Interview of Asian American Actor James Kyson Lee

James Kyson Lee is a wonderful up-and coming actor. Right now he is known for his role as Ando Masahashi on the hit television show “Heroes” on NBC. Born in Queens, NY in 1975, he now works out of Los Angeles on multiple projects for film and television. According to IMBD.com he is “recognized as one of the fastest growing stars in the industry.” His filmography is definitely extensive having been on the scene for only a few years. He will be seen in many feature films very soon and will be shooting a 20th Century Fox picture. Asian fans will soon experience his charm in the movie “Shutter”, which will be filming in Japan. Hopefully a large fan base will come out of Asia with future projects in China and Korea. Handsome, talented, intelligent and funny he is a great person to interview with many outstanding and thoughtful words of wisdom. He is an excellent representative of Asian American actors and is guaranteed to become an even bigger star in the game very soon. James is thankful for everything so far in his career and he definitely shows this in the interview.

Asiance: Tell me about your journey to Hollywood.

James: I was basically at that stage where I was searching for the next phase of my life, and basically, I sold my car for 1800 bucks and I bought a one-way ticket to L.A. I packed my suitcase and moved out here five and a half years ago. I really came out for life rather than acting or Hollywood per se. I just started training in L.A., everything from jazz to musical theater to dance and acting and just kind of to discover myself. Twenty years of creativity just got unleashed and that’s how things got started. My TV career started three years ago, so it’s still a relatively young career but it’s been an interesting journey, that’s how I got here. I really didn’t have a lot of experience so for me, I started exploring through training. My very first play in L.A. a girl in the cast worked for an agent, it was sort of a natural process. I wasn’t even looking at the moment.

Asiance: That’s really inspiring. How do you feel knowing you are very much representing Asian Americans in the film and television industry?

James: I definitely feel a responsibility to break down barriers. In history, Asians have come to media through very small steps. I feel like I am part of this generation that is able to make a difference and whenever success comes my way I have a sense to sort of channel that to the greater good and that’s really something that I embrace.

Asiance: Do you believe that there is a certain trait that many Asian Americans hold in the media as a stereotype?

James: You know I feel stereotypes do exist as part of our reality. For my personal journey, I feel I’ve been very fortunate to be part of projects and then play roles that have been very satisfying, layered and multi-dimensional. So, for me, I’m very thankful for my career I’ve had so far. That being said, I think stereotypes definitely do exist and part of what we do is try and sort of overcome that and break that and ultimately when you do good work, that’s when we’re recognized and to be the most effective is to focus on the work and make sure you’re putting out something with quality.

Asiance: Asiance is a women’s magazine and I’m curious to know; not about your personal life but what do you look for in a girlfriend?

James: First of all, I think women are just the most beautiful creatures on the planet. But the things that I look for in a girl are sense of humor and good energy. I’m a very outgoing person so someone who abides with that, I am definitely more drawn to. Also character is important to me. Anything, you know. I’m drawn to people who are adventurous and people who are gifted. I like people who know how to give. Also to not be high-maintenance, but kind of a go-with-the-flow kind of thing.

Asiance: Who would you like to work with in the future as a director or what kinds of projects do you see yourself doing in the future?

James: God, there are just so many. It’d be great to work with boy, Scorsese and Spielberg. They are definitely on my wish list. And I am going to be filming a feature this summer actually, I think two or three but, I’m going to be working on a 20th Century Fox picture called Shutter and we’re filming in Tokyo. It’s my first time going to Japan so I’m very excited about that. For me, I try to look for projects that are challenging and the performances that I respect the most are when the actor is transformed and you don’t really recognize the actor- I don’t mean necessarily physically. I try to take on roles where if I don’t know how to play them that’s a good sign and a good way to approach the project. I like to surprise myself so that’s what I look for.

Source: Asiancemagazine