Reggie Lee – All Rise

By starrymag | April 19, 2021

By: Dana Jacoviello

 

 

 

Q) What was it about the character of Thomas Choi on “All Rise” that attracted you to that part? 

 

A) I think the idea that you rarely see an Asian American character written in a management position or a position of power was really attractive.  And the idea of finding that character that has to manage with a balance of authority, law and his own humanity really appealed to me.  There was an actual study done that found Asian Americans here in the US to be quite underrepresented at executive level positions. So, to be able to play this character and hopefully help change that narrative was really a draw.

 

Q) “All Rise” deals with many current issues in our world today, how do you prepare for those moments in filming that are relatively tragic and intense in relation to today’s society? 

 

A) I’m so proud to be part of a show that tackles these current issues, many that involve racism.  I’ve certainly dealt with much of that on a personal level, so there’s a lot of experience when it comes to those storylines.  It’s a joy to be able to be part of a story where you really have to dig and experience some incredibly vulnerable parts of yourself in order to fulfill the material and the story.  My preparation has always been the same for everything…a deep dive into the story and the experience by imagining myself in those circumstances way before “action” is even called.  I like to do my homework and be prepared so that when I get on set, I feel free and can just “let the poodles run,” as my brilliant acting teacher Harry Mastrogeorge says.

 

Q) What can you tease is in store the remainder of this season for “All Rise” and Thomas Choi? 

 

A) A roller coaster ride?! Choi definitely has veered from his very rigid ways of thinking about law this season and I think you are about to see quite a few twists and turns as a result of that.

TRULY some of the most talented actors I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  There are a lot of heavy moments in this show combined with some wonderful bursts of humor.  On top of that, we have a lot of legalese to wrap our heads around.  It’s not an easy show to film week to week.  But, boy, everyone really brings their “A game” and is fully invested. Everyone comes prepared to get in that sandbox and play.  It’s such a generous, kind, fun group both on and off set. And there is dancing.  Dancing and singing in the courtroom!

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments or episodes from working on “All Rise?”

 

A) Singing and dancing in the courtroom! What more could you want in between takes??!!  On a serious note, there was a scene with J. Alex Brinson (Luke) and I in my office that revolved around the racism I’ve experienced in the past while being an attorney.  To be able to share those moments that ring so true in real life and to be able to share it with another person of color in a scene together was really special.  One of my favorite moments I’ve had the honor of experiencing in a scene. Ever.

 

Q) What does it mean to you being promoted to a series regular in season 2 on a show that has so many POC at the forefront of the cast? 

 

A) I think it is a wonderful testament to what they’re really trying to say and do with this show.  And in that regard, it seems to carry more weight. In a really good way. Everyone has their moments on this show and that’s not easy.  It’s a pretty big cast. But every one of these actors, whether you’re a regular, a recurring or a guest actor, carries with them a responsibility to experience and put forth these specific social issues that they’re given.  And I’m not just saying it when I say that everyone shines! Truly! So, it’s wonderful to be in that company.

 

Q) Switching gears a bit, you are currently developing and producing an 8-episode Filipino crime saga series, what can you tell us about this the series and how this idea came about?

 

A) Yes!  The current working title is “CONCEPCIÓN.”  I was approached by two Filipino writers that had written this amazing 8-episode series to see if I was interested in attaching myself to one of the roles.  It’s Filipino-American story that happens in two time periods with the same characters right here in Los Angeles with some parts being shot in the Philippines.  I subsequently brought it to a good friend of mine that had directed a lot of “Grimm” episodes to see if he’d be interested in directing.  He loved the project and suggested I take it to one of the “Grimm” producers and from there we were off and running. We’re currently in the process of getting some pretty legendary actors from the Philippines to commit to it as well.  And I am loving the producing side of things and having a voice and an opportunity to put things in motion and not just waiting for a role I like to come my way!

 

Q) You seem to be keeping very busy with many projects as also have a Netflix action film, Sweet Girl, coming out opposite Jason Momoa and Marisa Tomei.  What can we expect from you in this film, besides the fact that it is a stellar cast? 

 

A) Yeah, boy, a stellar cast it is.  Such fun filming this in the midst of winter in Pittsburgh last year. Brrrr.  Not much has been relayed yet about this story, so all I can say is that it’s about a man, THE man himself, Jason Momoa, who vows to bring justice to the people responsible for his wife’s death while protecting his daughter, played by the lovely Isabel Merced.  I can only say that my character is connected to their family. Ha! So crazy when you really can’t say anything.  I can say that Isabel and I found out we’re from the same town in Ohio and know some of the same people.  Really crazy. She’s a great girl though and an amazing talent.

 

Q) Do you enjoy playing a wide range of diverse roles or is there something specific you look for in each role you take on? 

 

A) I think that there’s something to be said and enjoyed about stretching yourself in characters that have very little similarity to your own personality.  I’ve certainly had my fair share of those roles and finding the humanity in each one of those characters was a true joy.  But as I get older, and as I continue to work in this industry, I really would love to play roles that depict the humanness of the Asian American experience.  The parts that see us as part of the fabric of the American landscape. To simply experience a normal day, true love, heartbreaking moments. Humanity at its core. That’s what I’d like to experience and that’s what I continue to look for in roles that are presented to me. And hopefully there will be more of that!

 

Q) What other desires or plans would like to accomplish in the future in the entertainment industry? 

 

A) I’d really love to get rolling on this producing thing.  It excites me to have a voice in the story-telling process.  I don’t fancy myself a writer, but I definitely see myself connecting the dots and putting something out there that has nuances of what I’d like to see in the world.  And maybe, one day, direct.

 

Q) We loved seeing you on “Grimm.” What did you personally take away from your time on the series?

 

A) That I have a pretty decent sarcastic tone? [laughs] First of all, thank you.  That show will continue to be a highlight of my life – from the creative team to the actors to the crew to the city we filmed in.  As an Asian American that has been journeying in this business from a time when you didn’t see very many of us as regulars on a series, I can say that we belong.  There’s a long way to go, but WE BELONG. And there are many good people like the producers and writers of “Grimm” who believe that as well.  But more than anything, I personally took away a lifelong family from that show.   A family that continues to support and love one another.

 

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

 

A) A sincere and honest thank you for your support.  It means a lot.  And if I can ask for your support in anything else, it is to please help #StopAsianHate.