Not being the lead hasn’t stopped these women from stealing scenes on their shows. Whether playing spy girls, desperate comediennes, or lovelorn doctors, they are nimble of mind, if not always of body.

Gwendoline Yeo

8 Days: We first saw you as Gabrielle Solis’ maid in Desperate Housewives, and now you’re a Chinese secret agent in Chuck. Which role was more fun?

They’re different. Chuck was a blast! It was a dream role, because I love Jackie Chan movies and I finally got to do my own fight scenes. But I wasn’t allowed to perform stunts like the somersaults and scaling the walls, because of insurance reasons.

8 Days: You moved to the US as a teenager. Do you think you’d have become an actress if you had remained in Singapore?

I’ve never thought about that. I’t naturally a bit wacky. But I’ve also changed a lot after coming to the US — I’m more adaptable, more of a chameleon, and there’s a duality in my outlook, which works for an actress.

8 Days: Are you Singapore’s biggest contribution to American TV?

(Laughs) Just talking about it is intimidating. I really don’t want to let you guys down. We come from such a unique place, and I’m one of the few [Singaporeans] here. I’m doing the best as I can for myself and also for Singapore.

8 Days: Despite your roles on some of America’s top TV shows, you’re still better known as Foreign Minister George Yeo’s niece. Does that bother you?

To me he’s just my uncle. We speak on the phone and I get updates about what’s happening in the family and in Singapore. It’s the oddest and funniest thing to be asked about it.

8 Days: Do you reckon there are female spies in Singapore?

You’re asking the wrong Yeo!

— Serene Lim, 8 Days, July 17, 2008