Brenda Song Slams Hollywood’s ‘Only One Woman’ Mentality: ‘A Precedent Set by Men’

For years, Hollywood has pushed the narrative that there’s only room for one woman at the top. It’s a mentality that Brenda Song knows all too well, but one that she’s thrilled to see changing.

With a long career beginning over on the Disney Channel to working with powerhouses like Mindy Kaling and Kate Hudson in her latest project “Running Point” on Netflix, Song has witnessed firsthand how women are breaking down barriers, supporting one another and redefining what success looks like in Hollywood.

“Men are the ones that make us feel there’s only one slot for us,” Song said on TheWrap’s “UnWrapped” Podcast.  The actress explains that for years there was a sense of scarcity: one minority role per project, one female lead per ensemble cast. It created an unnecessary tension among women, one that she believes is finally being dismantled as the industry begins embracing more diverse stories.

One of the women leading the charge? Mindy Kaling. Song credits the “Running Point” creator with not just creating opportunities for women but actively going out of her way to elevate underrepresented voices.

“I’m incredibly grateful for [Mindy],” Song says. “She really goes out of her way to create opportunities for women like me, women like you—women whose stories need to be told. She wants those stories to be out in the world.” 

And as Hollywood’s power structure continues to shift, Song has found strength in her own personal friendships. Case in point: her relationship with Kat Dennings.

“Kat and I are literal neighbors and best friends,” she shares, remembering working together on “Dollface.” “I was picking her up and driving us to work. It was the dream show because I got to work with my best friend every day.”

These kinds of female friendships—rooted in mutual support and shared experiences—are what keep her grounded. The same can be said of her time working with her “Running Point” co-star Kate Hudson, whom she calls “kind, generous, and so sweet.”

“Kate has mastered the art of being in a room full of men and making sure her opinion is heard in the most graceful, respectful way,” Song says. “It’s so impressive. Watching her work was like taking a masterclass in how to command a space while still being collaborative.”

For Song, the biggest takeaway from working alongside these powerful women is the realization that there’s no longer just one slot available. The industry is evolving, and so are the opportunities for women.

“I think we still have a long way to go,” she acknowledges. “But we’re taking steps. And to be part of that progress—to see it happening—is really beautiful and really hopeful. Growing up, I didn’t have very many actors who looked like me on screen. Now, my little cousin or niece can turn on the TV and see themselves. That’s the most important thing—setting up the next generation to do better.”

During the episode, Song discusses…

• How her priorities shifted after becoming a mother 
• Being Disney-adults with Macaulay Culkin (plus his cameo in “Running Point!”)
• The struggle of saying “no” to projects
• The game-changing advice David Fincher gave her
• A potential “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior” sequel

About “UnWrapped”

“UnWrapped” is a podcast produced by WrapWomen, dedicated to empowering the next generation of women in media and entertainment. Each episode “unwraps” topics from entertainment news and industry trends to career advice, Hollywood headlines and more.

Special guests include industry leaders, actors, producers and studio execs. The aim of the series is to connect those looking for knowledge and access to those with the knowledge and access, providing the WrapWomen community with tools to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

You can listen to the full episode on TheWrap.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, TheWrap’s YouTube page or wherever you get your podcasts. 

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