Brenda Song, the beloved Disney Channel star known for her role as London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, recently reflected on an iconic moment from the show during a press junket for her latest film, The Last Showgirl. Speaking with MTV, Song revisited the famous “PRNDL” scene from the series, which continues to be a fan-favorite and is frequently quoted by viewers.
The moment, which has become part of television history, sees London Tipton, an airheaded heiress, misinterpreting the gearshift in a car. When hotel manager Mr. Moseby (played by Phill Lewis) attempts to teach her how to drive, London responds to his question about the gearshift with the now-famous line, “You mean… the PRNDL?”
Song was quick to laugh and comment on the line’s lasting impact, joking, “In that moment, you just don’t realize what you’re doing. But also, why isn’t it called the PRNDL? Why do they call it the gearshift?” She continued, affirming that London Tipton’s logic made sense, saying, “It should be called the PRNDL. London Tipton was right.” The scene has since become one of the most memorable in the series, with fans quoting it to Song whenever they get the chance.
@mtv To this day, I have to thank #BrendaSong & #SuiteLifeOfZackAndCody for teaching me driving fundamentals with the #PRNDL 🚘
The Suite Life Legacy
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which aired from 2005 to 2008, was a massive hit for the Disney Channel, propelling Brenda Song and her co-stars, including Cole Sprouse, into the spotlight. Song’s portrayal of London Tipton, the glamorous yet naïve hotel heiress, was both comedic and endearing. The series also had a lasting cultural impact, and Song has often reflected on how the show shaped her career.
“It’s so special to know that people still love the show, still quote the moments, and remember the characters. Those parts of our childhoods are special,” Cole Sprouse, who played Cody Martin, recently shared in an exclusive interview, underscoring the enduring popularity of the series.
While London Tipton remains Song’s most iconic role, she has gone on to achieve significant success in her career, starring in sitcoms like Dads, medical dramas like Pure Genius, and the comedy series Dollface.
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Most recently, Song has been seen in The Last Showgirl, a drama directed by Gia Coppola, where she stars alongside Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. In the film, Song plays Mary-Anne, a fellow showgirl to Anderson’s character, Shelly Gardner. Shelly, a veteran performer of 30 years, faces an uncertain future as her revue faces closure.
For Song, the role was a dream come true. “Who doesn’t want to be a showgirl, first of all? And who doesn’t want to wear Bob Mackie?” she joked to Entertainment Tonight, referencing the iconic designer known for his dazzling costumes.
Motherhood and Career Balance
Though Song’s career has flourished, she has faced personal challenges as well. After becoming a mother, Song contemplated stepping away from acting to focus on her family. She and her fiancé, actor Macaulay Culkin, share two sons—Dakota, 3, and Carson, 2—and Song admits that motherhood changed her perspective on her career.
“Once I stepped into motherhood, it made me question a lot: my place in this industry, my place as a woman, ageism in this industry, society’s pressures of what beauty is, what being young is,” Song shared in an interview with Bustle. She added that the demands of being an actress, particularly the time spent away from her children, made her reassess how acting fit into her life.
Despite these challenges, Song found a way to balance her career with her responsibilities as a mother. With the support of Culkin, she learned to prioritize her children while still honoring her passion for acting. “I’ve always said to be the best parent, the best partner, I have to be the best me. And a huge part of this is work. I have to be able to honor that,” she explained.
Her ability to navigate the demands of motherhood while continuing to act is a testament to her resilience and commitment to both her family and her craft.
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Looking Ahead
As Brenda Song continues to carve out a successful career in Hollywood, she remains deeply connected to her roots. While The Suite Life of Zack & Cody will always be a significant part of her legacy, she is embracing new opportunities and continuing to evolve as an actress and a person.
Her role in The Last Showgirl is just the latest example of her diverse talents and her willingness to take on complex, nuanced characters. With her family at the forefront of her priorities, Song’s future in both Hollywood and her personal life looks bright.
For now, fans continue to quote lines from her days as London Tipton—whether it’s a “PRNDL” moment or a laugh-out-loud scene from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. As Brenda Song moves forward in her career, there’s no doubt that her enduring connection to her past will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.