Brian Tee ‘Crashes’ Into Film and Television

January 1, 2009

briantee

In 2004, a little film called Crash explored the raw hostility of race relations via overlapping story lines and was blessed with Academy Awards for best motion picture and best screenplay. Fast forward to 2008 and the lauded film has translated into a cable television series on Starz — and actor Brian Tee has joined the interwoven epic of ethnic consciousness.

Tee stresses that race relations aren’t the centerpiece of the show, however.

“Race is the background of the show,” says Tee, who is of Korean and Japanese descent. “The show deals with race rather than racism. It depicts the situations that cause racism.”

Tee’s role in Crash is another notch on his acting belt, but it isn’t his first time on the small screen. The UC Berkeley grad has also had stints on Grey’s Anatomy, and Entourage. On the big screen, Tee is best known for his role in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, as well as Fun With Dick and Jane and Austin Powers: Goldmember.

Tee recently talked about his poignant role as gang member-turned-EMT Eddie Choi and the progress of Asian American actors in Hollywood.

When you first got offered the part in ‘Crash,’ what were your initial reactions about this Academy Award-winning movie being turned into a television series?
Brian Tee: I loved the movie. It was brilliant. When I got involved, I was really impressed with the depth and range of [Eddie Choi]. The diverse writing staff is very open to collaborating with the actors, which makes the depiction of Asian Americans less stereotypical. I like the aspects of the characters crossing paths.

When you choose roles for television and film, are you wary about those stereotypical Asian roles?
BT: Absolutely. As an Asian American actor, I want to demystify those images and make a three-dimensional character instead of portraying those stereotypes. With Eddie Choi, he is a gangster, but he is not a badass. He has morals and wants to clean himself up.

What are some obstacles that still need to be overcome for Asian American in entertainment?
BT: There are a lot of hurdles — but I don’t think Asian American actors need to be the best Asian American actor. They need to be inspired to be the best person at acting.

Do you think colorblind casting in Hollywood can ever be accomplished?
BT: It can be, but it’s going to take a lot of time. In television and film, you can’t hide that we are different colors. It’s just life. If [colorblind casting] ever happens, people should just cast roles because the actor is a good actor not because of his or her color.

Do you think Asian parents are becoming more acceptable of non-medical/engineering professions for their children?
BT: I think it is loosening. We are seeing more Asian Americans on the small and big screen. The greatest thing about my mom and grandmother is that they always let me explore. They always supported me. They catered to my career. It is more of a way of thinking — you have to be in a comfortable place to choose this route.

Did you always want to be an actor?
BT: I was supposed to be a lawyer, but when I was at Cal State Fullerton, I took an acting class for non-majors. I thought it was going to be an easy A, but it actually changed my life. When I acted, my grades got better and I was more driven.

Would you be a lawyer if you weren’t acting?
BT: Honestly, I am a jock (laughs). I would probably be in nutrition or a physical trainer to athletes. If not, I’d be in sports broadcasting.

What projects do you have in the works?
BT: I helped produce and acted in a movie called Wedding Palace. It’s a romantic comedy, kind of like My Big Fat Greek Wedding with a Korean twist.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career as an actor?
BT: I take it day by day. I have been blessed with my career and there’s so much more for me. I just aim to get better and I am just happy to be a part of this movement.

Brian Tee ‘Crashes’ Into Film and Television

Comments