Hank Chen – Life-Size 2

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are some recent projects you are working on?

A) I’m recurring on the upcoming season of an established show on a streaming network and if I say anything else, they’ll blow a tranquilizer dart through my bedroom window. I’m also doing a lot of stand-up the rest of this year – in Los Angeles and on the road opening up a couple of shows for my buddy, Charlie Berens in the Midwest. I’m usually always working on material. It’s a creative outlet I’m in control of in between acting jobs.

Q) Please tell us the premise for Life-Size 2.

A) Life-Size 2 starts off with a young CEO (Francia Raisa) going through a quarter-life crisis. She is grieving the loss of her mother, her company stock is plummeting and she needs help in every sense of the word. She gets that help in the form of an Eve doll (Tyra Banks) brought back to life just before Christmas. Eve’s entrance into Grace’s world creates large ripple effects that alter all of the relationship dynamics in her life. Also, this is a Christmas movie so expect to laugh, cry, and feel pretty darn good by the end of it! How we get you there… you’ll have to watch to find out.

Q) Were you a fan of the original film before joining this sequel? 

A) Absolutely. Most of the cast (except for maybe Gavin [Stenhouse] who is straight and not from the states – ha!) grew up watching it and obsessed over Eve and all things Disney. It almost feels like a dream to be a part of the sequel. Like, what? And as for the “Be A Star” music video on YouTube – I’m responsible for hundreds of views on that ticker.

Q) How was your character Brendan Butler originally described to you?

A) The casting breakdown described him as a “well-dressed, sardonically amusing gay man who is Grace’s executive assistant and long-time best friend. He does his best to prevent Grace from making a public disgrace of herself — an increasingly difficult task…” I loved everything about this. It meant I was allowed to play, have opinions, stand up for myself and just straight up handle it! This was clearly not a one-note cookie-cutter gay character.

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) There are always going to be “Hank-isms” in every role I play. I do my best to incorporate my unique behavior and instincts into someone else’s words the way any trained actor would. But, most importantly, when I first read for the part I wanted to make sure to find moments of real vulnerability and connection with Grace. A childhood best friend is close. He can’t just be making quips and scolding her the entire time. How boring. And after the initial table read and first week of rehearsals, additional changes were made to some of the dialogue to further solidify that bond. I loved that this character got to have real relationships with the people around him.

Q) Talk about working with Tyra Banks. 

A) I might not stop if I start! Tyra is an icon in every sense of the word. From working with her, I can see why. She is fierce with a capital F – Always moving, always innovating. I was in awe. I’ve had an awareness of her since I started following pop culture and just like me somehow ending up in a Disney movie, getting to work with Tyra was surreal. And then after a day, I had to get over it, so I could do my job! Given how many hats she had to wear in this production in addition to the million other things she has her hands in, on top of being a mother to her beautiful son, York, I was ready for her to be very busy, constantly surrounded by a “team” and for our relationship to be the strictly professional. But from the first night I arrived in Atlanta when she called me to welcome me to the movie, I knew she was the real deal. So warm and genuine. I’ve also never seen such poise and calm despite some uncomfortable shooting situations. Anytime you see us in a car scene, just know that we were baking like yams! But she’s a supermodel who is no stranger to discomfort for the sake of getting a good shot and we all did our best to keep up. And her team? Just unreal. She surrounds herself with the best people and I became fast friends with them and we still stay in touch. Her executive assistant recently just attended one of my shows. The whole cast and crew had so much fun with Tyra. She really is able to give so much to others because she takes care of herself first. From what I observed, I’ll bet a lot of her beauty also comes from laughing a lot and eating well.

Q) What was some advice that director Steven K. Tsuchida offered while shooting that you took to heart?

A) During rehearsals our first week in Atlanta, Steven really allowed us to improvise within the scenes as we all work on our relationships with each other. Since we were playing a tight-knit group of childhood friends, it was really important that we established that rapport. We took a lot of opportunities to hang out with each other on and off set. It helped that we had a few birthdays to celebrate while we were there. As a result, our hangouts and improvisations from rehearsals led to some really great moments that deepened the relationships of our characters and made it into the script!

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) The first scene of the first day was bright and early between myself and Francia and it was just a lovely way to begin. The entire cast, crew and network executives were assembled together for the first time in the master bedroom of this gorgeous Atlanta mansion. With sunlight streaming though these gigantic windows behind him, our director Steven made a beautiful opening statement welcoming everyone to this project and reminding us that we were a part of something magical. This reminder replenished my gratitude in the midst of long hot days or bouts of homesickness. These people were my surrogate family, and we took care of each other.

Q) What makes Freeform the perfect network for this movie?

A) The original Life-Size aired on the Disney Channel and was meant for a younger audience. Lindsay Lohan was literally fresh from The Parent Trap, and like, ten years old. The audience who fell in love with the first one has now grown up – many with kids and families of their own, so Tyra and the creatives at Disney wanted to make sure this film was kid friendly like the original while speaking to the generation that grew up with it. The Freeform name evolved from ABC Family a few years ago because they also wanted to honor their maturing audience and have their content and network name reflect that. Life-Size 2 fits perfectly on Freeform because that’s the audience who wants it!

Q) How do you plan to celebrate the film’s premiere?

A) Between the red carpet premiere in Hollywood and the world premiere on television a few days later, I feel blessed because it feels like I get to be a part of two celebrations. Heck, the last week of November might as well be Life-Size 2 week for me! The red carpet premiere will just be a straight-up party. I’m having some friends over at my place for wine and cheese while my stylist and groomer help me get ready. Then, we’re all going to jump in a car (thank you, Freeform!), arrive in style, smize with Tyra, watch the movie and dance our asses off until the Roosevelt Hotel kicks us out. The night of the world television premiere (Dec 2nd), when we get to share it with you all, will be a little more chill. I will be flying in that morning after doing a show in Kenosha, so I’ll need it to be. But I will certainly be commemorating that moment! It will be something fun with the cast. Not sure if I can say anything more than that. Just keep an eye out on our social media!

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you excited for the instant fan feedback you’re going to receive to the movie?

A) I am as excited for it as I am scared of it, mainly because I want people to love this movie as much as I do. What’s that classic saying about relationships…how the person with the most power is the one who cares less? Well, I guess I’m powerless in this case because I care so much! But at the end of the day, all any artist can do is their best and trust that the universe will deliver the results as they are meant to be. It’s out of my control. I’m trying to be less co-dependent in all of my relationships.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you. Many of you believed in me before I had the confidence to believe in myself. When I entered this business, I was still closeted and finding my way. I’m still figuring it out because, that’s life! But I found my voice as an artist largely in part of the feedback from audiences and the way my work was received. It’s been a healing and cathartic journey that is far from over. I am so grateful to everyone who has stood by me through every incarnation of my career. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Happy Christmaskwanzaamukkah everyone!