Ren Hanami's life journey began in Huntington Beach, California, where she drew inspiration from her roots in Hawaii. Her parents, Alice Akimi Hanna and James Arthur Hanna, played a significant role in shaping her path. Alice, of Japanese descent, hails from the sugar plantation on Kekaha, Hawaii, while James, a rocket scientist, worked on the pioneering Navstar GPS satellite project. Ren's family tree boasts a rich heritage, tracing back to the Clan Hannay and Sorbie Tower in southwest Scotland.
Ren's professional endeavors have been marked by numerous accolades. In 2021, she was inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame and serves as the Co-Chair of its Trauma Advocacy Initiative. Ren is a stalwart advocate for representation of Asian Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry, having served as the National Chair of the SAG-AFTRA Asian Pacific American Media Committee. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition, as she is known for her commitment to #RepresentationMatters.
As an award-winning actress and singer, Ren has made a name for herself in the industry. Her notable roles include Raya and the Last Dragon (2021),Star Trek: Picard (2020),and Disney's Bunk'd (2015). Her creative pursuits extend to writing and directing, with acclaimed works such as Like Last Night (2017) and Lizard Lesson (2016). Ren's show business career began as a singer and dancer at Disneyland, where she honed her skills. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and a Certificate in Feature Film Writing from U.C.L.A.
Ren's musical talents have been showcased in her self-produced CDs, "Akimi: Songs For My Mom," "Alien," and "Private Island." Her soaring soprano voice can be heard on Maki Mae's Asian Hall of Fame album "Down By The Water," singing the heartwarming ballad "You've Got A Friend."
