13 Year Old Lance Lim Stars in Growing Up Fisher

By Mary Tablante

“Growing Up Fisher” is a new comedy that premiered Feb. 23 on NBC and stars seasoned actors J.K. Simmons and Jenna Elfman. The show follows the Fisher family — dad Mel (Simmons), mom Joyce (Elfman), daughter Katie and son Henry. It is told through Henry’s perspective as he deals with his parents’ divorce and his father’s blindness while still remaining a happy family.

The show also introduces viewers to Lance Lim, a 13-year-old Korean-American actor in his first big role. Lim plays Runyen, Henry’s best friend. Although the show is his biggest project thus far, Lim has competed on a Korean singing competition show, “Star Audition,” and had a co-starring role in the Disney XD pilot “Kirby Buckets.”

Lim was discovered while singing at his church and quickly fell in love with acting and being on camera. Asian Fortune chatted with the young star and Los Angeles native to get to know him better:

How would you describe your character, Runyen?

He’s a more enlarged version of me. Runyen is a cool guy. He has wittiness, smarts (and) he knows how to wow girls. He’s kind of a mentor to Henry as well. He teaches him what to say, how to dress. At the end of the day, they’re really close friends. Even though they go through ups and downs, whatever happens, they love each other as brothers. They’re like brothers, just from a different mother.

Are you similar to your character?

I really like my character Runyen, not only because he’s Asian! …like I said before; it’s like enlarged version of me. I get to wear the coolest clothes ever and I’m working with such great people.

How connected do you feel to your Korean background?

I am fluent in Korean and I love knowing about my culture. It’s really amazing to know about my second culture. I went to Korea a few years ago and I speak Korean around the house.

What are your hobbies?

When I’m not working, I play table tennis, watch TV, I read a lot (and) sing. I like watching YouTube videos too.

What have you learned so far from being on set?

You have to act very professional. I’m a little bit of a goofball, a little hyper. I learned to calm that down and act professionally. You can’t just start running around the set; it’s my job, it’s not a playground. What I’ve learned from this show, just working with big people is amazing. They’re so humble with me … this is my first big TV show and I’m really excited I have this opportunity. “Growing Up Fisher” airs Tuesdays on NBC at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.