WGTC: You were gone for, what 20 episodes, before your memorable reappearance in season 3. Did you know in that gap that you’d be coming back and why you would?
Lee: No I didn’t. The producers, they like to keep everything hush hush. And I think part of the reason was, don’t hold me to it, they were always changing the script up on the fly. They would turn these scripts out weekly and they’d come up with these episodes weekly. How they came up these stories and concepts is beyond me.
But no, I had no idea, and honestly I’m not even sure if when they decided to bring me back, it could’ve been at the beginning of season 1, 2, 3, or the day of (wouldn’t surprise me). But no, I had no idea that I was coming back, but when I did I was very happy, very excited, especially when I read the script, how the script ended, that made me very happy, because the way it ends, it leaves a bit of an opening, and I liked that. I appreciated that. And it wasn’t just Annyong too, but they added so many more layers to my character by doing that. Any time an actor sees stuff like that in the script, they really do appreciate it.
One of the things I’ll never forget is, working with Jessica Walter, she’s always looked after me, always treated me as if I really was an adopted son. And the thing I’ll never forget is when I stepped off set that day, it was a very bittersweet moment, we shared a great hug before saying goodbye, and she let me know that she put in a good word with the producers and said they had to bring Annyong back for the season finale of season 3. Whether the producers had already decided to do that or not is beyond that, it’s just the fact that she went out of her way to say that. She didn’t need to do that for me, but the fact that she did I think says a lot about her character and it’s a testament to why she is where she is.
WGTC: Can you tell us anything at all about season 4?
Lee: In regard to the new season, or the movie, or anything else, all I can say is that anything is possible. The producers are keeping everything very hush-hush. I mean we’re all holding the secrets of the show very close to our chests, but whatever happens I can definitely guarantee that Arrested Development is going to be funnier than ever. That I can guarantee.
WGTC: That’s a bold guarantee.
Lee: It is, but I think you trust me. And I think that season 4 will be such a hit that it will not only forward promote the film, but help bring it into existence.
WGTC: If you can’t comment on the movie, can you at least say if you’d be willing to be in it if they do make a movie?
Lee: I trust the writers and the producers for whatever decision that they make. If they were to ask me, of course I would. They have a reason for the madness. Mitch is a creative genius. There is always a reason to his madness. If and when he brings me back, there’s a reason. If he decides not to, there’s a reason. No matter what it’s for the best of the show, and I think Mitch will always do what’s best for the show and ultimately that’s what I want. I would never want to do anything to taint the show. As an actor, I would only want to do my best to enhance it and help make it a positive experience for everyone involved and anyone watching.
WGTC: Your current project, One Warm Night, can you fill us in briefly on that?
Lee: One Warm Night is a nine-episode series produced by The Actor’s Room in association with Last Chance Productions. It’s a really fun series, it’s unique, it’s got a large ensemble cast. There are 17 actors, I believe 14 leads. It’s unique, it’s crazy, it’s quirky. There’s a ton of mystery. It’s pretty suspenseful. It’s filled with a lot of oddballs, misfits, you’ve got ninjas coming in. It’s a pretty crazy ride.
I think the greatest thing about this project is through its growing popularity One Warm Night has actually helped the cast that was a part of it really find their voice. A lot of opportunities have been presented for the actors both individually and collectively. A lot of actors have been given the chance to reach out and help the community through this web series. They reach out and they help with a lot of charitable organizations. Some of the actors like Sean Michael Afable and Ryan Tsang and Jared Hernandez, were contacted through our manager, Steven G. Lowe by the SAFE program, which means, Suicide Awareness For Everyone. SAFE does a fantastic job of tackling sensitive areas of concern like suicide and bullying, which is so prevalent in all of our schools today. A lot of the actors have been able to help with organizations that are dear to their hearts. That is the most touching thing and that is the most important reason why actors should get involved. They understand that they have a voice and that they’re here to leave a positive impact, to leave a legacy and to do anything to leave this world a better place, through the work they’re doing, through doing what they love.
WGTC: You said earlier that in another interview someone called you a Korean icon, and right there you talk about giving back to the community, care to elaborate a little more on how important you think your role is there?
Lee: Well let’s look at it this way, for the Asian-American entertainers, those trying to make it in the entertainment business, I feel like there’s this heavy stereotype where a lot of times Asian actors aren’t given the opportunity to capture roles with depth. They’re given these comic relief roles or the stereotypical action role, and I would love to help break that.
There are actors out there who have done a great job. If you look at the show The Walking Dead, if you look at the things John Cho has done after Harold & Kumar, those are things that I would really love to do because I personally believe that there’s a ton of talent out there in the Asian-American community and they just need to be given the opportunity.
And more than that, just speaking for Korean culture based on my own opinion, based on my own experience, It’s hard to get your parents’ support. In a lot of Korean culture they want you to go to college, they want you to go to medical school, be a lawyer, be this. When you talk about, ‘Oh I want to be an actor.’ They go, ‘Great, sure you can do that, but it’s just a hobby, it’s nothing more.’ And I think the greatest thing that I learned is once I decided that no, acting is not a hobby, it’s what I love, and what I love should be my job, everyone has a right to be happy. I think because of that I was able to actually get the support of those around me. I think the reason why (my parents) truly support me is they see that I won’t be happy doing anything else. This is what I love, this is what I have to do. And when you look at it from that perspective, people are going to see your passion, and people are going to follow you, people will support you. And I think that’s something that others need to understand. You have to fight for what it is you want, regardless of if people support you or not, at the moment you have to at least believe in yourself and from there others will start to believe in you.
And that doesn’t just go for Koreans, I think that goes for everyone of all races, of all color, regardless. I think if there’s something you love to do, then you should do it. Especially for acting. I think acting is one of the hardest professions to go into, because you really need to understand who you are as a person before you can even try and act. It’s very important to have a strong support system, and again to have that support system it goes back to understanding who you are, who you want surrounding you.
WGTC: Do you have anything else planned that you can tell us about?
Lee: Let’s see here… I’m always doing everything I can to keep my skills sharp. I always try to improve on my craft. Which is why I train at The Actors Room with my coach Steven G. Lowe, who is also my manger at The Actors Room Management Division. I am very blessed to a part of such an elite group of talented individuals. It really helps that Steve is a personalization coach because he understands me as an individual and coaches according to that. He is always challenging myself with anything that opens my creativity and depth – I love it. I’m up for any role that forces me to risk and challenge my depth, and creativity. I’m pretty much more known for doing comedy, which I love, I absolutely love comedy, I’ll never stop doing comedy, but I would love to do some dramatic roles and start taking on that swing more. Try different genres out because I love to show a different versatility and to grow in my craft in that way.
Now that I also have a production company, Black Canvas, along with my business partner Ryan Tsang. We’ve been fortunate enough to be learning under The Actors Room and Last Chance Productions Film Partners LLC. Black Canvas is pretty swamped right now and we’ve been working on a lot of New Media projects. In fact, one of the new media projects we are working on is One Warm Night. So I’ve actually started to get more involved on the production side which has really opened my eyes and even helped my acting even more. It’s helped me to see another side of production from the editing room to pre-production to the development process of finding scripts. The whole production in general. I’ve really started to find a passion for producing. I would love to continue to produce and that’s something that I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing now. So the entertainment industry has officially sucked me in completely and I’m here to stay.
That concludes our interview, but I’d like to thank Justin for taking the time to talk. Be sure to check out Arrested Development season 4 on Netflix this Sunday and check out One Warm Night as well!