What was Kim's all-time favorite role?
Probably Lo Si, a.k.a. The Ancient. Kim loves having to time create a whole character, and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" incorporated much of his real-life personality as well as many of his ideas. Kim injected a lot of his own humor into the role. It's interesting to note that Ping Hai was originally supposed to be played by someone else (no actor in particular, it's just that it was written as a separate character). Luckily, one of the big shots was astute enough to realize that Kim could do the job.

Has the demise of the 'studio system' that developed actors been a benefit or a loss to actors, to the studios or to movies in general?
Some people who merely looked good (attractive in the manner that was acceptable at the time) were groomed for stardom. This wasn't natural, in many cases, it didn't allow for the organic development and growth of real talent. Some people who were chosen to be stars didn't really have the goods. You've either got it or you haven't! Also, performers were dictated to in such a way that their privacy was trespassed.

What is Kim's favorite Kung Fu episode?
Hmmm, maybe "Ancient Love," which wouldn't have been written if Kim hadn't been a cast member. That's because it was based on actual events in Kim's life. Apparently Kim has had many romantic episodes....

Are projects that cast 'color-blind' like Disney's Cinderella (with Brandy as Cinders, an Asian as the prince, a Caucasian and an African-American as the stepsisters) a step forward or will it diminish cultural uniqueness?
Nontraditional casting is very important because it presents opportunities for many talented performers who work might not otherwise be seen. That's a plus for both the actor and the audience! Still, maybe if you have a production in which the father and mother are of X ethnic group and their child is played by someone of Y ethnic group, that might not look so realistic (particularly in a film).

Americans rarely seem to value movies made in other countries. Is it the subtitles that are to blame is or is it the quality of foreign movies? Or cultural bias on our part? Have we been brain-washed by Hollywood as to what a movie should look like?
It's worth noting that while many in the world speak English, Americans don't seem to speak so many other languages.

Kim's parents have been mentioned--did he or does he have siblings? Any famous relations?
Kim is the baby of the family. He had an older brother and two older sisters, none currently walking the face of the earth. Kim's older brother died of tuberculosis in China, and while Kim was still a child one of his duties was to cook opium for the patient. (There were no other medications available at the time.)

Has Kim visited China--recently or otherwise? Or on a regular basis? Would he ever like to live there again?
Kim left Mainland China when he was about 10 years old (again, we're just not sure of Kim's age). He arrived in America around the time of the Great Depression and has never been back to the old country. There are many sad memories (lost relatives, etc.). However, once in a while, Kim considers taking a vacation there. He is well aware that he would feel very much like a foreigner.

What was it like to work on KF:TLC with all those white folk pretending to be Chinese or half-Chinese?
It's been happening for a long time (you may have seen Broken Blossoms from the silent era of film). Kim maintains good relations with David Carradine and has been quoted as saying that his colleague "is more Chinese than I am." While the situation may not have been ideal, it's important to note that the television show employed many struggling actors with Asian faces. Kim has had his share of heartache regarding non-Asians cast as Asians: years ago, he actually lost a part to Joel Grey. (Editor's Note: this was the movie "Remo Williams") Kim was appalled at Mickey Rooney's portrayal of a Japanese man in Breakfast at Tiffany's, which was directed by Blake Edwards. As you'll recall, Rooney was a guest star on "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues." (Editor's Note: this was the 4th-season episode "A Shaolin Treasure.") Blake Edwards married Julie Andrews, and I think they adopted some Asian children.

Does Kim pay attention to politics? Any politicians he admires?
Yes, Kim watches debates, speeches, etc., avidly on television and reads about the details in The New York Times. He especially admired Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Many things have changed in his lifetime--cars, phones, tv, computers. What's the invention he appreciates the most?
Kim has repeatedly said that he'd be "lost" without a microwave oven. As you know, he is a gourmet chef and knows how to prepare food the old-fashioned way, but we live in times that sometimes require meals in a New York minute.

What does Kim like better: Coke or Pepsi? Or even, Dr. Pepper, the "Official Chi Replenisher" of Old Ping Hai's Basement?
Kim drinks a lot of orange juice.

Gardening, flowers, growing herbs and veggies--does Kim do anything along these lines or does he just buy silk stuff and dust now and then?
Kim grew up in a rural environment and still identifies with trees. He savors the time spent visiting various botanical gardens (so please let him know if there is one in your region). At home there are easy-care silk flowers (a vase of yellow silk roses, garlands of pink and purple). In the warm weather, Kim likes to wear a gardening vest that has plenty of nifty pockets and a dark green plaid lining.

Greatest fear?
Fear of not being loved and appreciated; fear of being abandoned in old age.

Favorite color?
Bright golden-yellow is one of Kim's favorite colors. A colleague keeps insisting that he shouldn't wear a shirt in that color because she thinks it makes him look sallow. But he always has those rosy cheeks (and those incredible cheekbones). He often wears a bright golden-yellow baseball cap from Capezio.

In Kim's opinion, is it different for a Japanese actor to play a Chinese character than for a Caucasian actor to do so?
It is less likely that a Japanese actor would be asked to attach prosthetics to his eyes (Jonathan Pryce initially sported such a device in the London production of Miss Saigon). But as we know, a Japanese actor might still be requested to behave in a stereotypical "Oriental" fashion. Please note that Kim has played Japanese characters many times. In a perfect world, an actor of any ethic persuasion would be able to portray a character of any other ethnic persuasion...without that causing distress or offense.

Americans have a youth worship culture and Kim comes from a culture that sees the value in having lived a while. Does it ever give him any problems/distress/thoughts?
As our faithful club members know by now, Kim isn't sure of his exact age. Years ago, believeing the practice would cause others to respect him more, he added several years to his assumed age, and by now the issue is even more confused. Kim is sometimes puzzled by the outrageous getups that teenaers sport on the subways of New York (pink hair and multiple piercings, etc.) but of course, not everyone is as naturally adorable as he!

What is your opinion of Chinese and Japanese relations reference the Rape of Nanking?
While it's understandably true that many Chinese resent and loathe the Japanese because of certain events in history, it's also true that many Asians and Asian Americans are learning to bridge that gap. When Kim was honored by the Screen Actors Guild in November, 1999, he commented that rather than being referred to specifically as a Chinese-American actor, he wanted to be thought of as an Asian-American actor...and, ultimately, as an actor.

When chatting with Dr. Ruth Westheimer at the Whitney Museum, Kim playfully boasted about being able to satisfy 10 concubines. So what 10 'celebrity' ladies would he like for his 10 concubines if he could have/afford them? And why for each choice?
Kim immediately blurted out, "Mary Lincoln," but that's merely a result of his watching The History Channel. This is a question whose answer will take some time. For now, suffice it to say that Kim does adore women. Envious males have actually accused Kim of being a proverbial dirty old man, but that really isn't the case.

If he could choose any period of time to visit, what era would he find most interesting to visit and what part of the world?
Probably the 19th century and turn of the century. China was hesitantly opening up to the West. And there were so many innovations all over the world. Also, Kim has often expressed an attraction to the charms of the clothing, the manners. It's worth noting that when ne meets a new person, Kim rises from his seat at dinner, even if the other person is much younger. Despite his randy sense of humor, Kim is very much a gentleman

Some thoughts on TV, please! Is it the 'vast wasteland' or a benefit to mankind? Cable over national stations? Are we doing enough for our kids with regards to kids shows? Do we need to rate shows for parents to keep the adult stuff away from the kidlets? Should adult material only be presented late night?

Any shows in particular that deserve the Kim Chan Seal of Approval?
Lots of animal programs. Lots of musical programs. "Inside the Actors Studio" hosted by James Lipton. Larry King. The History Channel.

Soap operas seem to be a training ground for so many actors these days. Has Kim ever done one or wanted to?
A few of the soaps Kim has made appearances on: One Life to Live, Ryan's Hope, Texas. Kim has some irritating experiences to relate about certain soap directors who attempted to hide the adorable high cheekbones of his distinctive visage (perhaps in their effort to place attention on the overwrought soap theatrics of others). They actually tried to push our hero out of the frame! But sneaky, smart Kim always knew exactly where the camera was lurking....

Describe the perfect Kim Chan vacation.
So little time, so many places to go! Kim is considering a multi-city visit to Italy. He'd love to hear your suggestions. (Kim has spent a lot of time in Italian neighborhoods.)

Cars--ever own a cool one? Does Kim like any one in particular?
Car? Kim has never had a license to drive, not even when he lived outside New York City. Years ago he took driving lessons but didn't do well; his astigmatism caused too many problems. Anyway, Kim is quite disorganized; you wouldn't want to be on the road (not even as a pedestrian) if he were at the wheel. Sometimes, when strangers recognize him, he finagles his way into their vehicles.

What pranks does Kim play on his fellow actors on set? What pranks have they pulled on him?
Lethal Weapon 4: Mel Gibson stuck a candle in Kim's crotch when Uncle Benny became a corpse. Then Kim purchased two items from one of those "erotic bakers" and presented them to Mel at a big cast-and-crew event.

Are shows cancelled too fast before they have the chance to develop an audience?
Did you know that the Museum of Television and Radio (formerly named the Museum of Broadcasting) presented a special evening devoted to Now and Again? The audience applauded wildly when the producer announced that the program had indeed been picked up by CBS for a second season. (And, of course, Adorable was the object of adoration.) You can imagine the shock when we learned (through an industry professional also dining at Sardi's) that Now and Again was being axed. Also worth noting: There are many shows whose pilots never get picked up for even one season...like Puttin' on the Ritz, in which Kim portrayed a cook (and television junkie) in a very affluent household.

More politics....Do you think Mayor Giuliani has a good rapport with the Asian citizens of New York?
Kim perceives less graffiti since Rudy took office.

What does Kim Chan think of Amy Tan's work?
Kim says she's a wonderful writer--and very truthful. Her retelling of the tales of the old country are very close to Kim's own memories.

How come whenever Chris Potter spoke Chinese, his lines were subtitled -- but yours never were?
Because....everyone knew Kim's Chinese was accurate and fluent, whereas the producers were a little worried about Chris Potter's ability to pronounce the words.

Have we left anything out that you would like to talk about? We'd love it!!
Kim was originally hired to portray the mayor of Chinatown in the movie Year of the Dragon. When he was told to speak in a very dopey accent, he protested that it would be unrealistic. Ordered by the director to do as he was told, he turned the tables and shouted, "Shove it up your a--!"
Ten long red fingernails were part of the original intent of the makeup artist on the set of The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne. Aware that this was a stereotypical image of an Asian nobleman, Kim protested in his inimitable fashion. "If I go to take a s--t, who's going to clean off my a--?"
For several months, Kim has been participating in a comprehensive study on aging at a major medical establishment. While he is aware of the importance of this work, he finds it hard to suppress his sense of humor. Asked to name the current president of the United States, he furrowed his brow and responded, "Uh...Calvin Coolidge?"