James Kyson Lee is a “Hero” on NBC

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.

James Kyson Lee – NBC Photo: Paul Drinkwater.

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: That’s nice. Do you ever see your career as a burden when it comes to romance or the other way around?

James: It’s definitely a balancing act. I think it’s a process. There is definitely no one right formula – at least for me it’s something I’ve had to learn. It’s progress. I think it’s something I’m getting better at now that I’m older. I feel more balanced now than I have ever been. Yeah, so for me it’s been sort of trial by fire kind of thing. I think you do need to learn how to have a fulfilling life. I think it’s important to be good to your personal and romantic life and make sure it’s balanced and when it’s fulfilling it will sort of naturally fall into your work. I don’t believe in sacrificing your personal life for the sake of career. That’s sort of something you have to learn to balance out.

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.

Asiance: Do you foresee projects in Asia being more fruitful, or getting more of a response than in America?

James: I don’t know because I haven’t really been a part of projects from Asia per se. I work with directors here who are you know Korean American. I think working in Japan this summer will be an interesting experience but it is an American feature. It’s hard to say. I would love to kind of connect to that world at some point. Even though my cultural background is very Asian American I think there’s something about the market of Asia and the fan base there that is a different feel. And I think the fans are incredibly loyal and giving, as they are here but I think it is sort of a different dynamic. It will be interesting. I would love to work in China and Korea as well.

Asiance: Do you think there is a large difference between the East Coast and the West Coast of America, culturally and regarding Asian Americans?

James: Hmm interesting question, I mean I grew up in New York City. There’s definitely a different sensibility. Before I moved out to L.A. I spent most of my life on the east coast. I love L.A. and being in one place my whole life you want something different. And you know, growing up in New York was great looking back, culturally and going to college out in Boston was great. It’s a great college town. I also love San Francisco. It’s a great city. I’ve been there a couple times. I have family in San Jose so I go there every Thanksgiving. So, I think the sensibility is different. Lots of people mention sort of stereotypes about East Coast West Coast. I definitely love visiting New York, but I think I’m more fit living out on the West Coast.

Asiance: What can people do to spread the recognition of Asian Americans in the media?

James: I think it’s better to find oneself than to find Hollywood or whatever. I think it’s a process. Lots of time growing up in my early twenties was this angst filled time trying to find my purpose in life. What helped me when I came out to L.A. was about exploring what my purpose in life was and discovering my true calling. I think if you take time to do that, it will help you figure out what you are really passionate about and I think you have to really respect the craft whether its acting, directing or filmmaking. The only way that you are going to impact the world and I feel especially in Asian Americans or minorities, is you have to make sure quality is there because we have a lot of striving to do to come to equal terms with everyone else. I think that’s coming along. There is more equal in mainstream things, whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera. But you have to be committed to doing good work and not just being out there to be different but to make sure you’re out there doing something inspiring and something that could possibly change the world. One thing I love about America is when the work is there and what you are producing is good in this country, you will get respect. Sometimes it’s harder to come by but in the end what is respected is the quality of what you bring in, more so than the color of your skin. I think throughout history that’s changed more and there is definitely more room to grow but that’s my idea of how you could change the world.

Asiance: You are so wonderful and it’s great to interview you.

James: Thank you.