashion model, Michelle Krusiec is one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood today. Her widespread appeal comes from her ability to assimilate into both dramatic and comedic roles, whiles embracing the essence of a true Hollywood ingénue.
Krusiec's impressive career on the big screen continues to unveil itself. She was recently seen in the Disney hit comedy Sweet Home Alabama, starring opposite Reese Witherspoon, Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy for 20th Century Fox as well as The Duplex directed by Danny DeVito and starring Ben Stiller. Previous film credits also include MGM's 2002 Sundance Film Festival debut Pumpkin opposite Christina Ricci, the indie romance Pursuit of Happiness opposite Frank Whaley and Annabeth Gish, and Nixon starring Sir Anthony Hopkins.
No stranger to television, Krusiec traveled to over 50 countries, hosting two seasons of the Discovery Channel's adventure program, Travelers. Immediately following, she was cast as a series regular on NBC's unconventional family comedy One World. The diversity she has attained as an actor reflects in the roles she has played on such series as HBO's Mind of the Married Man, Without A Trace Titus, Popular and ER.
Krusiec proves that compelling drama and raw humor can emanate from one talent when she penned and starred in her critically acclaimed one-woman show, Made In Taiwan. She braved the crowds of HBO's U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, premiering the show to sold out houses in this highly prestigious and competitive event. Both Daily Variety and the Hollywood Reporter proclaimed Made In Taiwan one of the top shows at the festival, while also earning her spot in the latter's Top Ten Rising Talents to Watch.
