Terry Chen – UnREAL

By starrymag | April 9, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What was the audition process for “UnREAL” like?

 

A) Pretty simple actually. Auditioned for the role and got the offer.

 

Q) Your character Guy is described as a “hot, tattooed, chef.” What else can you tell us about him?

 

A) Guy’s motivated to get his brand out there. It’s a bit of a publicity gag but he’s having fun arm chair quarter backing and laughing at the shenanigans. We can tell image is important to him. Or is it?

 

Q) Some of the “UnREAL”cast stays the same from year-to-year, but there are also lots of newcomers every season. What’s the environment and dynamic like on set since the cast is so mixed in terms of how long they’ve been working together?

 

A) It’s a real family in there. Everyone is very warm and welcoming. I’ve never worked on a set that’s had so much going on at the same time. The art imitating life-life imitating art dynamic makes for a surreal environment that much more surreal when you don’t know who cast and crew are anymore and the two worlds blend.

 

Q) Do you have any favorite stories or memories from filming?

 

A) Lots of fun memories with this bunch. Filming in the winter of Canada, pretending it was LA was memorable. A few pool and shirtless scenes in the cold. You know really hard work. Really.

 

Q) Talk about working alongside Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby.

 

A) I really enjoyed working with Constance and Shiri. Absolute pros who love what they do and have a sincere passion for collaboration. I wish Constance’s character and mine could’ve met up in “House Of Cards,” but I’m looking forward to her return. I’ve always been a big fan since “Entourage.”

 

Q) Who did you become the closest with while working on set?

 

A) To be honest, the guys, my fellow bachelors and I, became good mates. We all had very different backgrounds, came from different places and just bonded over this strange, fun, dynamic project.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “UnREAL” that makes it such a fan favorite program?

 

A) I think anything that can give fans an insight into their favorite shows and bring some spicy/bold characters to the forefront will always be popular. We live in a voyeuristic world with social media and reality shows created and produced to entice us like candy. Some people eat it up and can’t get enough.

 

Q) We’ll also be seeing you in Season 2 of “Jessica Jones.” What can you tease us about Pryce Cheng and how he fits in?

 

A) My character Pryce Cheng is a rival private investigator who tries to take over Jessica Jones’ PI agency Alias Investigations. Things don’t really go his way. But he’s persistent.

 

Q) Did you do any research into the “Jessica Jones” world in order to prepare for the role?

 

A) I was a fan of the show before they offered me the role. Most of the research I did was read some of the old comics and familiarize myself with the world and delve as deep as I could.

 

Q) What are some of the prevalent themes we will see in season two?

 

A) Feminism. #MeToo. Themes from season one as well that Jessica (Krysten Ritter) continues to deal with.

 

Q) What did you have to do in order to get into character?

 

A) As with most characters I play, I do extensive script analysis. I live in my characters shoes and imagine a real life they may have. Everything else is about being in the moment.

 

Q) What does it mean to you to be a part of the Marvel universe?

 

A) It’s very special. I’m grateful for the experience and to be part of a memorable story for the MCU.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors?

 

A) Keep on keepin’ on. One day your talent and persistence will match up and things will happen. They call that luck. Make it for yourself.