Hannah Quinlivan recently turned 31.

But rather than throwing a big birthday bash to celebrate this particular milestone, the model, actress and entrepreneur decided to commemorate it by chasing whales.

“I have always loved whales; they are huge, wide, docile, and friendly,” the Taiwanese‑Australian (her mother is of Taiwanese and Korean descent, while her father is Australian) wrote in an Instagram post documenting the occasion. “I can also draw a source of power from them, the kind that comes from the heart: no matter how big the wind and waves are, how noisy the sound is, remember to maintain your frequency and wait for the right person to resonate with you at the same frequency.”

Just as whales find their rhythm in the vast ocean, Quinlivan has found clarity on navigating the currents of her life with this step into her 30s.

“Turning 31 has made me clearer about my direction and values,” shares the actress, who was born in Taipei, and spent her formative years shuttling between Taiwan and New South Wales, Australia. “I’m no longer anxious for external validation, but am more focused on finding inner peace and the happiness of my family.”

Speaking of family, a theme she keeps coming back to throughout this interview, Quinlivan lets on that she underwent a dramatic mindset shift when she became a mother—she shares three children (two daughters born in 2015 and 2022, and a son born in 2017) with her husband, the reigning “King of Mandopop” Jay Chou. While she once used to chase every opportunity that came her way, she now approaches her career with a different lens. “Becoming a mum has changed everything for me, especially my perspective on time and priorities,” she explains. “I choose my roles and projects more carefully now because I want to spend more time with my children.”

This shift does not mean that Quinlivan’s ambition has waned though. In fact, quite the opposite is true: her drive has intensified and now has more purpose behind it. “I want my children to see their mother pursuing her dreams and know that they can chase their own as well,” she says. Balancing a flourishing career with motherhood has taught her to appreciate both the moments spent on set and those at home. These days, success, to her, is not just about professional milestones, but also about setting an example for her children and finding joy in the journey.

Quinlivan’s love of acting began early, sparked by childhood trips to the theatre with her father. “From a young age, [he’d] often take me to see different musicals and theatre performances,” she recalls. “That allowed me to discover that acting and entertainment can be a way of self‑expression—not just performing for others, but also as a means of exploring my inner self.” What started as a budding fascination soon grew into a lifelong passion for storytelling, setting the stage for her career.

Entering the industry when she was just 15 was daunting, recalls Quinlivan, who candidly shares that she “was a bit lost at first, because I was just a teenager and the world around me suddenly became very big”. As she puts it, everything seemed to expand exponentially, with the bright lights of fame illuminating both opportunities and pitfalls. The demands of the industry, combined with the expectations placed on her as a young actress, required a constant re‑evaluation of what she wanted to achieve. “Finding my own interests and sticking to my values helped me find balance amid all the noise,” she reveals. On top of that, her family’s unwavering support kept her grounded, helping her maintain a sense of self while she was just beginning to carve out her identity in the public eye.

Quinlivan’s career has since taken her all over the world, with the actress expanding her footprint in the industry with roles in both Asian and Hollywood productions. She has appeared on the big screen alongside Orlando Bloom in the 2017 British‑Chinese action thriller S.M.A.R.T. Chase; played a villainous henchwoman who crossed swords with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Skyscraper (2018); and starred alongside Bruce Willis in the science fiction film Assassin (2023)—the final movie of his career. “Breaking into Hollywood was a big challenge,” she admits, “but the experience also taught me a lot.” As she explains, working with directors and actors from diverse cultural backgrounds expanded her understanding of acting as an art form and brought fresh perspectives to her craft.

Perhaps one of the boldest moments in her career, Quinlivan shares, was auditioning for Skyscraper just days after giving birth to her second child. “I wanted to give myself a challenge,” she recalls. “At the time, I thought it’d be wonderful if I got the part, but even if I didn’t, it’d be a reminder of the passion of pursuing my dreams.” The audacity of this choice showcases her fearless pursuit of growth, showing that embracing change often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

As Quinlivan’s career progressed, so did her aspirations. Acting became more than a profession; it became a way to continuously redefine who she was, not just as an artiste, but as a person. “Now, I want to challenge myself through each role and show the audience a different side of me in every role I take on,” she says.

As for her entrepreneurial side, Quinlivan is the founder of Jendes, a minimalist fashion label, and serves as the creative director of her namesake contact lens brand, Quinlivan. She sees such endeavours as extensions of her individuality rather than mere business ventures. “I find that the process of creating something is a journey of self‑expression,” she says. “Whether it’s from travelling, music or interacting with my children, I draw inspiration from my life. Each creation is a spiritual journey for me.”

Amidst her packed schedule, the multi‑hyphenate is finding solace in the little things that keep her grounded. “For me, spending time with my family is the greatest therapy,” Quinlivan shares. The demands of fame can often be overwhelming, but grounding herself in the present allows her to navigate the highs and lows with grace. Exercise and meditation, she says, have also become essential tools for aligning her body, mind and soul, keeping her steady as she juggles various roles.

Family is central to this sense of balance. Reflecting on her nine‑year marriage with her husband, Quinlivan says: “The best part is how we’ve grown together. We went from young lovers to parents, to family, and we’ve experienced the highs and lows of life together.” Their shared experiences over the years have not only strengthened their bond, but also allowed them to grow individually while supporting each other’s ambitions, she notes. “Every step of this journey has taught us how to support each other better.”

While Quinlivan has acknowledged in a previous interview that being known as “Jay Chou’s wife” did not bother her, she expresses a different wish for her children. She shares that she would rather they be recognised for who they are as individuals than simply as “Jay Chou’s daughter” or “Hannah Quinlivan’s son”.

“Everyone has their own unique individuality,” she explains when asked about this mindset. “I want my children to have the freedom to develop their own interests and pursue their passions without being defined by who their parents are. They’ll create their own wonderful lives, and I want them to know they have the power to tell their own stories and carve out their own identities.”

Looking ahead, Quinlivan is excited for what the future holds. Whether it is through acting, entrepreneurship or simply being present for her family, she remains committed to continuous growth. “My motivation comes from a curiosity about the future and a passion for my dreams,” she says. “Every day is a new opportunity and I want to take advantage of it.”

As Quinlivan steps into the next phase of her life, she is doing so with a refreshed perspective. “I’ve slowly learnt how to find balance despite leading a busy life, and I’ve also learnt to cherish the present,” she says. And for her right now, nothing is more important than setting an example for her children and finding harmony in the chaos while staying true to herself.

PHOTOGRAPHY KUO HUAN KAO
STYLING KELLY HSU
HAIR UNA YEN
MAKEUP ELVI YANG
PRODUCER WASABI LI
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS WANG ZENG, STAN HONG, JOSH HSU
FASHION ASSISTANT ANDREW YEH

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