Pisay Pao (born November 1, 1984) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Cassandra in the Syfy series Z Nation.
Pisay Pao | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pisay Pao (1984-11-01) November 1, 1984 (age 38)[1] Thailand |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2005 to Present |
Pao was born on November 1, 1984 in Thailand, at a refugee camp where her Cambodian parents were placed to escape political persecution during the Cambodian Civil War.[1] Her parents were granted political asylum in the United States in 1986, and settled in Seattle, Washington, where she was raised.[2][3][4][1][5] Pao stated that she was attracted to the arts from an early age, and began painting, drawing, dancing, and performing as a child. She obliged her parents' wishes to focus on an academic career instead, earning a scholarship to attend the University of Washington.[2] However, she left her university course to instead pursue a career in fashion and the performing arts.[2]
Pao was introduced to a talent agent through a friend that was a model.[2] Pao stated that she exercised several times per week to prepare for her role in the TV series Z Nation.[6][7] Pao reportedly often attends comic book conventions to meet fans, and has expressed her wish to portray Marvel Comics super hero Storm.[5][6]
Pao has stated that her parents' struggle to escape the Cambodian civil war is an inspiration for her work.[7]
Pao is also a Christian.[8]
Pao has travelled to Cambodia to visit her family members who remained there. Her first trip was in 2001.[5]
Pao is a self-professed advocate for women's rights. She has stated that she "wants to find a way to bring justice for all women who are victims of sexual violence."[2][5]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Simply Fobulous | Chantavy | |
| 2009 | The Whole Truth | Inona Kim | |
| 2010 | Your Lucky Day | Wife | |
| 2012 | Door to Door | Dee | |
| 2018 | Bitter Melons | Sophia | |
| 2019 | Velvet Buzzsaw | Attorney | |
| 2019 | We Take the Low Road | Hospice Worker | |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2016 | Z Nation | Cassandra | Main role season 1&2 guest season 3 |
| 2016 | NCIS: Los Angeles | Jamie Patterson | Episode: "Core Values" |
| 2019–2020 | Doom Patrol | Oyewah | 7 episodes |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | State of Decay 2 | Lynne (Medical Nurse) | Live action role |