Talking With Eden Lee from Netflix series 'Zero Day'

This edition of Talking With focuses on Eden Lee, who appears as Special Agent Angela Kim, helping Robert DeNiro investigate a serious cyberattack against America in the Netflix series ‘Zero Day’.

Prior to this, Eden appeared in Peacock’s PlayStation based series Twisted Metal and in the Disney+ Marvel Comics series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Her credits include AMC’s Parish, NBC’s Found, BET’s First Wives Club, The CW’s Dynasty, and the feature film Are You There God? It’s Me.

To learn more, we are Talking With Eden Lee:

What can you share about your role on “Zero Day”?

Eden Lee: I play Angela Kim, the FBI Special Agent who is brought onto the Zero Day Commission, led by former President Mullen (De Niro). Kim, more specifically, runs the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force ahead of joining the Commission. She’s smart, no-nonsense, capable, and a dedicated investigator.

What helped you the most in bringing this character to life?

Eden Lee: Ahead of working on set, the show’s line producer sent over a research packet put together by the researcher for Zero Day. Mine was full of information about the FBI - what it takes to get in, what Special Agents do, how cyber task forces run, statistics about women of color within the FBI, and a list of books and articles. Being able to comb through that material over months of prep really helped me lock into who Angela is and what her place is on this Commission. And the rest of it is really about just trusting the instincts that got me the job to begin with.

What was your favorite moment from working on the show?

Eden Lee: There were so many great moments, but one comes to mind right away that makes me smile. There’s a scene that kind of flies by in the final cut - we’re all standing inside of the Commission, watching an interrogation. At one point, Mullen (De Niro) turns around to tell Angela to do something for him, and she exits the room. But when we shot that scene, it was the beginning of an early day for us. It was De Niro’s coverage, meaning the camera is set up behind my shoulder to show only his face as he turns around. As he turned around to deliver his lines, he got tongue-tied a couple of times, and I couldn’t help but crack a smile. His face lit up into a kind smile and he chuckled, “Don’t you make me laugh.” I promptly responded, “Yes, sir,” which was, ironically, my line in that scene, and we went right back to work. It was a nice moment.

How was it working with Robert De Niro?

Eden Lee: I mean…amazing? I would have never imagined in a million years that I would’ve been working with him. As an actor, you don’t get to “choose” career goals like “work with a living legend.” You go where the work takes you. But working alongside him was incredible. He is truly a professional, but more than that, he’s so kind and respectful. He holds space for all of the other actors on set, and his professionalism as our #1 on the call sheet inspired us all to raise the bar and run like a well-oiled machine.

Why did you want to be part of this show?

Eden Lee: I think this is pretty obvious - my first hook was obviously Robert De Niro! When I first saw the audition sides and realized Angela was in a scene with De Niro, I knew I had to give it a shot. And the fact that she was specifically a Korean character intrigued me. A lot of times, when you audition, the roles are open ethnicity - but Angela Kim was a Korean character from conception. If I got to choose how I wanted to exist in this world, it was as this Special Agent, who is calm and capable, and also lives the full life of being a woman of color within the FBI.

What inspires you the most creatively?

Eden Lee: Honestly, nature and silence. I think we, as a society, are so overstimulated all the time. Even if we have creative thoughts, it’s hard to hear them through all the noise of our everyday lives. I certainly know it’s hard for me. I used to think my creative juices would flow better when I’d be listening to music or watching a show or a film, but nowadays, going for a quiet walk or sitting in silence feels like the blank canvas I need to let my creativity bloom.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Eden Lee: Not really - just that I hope you all enjoy the show! A lot of time and hard work went into its creation, and truly, this production pulled all the punches to bring the audience the best viewing experience. It was a show that my husband and I would’ve watched, regardless of my participation in it. And as someone who read all the scripts ahead of time, it still blew me away.

Keep up with Eden Lee at EdenLee.com and Instagram: @msedenlee