Chelsea Muirhead on telling human stories on Netflix’s ‘Pulse’
The actress discusses her new role as Dr. Sophie Chan in the medical drama and how the world of the show resembles her own
Actress Chelsea Muirhead plays Dr. Sophie Chan on "Pulse."
Courtesy of Netflix
Words by Bri Ng Schwartz
Mixed Asian Media: JoySauce is proud to present something very special—a partnership with the ultra talented team over at Mixed Asian Media. In JoySauce’s mission to cover stories from the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora, we’ve always considered it incredibly important to include mixed AA+PI perspectives. Since their team already has that piece on lock, we’re delighted they were willing to join forces to help us share even more fresh, funny, interesting, irreverent stories each week. Take it away, MAM!
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Bri Ng Schwartz: In your opinion, what sets Pulse apart from other medical dramas?
Chelsea Muirhead: I do think the stories we're telling are quite unique, particularly the personal relationships that are going on with each character. (Creator) Zoe (Robyn) did a wonderful job at writing very human stories. It’s a beautiful amalgamation of The Pitt and Grey's Anatomy, but new stories.
BNS: You play Sophie. Are there any big similarities or differences between you and her?
CM: Sophie is juggling having a career and a personal life. I've discovered that I’ve also been struggling with that. As an Asian person, I was raised with the mindset of: Do your work, you're gonna be fine. The most important thing is work ethic. Not necessarily friendship. Not necessarily love, relationships, or affection—all of these things that I crave, and I know Sophie craves too.
From left, Daniela Nieves as Camila and Chelsea Muirhead as Sophie on "Pulse."
Courtesy of Netflix
BNS: Sophie develops a friendship with Camilla, a medical student. Why do you think friendship is important in high-pressure work environments?
CM: In a high-stress environment, when it's so doom and gloom, having that someone you can trust to co-regulate with is so important.
BNS: You identify as Filipino Scottish. How has your identity showed up in your career?
CM: I get it all the time, “You could just be anything.” It's like I don't really belong anywhere, almost like the whiteness cancels out the Asian, and I'm not Asian enough. I never had a lot of representation for myself.
Chelsea Muirhead
Calyssa Lorraine
BNS: Almost every mixed Asian actor I've spoken to has said the same thing.
CM: At the end of the day, telling stories that are human first is what interests me. I've been lucky so far that my resume has quite a range. I still can’t believe it, because I didn't think it was possible for me. I really internalized some negativity growing up, but screw all of the voices!
BNS: What is your advice for other mixed Asian actresses entering the industry?
CM: If you have a dream (in whatever industry) no one's gonna pave the way. Even if you have fear, do it anyway. Even if you don't see your reflection on screen, start the path. If you have a story to tell, tell it.
From left Jack Bannon and Chelsea Muirhead as Tom and Sophie on "Pulse."
Courtesy of Netflix
Published on May 26, 2025
Words by Bri Ng Schwartz
Bri (she/her/hers) is an artist and administrator based in Brooklyn. She is committed to the dismantling of gatekeeping in arts and culture and uses her experience in community engagement and education to develop meaningful partnerships. Her current roles include education and community outreach manager at Primary Stages and is a teaching artist at Girl Be Heard. Having received a double major in dramaturgy/dramatic criticism and women's and gender studies from DePaul University, her early credits come from her time in Chicago, notably at Free Street Theater in various titles. Since relocating to New York, she has served in various administrative capacities at Dance/NYC, Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, National Queer Theater, JACK Arts, Theatre Communications Group and more. She has also written for publications such as HowlRound, American Theater Magazine and is a staff writer at Mixed Asian Media. http://www.bringschwartz.com