Screen Actors Guild/New York is honoring veteran character actor Kim Chan as a pioneer and mentor in the entertainment industry at the First Annual Asian Pacific Islander Event, recognizing performers of Asian heritage.
The Nov. 10, invitation-only event is the latest feature in SAG's initiative to promote greater diversity in film and television casting.
SAG recently reported that the percentage of roles going to performers in most ethnic minorities showed a decline for the first time since the union began tracking ethnicity employment statistics in 1992.
Angel Elon, national co-chair and New York chair of SAG's Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee, says Chan was selected as the first Asian American honored by SAG/New York because of his extensive body of work, which spans five decades, and his great visibility in the Asian American community. Chan is also being praised for his support of aspiring Asian American actors.
"He has true concern for the young performers," says Elon. "He really wants to get the message out to the younger [SAG] members about what he went through and that the doors have opened up more, but they haven't opened up enough. He wants to make it very clear to the newer members that they need to become involved."
Jae Je Simmons, executive administrator affirmative action at SAG/New York, also pointed out that Chan deserves recognition for his wealth of knowledge and his willingness to share what he's learned.
"It's important to note that, in this industry, you don't find many of the accomplished who have the time or the desire to mentor or to teach others," she says. That [Kim Chan] does is remarkable and admirable."
Elon, who serves in his position as a volunteer, is most proud of the upcoming Asian Pacific Islander event among his accomplishments with the EEOC so far. "One of the things I wanted to do when I first started as a vice-chair was to encourage greater participation of the Asian Pacific Islander community in the EEOC. I've been working towards that for the past few years and this event, I think, is going to be the highlight of [my efforts]."
Chan, who first came to New York with his older sister from China's Toishan province as a teenager in 1928, is not a trained actor. He began his career with extra work in the 1940s, often playing a Japanese soldier. The parts came through show business contacts Chan made while working as a maitre d' at his father's midtown Manhattan restaurant, the renowned House of Chan. He quickly found that acting paid better than working at his father's restaurant.
"They tell me all I have to do is walk across the room," Chan recalls of his first role. "So, I walk across the room and I get $125. I say to myself, "Hey, this is terrific.' I made less than $50 for the whole week at the restaurant. Here, I get $125 just to walk across the room. So, I told them they can hire me anytime."
Later in his career, Chan regularly placed ads to promote himself with Back Stage co-founder Ira Eaker. Among his long list of acting credits are two stints with director Martin Scorsese (on "King of Comedy" and "Kundun") and a featured role in "Lethal Weapon 4." He co-starred opposite David Carradine in the syndicated action series "Kung Fu: the Legend Continues" and now has a recurring role as the nefarious Egg Man on the new CBS action/drama series "Now and Again."
Looking and behaving much younger than a man in his eighties, Chan is very proud to be honored by SAG/New York and feels the event will help promote Asian Pacific Islander performers. "This might get producers and writers to notice the Asian actors here-there's a lot of great talent. There have been times when Caucasians have been made up to look Chinese. It's ridiculous. There are [Asian] actors that can play the parts."
Chan also hopes his honor will inspire other Asian American actors. "I want to say to the Asian actor, have courage, be patient, study your craft, and do your homework so we can be proud of you and you can be proud of yourself. Acting is a wonderful profession [and] can bring you great joy."
The three-hour catered affair honoring Kim Chan will take place at SAG/New York and will include live traditional and modern Asian music, a video retrospective of the honoree's work, and an Asian-themed cake presentation. Chan will speak about his accomplishments and is expected to impart advice on pursuing a career in acting.