Fans of The Testaments are eager to learn more about Mabel Li, the actress portraying the strict Aunt Vidala in the hit series. The latest episode of the show, a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, offered viewers a deeper look into Vidala's background, sparking curiosity about the performer behind the character.
Who Is Mabel Li?
Mabel Li is a rising Australian actress with a rich multicultural heritage. Her parents are originally from Guangzhou, China, and moved to New Zealand, where Li was born, before eventually settling in Australia. Li developed a passion for acting at a young age but was initially hesitant to pursue it due to the lack of Asian representation on screen. In an interview with SBS Food, she explained, 'I really enjoyed acting and I felt good at it in school, but it didn't really feel like an option because there was no one who looked like me on TV.' Despite these doubts, she followed her dreams and was accepted into Australia's prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). After graduating, she made her television debut in the murder mystery drama The Tailings. The Testaments marks one of her most significant roles to date.
Mabel Li's Famous Connections
Although relatively new to the industry, Li already boasts notable connections. She appears to be friends with Bridgerton star Yerin Ha, who recently rose to fame on the Netflix period drama. The two have interacted on social media for years, often exchanging supportive comments on each other's posts. They were also featured together in a 2018 photoshoot that championed women of color in acting, alongside five other women, including Heartbreak High star Chika Ikogwe. It is unclear how Li and Ha met, but both studied at NIDA. Additionally, Li is seemingly friends with fellow Australian actress Sophie Wilde, known for her roles in Everything Now, Bring Her Back, and Talk To Me.
The Testaments streams every Wednesday on Disney Plus.
