Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
You can call David Lim “Victor Tan,” the character he plays on CBS TV series “S.W.A.T.” Better yet, you can call him lucky. The role of Victor Tan was especially created for him. He plays the rookie S.W.A.T officer who made his name in the Hollywood Division, then soars to the top of Los Angeles Police Department and Metro S.W.A.T.
In career and personal life, David is in a happy place. He has found Ms. Right, and when the show wraps up for the 2019 season, he said he would be “off to Europe to get married!”
David, who turned heads for his performance in the ABC thriller “Quantrico,” had auditioned for the CBS series, but did not land any role. Still, he became an 11th hour addition to the cast as Victor Tan, according to TVline. The article quoted “S.W.A.T.” executive producer Shawn Ryan as saying pilot director Justin Lin (the “Fast and Furious” franchise director), felt the S.W.A.T. team needed one more member. S.W.A.T. means Special Weapons and Tactics. The show is based on the 1975 series of the same name.
Shawn, Justin, and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas remembered David, who had really impressed them in an audition for a different role, according to the article by Michael Ausiello. They rushed to create the character of Victor Tan. After seeing David’s “great work” in the pilot and in the early episodes, the producers and director promoted him to series regular, Shawn told TVline.
David was a full-fledged series regular when the show premiered last November 2. The series stars Shemar Moore, Stephanie Sigman, Alex Russell, Lina Esco, Kenneth Johnson, Peter Onorati and Jay Harrington.
Career Path
David was raised in San Ramon, California. He earned a degree in, Electrical Engineering from the University of California San Diego. But after working in an office, he decided he wanted to do something different.
He soon signed a contract with Ford Models and moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling and acting. David landed among People’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive, after appearing in numerous commercials, such as Gillette, Bud Light, McDonald’s, Dave and Buster’s and Apple.
David had a recurring role in “Quantico,” where he was well-received, leading to the “S.W.A.T.” series. TVline reported his screen credits include guest roles on “Supergirl,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Castle,” “Hollywood Heights,” “90210,” and “Criminal Minds.”
Getting to know David
David graciously took the time for an email interview. Follow David on Instagram & Twitter: @davidbradleylim
How did you prepare for the role of Victor Tan?
I was able to spend time with real S.W.A.T. officers, train with them and ask them questions. I wanted to hear their stories, and just gather as much information as possible on what it’s like to be in S.W.A.T.
Most of them will tell you about the adrenaline of the high-stakes missions, and that they love the camaraderie and brotherhood of being on the team. And when they’re not on a mission, they’re constantly training–running scenarios, at the gun range, working out, etc. So I went to the gun range to get more familiar with handling firearms, and upped my training regimen to put on 5-10 pounds of muscle for the role.
The success of the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” – do you think it will help you and other Asian Americans land more major roles on TV and films?
I do. The movie was a big moment for the Asian American community. It was unprecedented territory for Hollywood–a major studio film with an all- Asian cast. It showcased our range and talents as actors and storytellers, as writers and directors. It was a huge blockbuster success, and just a great movie in general that anyone can relate to and enjoy. I laughed and cried, but most of all, I felt proud. I think it’s going to help pave the way for more projects just like it, and open up doors for Asian American actors.
What are your plans for next year? Any acting prospects lined up for next year?
A lot of S.W.A.T. We’re currently filming episode 10 of 22 (possibly 24) of our 2nd season. We won’t wrap until April of 2019, and after that I’m off to Europe to get married!
Was there ever a time you were discouraged and wanted to give up?
I never wanted to give up. It’s not in my DNA. If I felt I gave everything and knew it just wasn’t going to work out, then I could walk away knowing I tried my best. But I never got to that point.
Of course, there were times of discouragement –auditions gone bad, months that went by without booking a role wondering if I’d ever catch that break. I think it’s natural to feel discouraged, especially when pursuing something as tough and unforgiving as being an actor. But you have to persevere, stay positive, and continue to work hard.
What made you persevere?
I believed in myself, and had people who believed in me. I knew I was capable of having success in this industry. I had a lot of success as a model. Acting was the next step. I consider myself a very hard worker, and was confident it would translate into becoming a working actor.
I saw improvement every year, and funny enough, I thought being Asian helped me. I thought there was a need for our faces and stories on screen, for more diversity in the industry. The roles were scarce in the beginning, but I felt like they would start to come along at some point. So I studied hard and stayed ready, anticipating that any week could change or spark my career.
What is your dream role?
In many ways, I’m doing it right now on “S.W.A.T.” I’ve always dreamt of being an action hero–that guy who saves the day and gets the girl, and kicks a bunch of ass in the process. I love intense action sequences, that stuff that keeps you on the edge of your seat and glued to the screen. But I also love compelling, diverse storylines and having the camaraderie of being part of a close-knit team. That’s “S.W.A.T.” in a nutshell. It really is a dream job.
Are you concerned you may be typecast in law enforcement roles?
Not at all. I enjoy playing law enforcement roles. You’re the “Good Guys.” Although it would definitely be fun to play a bad guy one day!
How did you feel when you were featured among “People’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive”?
I was surprised, but excited at the same time. It’s a big deal and an honor to be featured in the Sexiest Man Alive issue. Plus, Asian men don’t exactly get a lot of love when it comes to being “sexy,” so it was great to represent.
Many celebrities have civic causes they are involved in. They are also vocal on current issues.
I think it’s great. People all over the world follow Hollywood. We have a voice, and should absolutely use it to stand up for what we believe in, or bring awareness to important issues and causes.
Where do you work out? What does your workout consist of?
In our S.W.A.T. gym, which travels with us on set! I try to focus on two body parts per day, i.e. chest/biceps or legs/abs. Usually, an hour a day, every day if I can. I also like to hike and play basketball.
What do you usually have for breakfast, lunch, dinner?
Breakfast is usually a veggie/egg white scramble and wheat toast. For lunch, I usually do some sort of meat (usually steak or chicken), rice and veggies. And the same for dinner.
What is your comfort food? Your favorite junk food?
Chinese food! When it comes to junk food, I like it all. Pizza, burgers, fries, mac ‘n cheese, ice cream, candy, you name it. I have a big sweet tooth.
Anyone else in your family who is or was in showbiz?
Nope. I’m the only one.
What was your parents’ reaction when you left your job and pursued modeling and acting? What is their reaction now?
I think they were a little shocked. I went from working a steady 9-5 job to moving to L.A. and become an actor. It was a total 180-degree turn. But they were supportive.
I’m sure in the back of their minds they weren’t thrilled, especially after I graduated from college with an engineering degree. But they wanted me to pursue something I was passionate about. Now they’re my biggest fans. They love to come visit me on the set, and they watch every episode of S.W.A.T. They’re proud parents, and having their support from the beginning has meant the world to me. (The family has two offspring. David has a younger sister.)
What traits do you look for in a partner?
Someone who’s sweet, caring, thoughtful, funny, smart, beautiful inside and out. Someone who has your back through thick and thin, who you can laugh with, grow with, travel the world with. My fiancee is all of those things, and I’m so lucky to have her in my life.
