Michael Musi – Kim’s Convenience

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How was Terence originally described to you?

A) I just had to dig up my audition breakdown from 2016. Here’s a snippet:

“Maybe a bit priggish. He is the kind of guy that Kimchee feels compelled to mock.”

I don’t think my version of Terence is priggish, although he can be smug at times. I played him more as an uncomfortable weirdo in my audition and kept that vibe going. Kimchee (Andrew Phung) still definitely feels compelled to mock him, though.

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

A) I think our writers and directors liked what they saw in the audition and let me roll with it. So, I’d say the ultra-awkward, keen go-getter that you see on screen was my take on him.

Q) What is it about Terence that makes him such a love to hate character?

A) Terence sees the good in every situation. He’s the type of guy that doesn’t get invited to parties and thinks, “Oh, they probably thought I’d be busy that night.” He’s also an eager beaver who can get a little sassy at times. Those things combined make him very punchable and lovable at the same time. I, personally, love him. I mean, I don’t want to be his roommate or anything but I love him.

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that is natural for you or have you had to work at it?

A) Thank you! I think comedy is my forte as an actor, but I’m not a comedian. I don’t do standup or improv, although I have done them both in the past. Comedians are some of the hardest working and dedicated people I know, performing in bars and clubs three to seven days a week and constantly working on new material. While I don’t consider myself a comedian, I definitely feel most comfortable working on funny projects.

Q) Who are some of your favorite scene partners for “Kim’s Convenience” and why?

A) That’s impossible to answer because I truly love everyone I work with. I will say that I really, really love when our background actors get to be in a scene with us. We have three background actors (Dion, Tammy and Caylie) who have been with us since Season One. I love them. We always joke around about how they’re the only ones who actually work at Handy. Whenever they’re truly integrated into a scene (e.g., group meetings, Shannon’s karaoke scene, Terence eating wasabi, etc.) I’m so excited to have them around. Also, Dion and Tammy are a real-life couple with the most adorable daughter Raven who plays young Hannah in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” I just love them and they are the epitome of #couplegoals.

Q) We love scenes between Terence and Shannon. Is the comedic delivery with you two more organic or there in the writing?

A) Nicole Power is one of my best friends. I met her on the set of “Kim’s Convenience” in Season One and we became instant pals. I think what you’re seeing is a combination of great writing/directing and just two buddies who are genuinely so happy to be working together. As soon as we get scripts emailed to us that have a Terence and Shannon scene in them, we call each other and talk about it immediately. We love working together and we really love trying to make each other laugh during/between takes.

Q) Is there much room to improv during scenes on the show?

A) There’s always room to improv a little and add our own flair. We have yet to have a director who wasn’t supportive of us contributing to the scene. I like to improv at the end of a take because if it’s not any good they can just cut it out and we can all pretend it never happened. But I’ve definitely seen some of my improv end up in the final cuts. Andrew Phung is an incredible improviser and has definitely contributed his talents to scenes.

Q) Which nickname would Terence prefer: T-Bone, T-Bag or Wasabi?

A) Honestly, I think Terence is just honored to get a nickname. He loves being a part of the group, so if they’re giving him nicknames that means they’re thinking of him.

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback do you receive to your work on the series?

A) When people reach out and tell me how happy the show makes them, I’m so touched. The world feels like it’s on fire right now, so if our show can bring people laughter and comfort I’m thrilled. Those messages are the best to receive.

Q) What do you think it is about “Kim’s Convenience” that has made it such a beloved show?

A) “Kim’s Convenience” is a warm hug. It means so well. It’s about people trying their best to be good while being funny and relatable. When I read scenes between Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Umma (Jean Yoon), I see my Greek and Turkish family. You don’t have to be Korean or Canadian to relate to this show because it’s a story about love and family (real and chosen) and that’s something we can all relate to.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the show and the work you do?

A) Thank you for watching “Kim’s Convenience!” I love being a part of this show so much and it’s truly my happy place.  It has been incredible to see how much you have all embraced it and I really can’t wait to get back to work!