Hi All! We recorded this podcast at the start of the lockdown with actor Paul Yen! Paul is a politically aware actor who can be seen on Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere” in the role of Scott. Paul was nominated in 2018 (not 2019 as said in the podcast) for LA Drama Critics Circle’s Best Lead Actor for his portrayal of Quang in East West Players’ “Vietgone.”

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:51 Dan met Paul through a play that was directed by Dan’s wife.
1:46 Graduated from CSULB. Took a long break until a friend convinced him to finish his degree.
14:15 Had to rap for the “Vietgone” audition. 17:20 A social media post from the director telling Asian American men to “take space” lit a fire for Paul.
20:36 Many older Vietnamese immigrant are registered Republicans (incl. his parents). Been trying to get them to vote more Democrat.
28:00 Shares his auditioning process for “Little Fires Everywhere” (says this experience can vary greatly depending on the casting office).
Role for “Little Fires Everywhere” differs from the Asian model minority stereotype
37:58 Watching Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon’s process as executive producers was educational and inspiring.
43:30 Solo show “Secret Identity Crisis” (The Hollywood Fringe 2017) takes popular superheroes (Batman, Superman, Spiderman) and reimagines them as Asian-American men.
55:39 Shares his voice acting experience on “White Snake.”
1:02:20 Sheltering in place with his wife and dog during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1:15:11 Paul’s political awakening.
1:35:48 Believes Asians actors should be able to play other types of Asians (as long there’s no language stipulation).

Language Corner (1:31:08):

Taiwanese - 莫按呢 - mài anné: don’t be like that
Japanese - 仕舞った (しまった) - shimatta - darn it! we’re screwed!
Vietnamese - mày - informal “you.” Used only between people who’re familiar.

Podcast Episodes

Yin & Young EP048 - Actor Paul Yen (Vietgone, Little Fires Everywhere)