Asian American Stars as Heroes

By Jennie L. Ilustre

Superheroes are big moneymakers in Hollywood today. Do you know that Asian American stars are part of the super-successful “Avengers” Marvel franchise, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Star Trek”?

The good news about Hollywood and TV recognizing Asian American talents keeps coming. Recently, an Asian director was chosen to helm “Shang Chi,” an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film about an Asian superhero. “Shang Chi” has joined the “Avengers.” The name literally means “rising of the spirit,” according to the wikipedia.

When award-winning actor and playwright Ken Narasaki learned about this, he was delighted and hopeful. “I’m hoping that ‘Shang Chi,’ with Asian director Destin Daniel Cretton, will be as big a success as ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ and will show the world, and us, that we can be super too,” said Narasaki.

Narasaki pointed out: “To say that ‘representation matters’ has quickly become a cliche, but it remains as true as ever for Asian Pacific Americans. And the importance of heroes that look like us is also just as true as ever.”

He added: “Few studies have been made as to the debilitating effects of growing up in a society where none of the pop culture heroes and heroines look like you. But all of us who grew up without them know the feeling. I suspect that might be a factor in why Asian Pacific Americans often find it so hard to break through the bamboo ceiling – not only does the dominant culture not think of us as leaders or heroes, oftentimes even we don’t.”

Narasaki won the Kuma Kahua Pacific Rim playwriting Award for “Innocent When You Dream“ and “The Mikado Project,“ co-written with Doris Baizley. He also wrote an award-winning short film, “Family Gathering,” produced in 2014.

These days when Asian American TV and movie stars are seemingly ushering in The Golden Age of Asian Americans in showbiz, whether as stars, writers or directors, they are inspirations to anyone who has dreams and aspirations – not just to their fellow Asian Americans. In that sense, they can be considered as heroes, too.

David Bautista: Believe in Yourself

Before David Bautista became a six-time champion in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), he was not a household name. Weeks before he started his first appearance on WWF (now WWE), he was climbing the stairs in his in-laws’ place in Virginia. He looked like a football player. The stairs creaked with his every step. He was huge and he was handsome, which are assets in showbiz if you’re in the current Hollywood franchise box-office hits.

“I’ve been training, and I know I’m gonna be good at this,” he told his former in-laws. He exuded confidence and optimism.  Known as David Batista, he made it big in the wrestling world. It wasn’t long till Hollywood beckoned. He plays Drax in “Guardians of Galaxy” and most recently appeared in “Avengers: The Infinity Wars.”

Justin Lin: Dream Big

Justin Lin is so successful in Hollywood that he can even ask for a role in “Star Trek” and get it. The “Fast and Furious” director (sequels 3 to 6) caught Hollywood’s attention in the 2002 film “Better Luck Tomorrow,” known to fans as BLT. At BLT’s noontime premiere, most of the Asian American crowd had entered the Georgetown cinema in Washington, D.C. Others lingered at the lobby.

It was nearing screen time, and Justin had to do an interview. Justin’s brother was very apologetic. He said, “Justin hasn’t slept a wink, hasn’t had lunch, everything’s so hectic…Could the interview take place in the lobby?” There were no chairs and tables in sight. It was snowing, and the wind was howling.

Justin graciously did the interview, refusing to be hurried. He talked about the film, and what directing meant to him.  He was very grateful for the golden opportunities Hollywood afforded him. According to Wikipedia, he’s an “American film director whose films have grossed US$2.3 billion worldwide as of March 2017.” Even as a student, he had such big dreams. If you have a dream, why not dream big?

 

Lea Salonga: Always Do Your Best

Starring in “Miss Saigon,” her first show in Broadway, singer and actress Lea Salonga won the Tony award for Best Actress in drama. “Les Miserables,” ”Aladdin,” ”Mulan” and ”Flower Drum Song” followed. Recently, she performed in Broadway in an award-winning play. She has concert tours this year, as well, including in Australia.

Lea has stayed on top of her profession because of her talent and her dedication. During the star-studded benefit show at the Kennedy Center for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in 2013, she refused to take a break from rehearsals.

The show’s director said Lea also asked to skip the press session backstage “because she wants to rehearse some more.” The reporters could hear her singing “Climb Every Mountain” from the hit movie “Sound of Music.” Lea was the main star of the show, and she delivered. The audience heartily applauded her every number, and gave her a standing ovation.

 

Lou Diamond Phillips: Be Proud of Your Heritage

Lou’s Filipino American uncle was a World War II veteran. The “La Bamba” star once testified during a congressional hearing on benefits and recognition of the WWII veterans’ service.

He told the veterans and their supporters, “When I learned that the bill’s sponsors were having a tough time getting it pass in Congress, I wanted to testify on your behalf. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I knew I could help the veterans somehow and didn’t take the time to do so. I am proud of your bravery and service.”

Lou took a break from his TV schedule as the lead star in “Longmire,” and flew to the nation’s capital. Years later, he came back when he emceed the Kennedy Center benefit show for the families adversely affected by Typhoon Haiyan. He said he was proud of his heritage, and that he would always be happy to be of help in any way he can.