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Asian Actor Josiah D. Lee Featured as Host of First
Korean-American Video Magazine Show
January 10, 2005
Asian actor Josiah D. Lee is featured as one of the main hosts of
the groundbreaking show “Egg WestCoast,” the first
Korean-American video magazine show on U.S. television. In addition
to his recent voiceover work in Korean, Japanese and English on such
films as “Collateral” and “Team America: World Police,”
Josiah has been featured in an article in The Korea Daily and
interviewed by Cine21 magazine. With consistent and innovative
performances, he brings unique insight to every role, whether on
stage or screen, and has received accolades from fellow performers
and industry reps alike.
However, climbing the ladder of success as an Asian actor hasn’t
been easy. Asian/Pacific Islanders represent 3.8 percent of the
American population, yet continue to secure only 2.5 percent of all
TV/theatrical roles. Male Asian leads cast in episodic television
declined from 104 lead roles in 2002 to only 61 in 2003 (From the
Screen Actors Guild Casting Data Report, 2003).
In addition, Asian actors must also battle stereotypes that limit
their film activity. Many of Josiah’s auditions are for the
Chinese delivery boy, computer nerd or kung-fu guy roles, and he is
frequently overlooked for lead/romantic lead roles, which he is told
are more appropriate for other ethnicities.
“Asians are Americans too; we have contributed significantly to
this society. I just want to portray Asians more accurately and
deservingly,” explains Josiah.
He hopes someday to be viewed as simply a good actor, and looks
forward to the time when society sees him for his talent and not
just his Asian heritage.
In the mean time, Josiah will be playing the lead role in an
independent film that takes a look at Asian stereotypes in the
Hollywood media. The film will be the first time he has addressed
these issues on camera. Josiah hopes that an increased awareness of
film stereotypes will spur the Asian community to support diversity
in film as both the African American and Latino communities have
done, further paving the way for other talented Asian actors in
Hollywood.
For more information, visit:
Josiah D. Lee’s homepage www.josiahdlee.com
Egg West Coast www.eggwestcoast.com
Screen Actor’s Guild www.sag.org
Media Contact:
Kitania Kavey
213-249-4153
e-mail protected from spam bots
www.AscendTalentManagement.com
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