There were a whole lot of ass-kickers at CAPE’s (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) 20th Anniversary Gala. Maggie Q, the cast of Hawaii 5-0, Supah Ninjas, even a power ranger or two!
So naturally, we asked, “Who do you think is the most kick-ass person?”
Reporter: Janice Jann | Shot & Edited by Kelly Li
“Most icons are dead or past their prime. I’m still alive. And still very much actively involved.” — George Takei
ISSUE: Summer 2011
DEPT: Personalities
STORY: Janice Jann
With a resurgence on film and TV, George Takei may be the next Betty White.
George Takei is not a fan of being called an icon. “I take a little umbrage with that,” says the veteran entertainer. “Most icons are dead or past their prime. I’m still alive. And still very much actively involved.”
Indeed, the Japanese American, who is arguably the most famous Asian American actor in Hollywood,
with an entertainment career that spans more than 50 years, across continents, on the small and large screen and on stage, is nowhere near slowing down.
Though Takei is perhaps best known for playing Hikaru Sulu on the ’60s cult classic Star Trek, the star with the deep-baritone voice continues to shine on screen and on stage to this day. Currently, Takei plays a holographic ancestor called Hologramps on the Nickelodeon comedy Supah Ninjas, a show he says will “bring family viewing back together again.” Takei also makes an appearance this summer in the Tom Hanks-Julia Roberts film Larry Crowne, and come 2012, he’ll be on Broadway starring in Allegiance, a musical with Lea Salonga about the Japanese internment during World War II. “It’s a story very close to me,” says Takei. “I lived that life as a child. The parents in the musical are really modeled after my own parents.”
Takei takes the hardships he’s faced in life in stride. Despite the actor’s sometimes stoic reputation, Takei has always been able to combat adversity with a good dose of humor. He’s an outspoken advocate of gay rights (he’s married to long-time partner Brad Altman) and is known for his mock PSAs responding to homo- phobic remarks by public figures. In fact, no one can call this 74-year-old entertainer behind the times in this YouTube age. After his Spider-Man musical spoof video went viral, Takei was dubbed the next Betty White. He’s flattered by the comparison, but what would he rather be called?
“What about George Takei?” he laughs. “I’d like to be that kind of an icon. Working, creative, active and relevant throughout his life.”
— JJ
Throughout the years, Asian Americans have yearned to see faces like theirs on the small screen. With Nickelodeon’s new show Supah Ninjas, the Asian American family is returning for the first time in 16 years as the star of a mainstream television series. While teen-oriented shows are saying they’re committed to diversity, do AA teens today really feel well-represented?
ISSUE: Spring 2011
DEPT: Features
STORY: Janice Jann
There’s a new family moving into TV-land this spring. The dad, a bumbling cop. The grandfather, a wise old man. And the son, a doe-eyed high-schooler named Mike who just wants to win over the girl of his dreams.
“I don’t strive for more in a way that makes me feel bad. I strive for more in a way that keeps me excited and having fun.” — Randall Park
ISSUE: Spring 2011
DEPT: Personalities
STORY: Janice Jann
In recent years, Randall Park’s mug has been all over the place. On TV, he’s either awkward-ing it up in KY lubricant commercials, or on House as a patient undergoing a lobotomy. He’s raking in laughs as the lovelorn Carlton in the indie film The People I’ve Slept With and as the silent Henderson in Dinner with Schmucks. He’s gone viral online in quirky short films, often ones he’s written and produced. The 36- year-old Korean American talent is used to wearing a lot of hats. Continue Reading »
Our favorite funnyman Randall Park graces the Personalities section of our Spring Issue, but one photo does not reflect the life the actor-comedian infuses into his flexible facial expressions. We know the Supah Ninjas star likes to improv so we concocted a series of scenarios for him, and photographer Carmen Chan produced the series of photos below.
Audrey’s been gearing up for a sweet Spring issue with the lovely Olivia Munn gracing our cover and a special tween/teen TV feature story.
Supah Ninjas cast with lead Ryan Potter (center)
It sure seems like Asian American tweens/teens are all over Hollywood these days! We can’t wait for the kick-butt Supah Ninjas (starring half-Japanese cutie newcomer Ryan Potter and George Takei) to air on Nickelodeon in Spring.
And another Nickelodeon star True Jackson VP’s Ashley Argota is celebrating her 18th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 29! The bday party will be held at the W Hotel in Hollywood and the guest list is a who’s who in teen programming, from iCarly cuties to Victorious VIPs.
Wish you can be there? Now you can! Audrey Magazine is sending a guest jr. reporter to work the red carpet for this party and it could be you! Here are deets for our first-ever Guest Jr. Reporter Competition:
1) Contestants must be between the ages of 15-20 and have a responsible ride to Hollywood, California on Jan. 29.
2) Upload on our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/audreymagazine) a 15-20 second video of yourself explaining why you would make a great guest Jr. Reporter for Audrey. Audrey Magazine staff will choose the winning entry.
3) Contest ends Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6pm PST. Winner will be announced Friday morning.
4) If for some reason, you can’t make it to Ashley’s Birthday, we will forfeit your title and give it to the next best video entry.
Audrey Magazine reserves all rights to cancel or forfeit this contest at any given time.
Looking forward to checking out all the entries. Good luck!
