Happy Sad Confused - Ke Huy Quan

Episode Date: January 10, 2023

Ke Huy Quan's actual story rivals any of this year's awards contenders and he's on HAPPY SAD CONFUSED to tell it all! From INDIANA JONES & THE TEMPLE OF DOOM and THE GOONIES to decades of unemployment to a triumphant return to acting in EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. An amazing story that may just end with an Academy Award. To watch episodes of Happy Sad Confused, subscribe to Josh's youtube channel here! Check out the Happy Sad Confused patreon here! We've got discount codes to live events, merch, early access, exclusive episodes of GAME NIGHT, video versions of the podcast, and more! For all of your media headlines remember to subscribe to The Wakeup newsletter here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Prepare your ears, humans. Happy, Sad, Confused begins now. Today on Happy, Sad Confused, Ki-Hei-Quan returns to the movies with an awards-worthy performance in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. Plus, a catch-up with Megan's star, Alison Williams. Hey guys, I'm Josh Hurwitz. Welcome to another edition of Happy, Sad, Confused. And yes, we have a jam-packed show for you guys.

today. The main event coming up in a little bit is a big old chat with a fantastic actor with one of the best stories you're going to ever hear on this podcast. I do not exaggerate. Khi Kwan has had quite the journey as an actor. You probably grew up like myself if you're of a similar age watching his movies. His first two movies out of the gate guys. It doesn't get any better than this. Short round in Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom, followed by Data in the Coonies. Those are his first two movies, guys. And like many young actors, and sadly, like many, especially Asian-American actors back in the day, was not able to sustain a career. The opportunities were not there. They dried up, and he had to find different kinds of work. And decades later,

decades later, decided I'm going to give it one more shot. Got the audition for the Daniels new film, everything, everywhere, all at once. somehow landed it. Crazy story, basically a co-lead in the film, and the rest is history. The movie is a ginormous critical favorite, maybe even more surprisingly. It has become a commercial success, earning over $100 million at the box office. If you guys have not seen this movie, it's fantastic. It is a wild swing. You know, I always love talking about the wild swings. This one is one, like Swiss Army Man before it, the Daniels know what they're doing. It is emotional. It is provocative and fun and silly.

and irreverent and profound and features amazing performances from Key, from Michelle Yeo, from Stephanie Shoe, from Jamie Lee Curtis, a bunch of these guys are going to get nominated for Oscars, and justifiably so. And Key, very well, might win best supporting actor

in his first acting role in decades. So this conversation is great. He is humble and sweet and impossible not to root for you might shed a tear. He might shed a tear. I know you guys were going to enjoy the chat with Key.

It was a really a special one. So, yeah, someone who, like I said, I mean, those early movies, I've seen dozens of times. And to see where he's at now, just really special. Okay, so that's the main event. Before that, we've got a little special treat for you guys. And it's a special treat for me, too, quite frankly. Here's the context. Allison Williams, longtime listeners of the podcast probably know this.

She is definitely one of our spirit animals. she's been on the show several times i positively adore her uh she is smart and funny and silly and willing to play and um she has a new movie that people are obsessed with and justifiably so it's a killer robot doll movie it the ultimate genre in film guys right movie's called megan it's out in theaters now check it out it is wild it is fun it is great to see with a crowd and alison i was chatting with recently and she was like have you seen the movie And I'm like, no, not yet. She's like, oh, you need to check it out because there's something in there just for you.

And I did a triple take. And sure enough, guys, I want you to keep your eyes and ears peeled when you see the movie because there is a reference to Happy Say I Confused in the movie. So how did that happen? What is it? Well, that's what you're going to hear next. So actually, you don't even need to see the movie, but you should see the movie. But in the next five minutes, you're going to hear a quick chat that Allison and I recorded

where she explains how it has. happened, what it is. Don't worry, does not spoil the movie in any slight way. But it obviously is a huge honor, a huge thrill for me that's been an actor like Allison would take the time to ask the powers that be to put in a little reference to this show because she's a fan. So wow, that's a really cool thing. So my thanks to Allison and the makers of Megan. And that's what you're going to hear in a second. So those are the conversations today. things to mention. Well, by the time you listen to this, the news is out there. The podcast has a new home, which doesn't affect things in any way for you, but it's really exciting for me

because the folks over at Cast, this great podcast distributor, I partnered with, and we are part of a great stable of shows, including Sarah Silverman's show, Ashley Green's show. I've been on Ashley's podcast herself, and they seem great. They've been great to work with so far, and I think they're really going to be able to help just bring this show to a bigger, wider audience. So my thanks to cast for being a new home for Happy, Sad, Confused. I hope you guys are in for this journey. It's going to be great. 2022 is our best year yet in so many respects, and I'm just beyond optimistic. More live events, more special virtual events, more of everything and just experimenting with new ways

to entertain you guys. I think we're for a good year. So I'm just really excited. that note, some reminders, you can watch episodes of Happy Say I Confused on our YouTube channel, YouTube.com slash Josh Horowitz. The link is in the show notes. If you want the early access to everything, the podcasts, the videos, discount codes, merch, go to Patreon. Patreon.com slash happy, say I confused. And I should mention, we do have a sale going on right now. If you want to sign up for an annual, we've got these awesome collectors. edition posters. I guess that's the best way to put it. We have this great graphic designer who has redone the look for HappySaid confused lately. We have a new logo, and he does these

amazing drawings of our guests and me, and you can choose from a variety of different posters, of myself, of Sam Hewin, of Adam Sandler, of Daniel Craig, of Kumail Nanjiani, your choice of one of these limited edition posters if you sign up for an annual right now. It's going to be all of January this sale is on. We may or may not be able to extend it a little longer, but we'll see where we're at. But go over to patreon.com slash happy, say I confused. If you've been wondering how to support the show, we're just wondering about the Patreon. Now is actually the best time to check it out.

Patreon.com slash happy, sad, confused. There's, as always, a ton of other stuff I can mention, but I think that's it for now because we do have a jam-pack show. As I said, coming up in just a little bit, the main event, Ki-Hi-Kwan, star of everything everywhere all at once. You will shed a tear, I think, in the best possible way. But first up, let's catch up with our old buddy. This is a quick little chat with Allison Williams talking about how the hell Happy Say I Confused ended up in Megan.

What a treat. Here you go. Allison Williams, veteran of the Happy Say It Confused Podcast. Yes. Congratulations on your crazy robot movie. Thank you. It's the best crazy remote movie of the year. Thank you.

It's January, but I accept your compliment. It is literally the beginning of the year. Okay, before we get to a very special moment, in particular that resonated with me, and I think we'll resonate with our audience, when something, just give me the quick Cliff Notes version. When something like this comes around, are you like, do they know you so well that, like, Allison responds to crazy material like this? Do you ask for the craziest script out there?

They just, well, the way this came to me was Jason Blum, of of Blumhouse fame, of the titular of Blumhouse, reached out and was like, we need you. It was sort of like a Superman moment. And I was like, oh boy, but that's all I knew. I think I knew that James Wan was also involved, so I knew it was gonna be scary, but I didn't have any other context.

And so I just went into it wanting to like it, and then once I read it and thought it was fun and interesting, and I thought the character of Gemma was really cool. And then I was like, oh, this is, we're doing this, we're doing like a killer robot doll movie. I was so excited. I'm mostly too scared to watch these movies, the ones in my, in our storied history.

I can't even look at Annabelle, but I really can't. Wait, do you have a dozen Annabelle's in your home? Yeah, I can't look at, why are they everywhere? They're just everywhere. I keep them behind glass and still I can't help it. I just drawn to her. But yeah, I mean, I think it was, it's gotten to this point where I think it's kind of fun that people don't really know

what to expect and I think going into movies, feeling neutrally about the character at the front is usually a good idea, but especially in this genre and you're kind of like, I don't know who's good or bad. And they just know him down. Like, Jordan, when Jordan cast me and get out, he was like, I saw you play Peter Pan, I knew you would do anything.

I was like, you're right. Flying as a British boy on live television and sword fighting with Christopher Walken, not for the faint of heart. And so he was right, yeah. Well, this movie really works. By the time people hear and see this, I'm sure it's going to have made all the avatar money,

stolen avatars. Yeah, we're neck and neck with the avatar. are, ugh, who's going to win at the box office. Yeah. It works, so with an audience, honestly. It's so fun. It's really fun with an audience. Yeah, people are, I don't want to give anything away, but about halfway through the movie,

like something truly fucked up happens, and Megan does something, orchestrates a death of someone that typically you would go to prison for rooting for, and the entire audience, I've now seen it twice in a full theater, they cheer for this, and then there's a wave of like self-discussed afterwards where people are like, what has happened to me? But it's really fun in that way. That's usually my emotional journey anyway. Yeah, through the day.

Through the day. Very familiar with that. Okay, so you gave me a little heads up. I did. Before I saw this, that there might be something that would resonate especially with me. Yeah, I was like bothering you like a lot to do the podcast. And you were like, we're going to do something else together.

It's going to be really fun. Like, why are you so desperate to be on the podcast? And I was like, well, you'll see. Yes. So I saw it. And we're going to show the podcast. clip and let people listen to the clip as well, but how the hell did this happen? This is early in the film and I'm so beyond flattered there is a kind of sort of happy

say confused reference. It's a literal happy side confused reference. I can't accept that. My brain can accept it. I will tell you exactly what happened. So on the day we had, we called out a bunch of different emotions because we weren't sure what the CGI was going to end up looking like. And so we always started with happy and sad and then we weren't sure what the third adjective

was going to be. Then we get into the edit, we start figuring out, they start doing the CGI, and I go in to do ADR to fix that final adjective. And we're looking at the screen. And I had, while we were filming, I had kept trying to advocate for a happy side confused, because those adjectives just sound right in that order to me.

I'm brainwashed as you want all of us to be. That's the goal. That's the goal, exactly. So I just was like, finally, this is the last moment, this is the last ADR session before it goes final. And I just said to Gerard, who was in LA while I was in New York, I was like, can we just make it confused, please? Because I love Josh.

I love his podcast so much, and he'll get a huge kick out of it. And the fan base of Megan, I have a feeling in the Venn diagrams of fan bases will overlap quite a bit with Megan. And he said yes. And so it became Happy Sad Confused. It's amazing. Yeah. If I had heard like Happy Sad and then a pause and then I heard On We, I would be like, no, we were so close. So weird.

On We is just, it was our second choice. It rolls off its off. Confused on we, yeah. It was such a delight, and then the weight for your reaction to it was the best. It was fantastic. Well, it tickles me to no end. I feel so privileged to be immortalized, not in just any movie, but in a stone cold classic like Megan. I hope so.

I hope this means that you're going to dress up like her for Halloween the next year. Obviously. I've already have been in the privacy of my home, and now for the public, I do it. We're all Megan's at home. It's about bringing them out into the public that matters. And now for the audience, you're going to get a chance to see this scene. This is, don't worry, there are no spoilers in this. Oh, this is very early in the movie.

Early in the movie. We are testing out a new skin on Megan, and we're testing the way that her robotic face interacts with the new skin. And the confused does not go so well. Amazing. Roll it. See you at the movies.

Oh, God. Transparency looks good. Yeah, well, for what we paid for it better. Okay, here we go. Happy. Okay. Okay. Sad.

Confused. Wait, wait. Stop. Why is her face doing that? What is happening? I don't know, Gemma, it's your code. Yeah, thanks. I know it's my code, Cole, but she doesn't look confused.

She looks demented. Mr. Ki-Hi-Huang is on happy, say, confused. Congratulations on all the success, man. This is a real treat. Thanks for doing this. Well, thank you for having me, Josh. This is very exciting. This is very exciting.

I'm going to be very disappointed if neither of us cry by the end of this conversation. I've been seeing many of your interviews. And if I'm the only guy that can't make you cry, I'm going to consider it a failure. You know what? The funny thing is, you know, I grew up in a very traditional Chinese value family. So ever since I was little, my parents has always taught me to internalize my emotions. So whatever I was feeling, you know, that's what growing up in a Chinese family is like. And in order for me to play Weyman in this movie, I spent a lot of time with myself, persuading myself to let those emotions down.

And I guess I swung that door wide open. And now I can't talk about what's been happening without crying. And every time I do interviews, my wife would always be like sitting off to the sign. just, you know, kind of like hear me talk. And so she's seen me done a lot of these where she says, honey, can you please stop crying? I think it is a bit too much. It's not.

It's very endearing and it's sweet. And look, if you can't be emotional about the journey you've been on, I don't know what anyone could be emotional about because it's a great story. And we need great stories like yours. You know. By the way, by the way, I love the name of your podcast. happy, sad, confused. I'm very familiar with those adjectives,

but I think my order would be happy, confused, sad, and I would add one more at the very end, which is elated. And that's how I'm feeling right now. I want you to enjoy this moment, and it's well deserved for the performance, but also the journey you've been on. I want to encapsulate your story a little bit,

and we'll go deep on a number of subjects. But, like, I guess the short, the Cliff Notes version of the Ki-Hi-Quan story, for those that don't know, of course, we all grew up. I grew up with your amazing performances in two seminal works, especially, namely Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom. I had the poster on my wall, the Goonies. And then you had this crazy journey through different experiences. Acting didn't kind of work out the way you thought it would. You went behind the scenes. And here you are back.

And like, not only are you back, you are. And I'm not going to jinx you, but you are being talked about. You are earning a lot of acclaim and awards for this amazing return to acting and everything everywhere all at once. I guess talk to me first of all. Look, if someone had told me a year ago I was going to be talking to you in this context, I would have said, that sounds amazing, but what are you smoking? Like, really?

Like, if I talked to you a year ago, after having made this movie, is this like the optimal? Is this like beyond the dream of what this was going to be for you? Or did you allow yourself to dream what this could be? Oh, no, no, no, no. You're absolutely right. When I decided to get back into acting, actually prior to that, this was a conversation that I had with my wife for almost a year after I saw Crazy Rich Asians and the idea of getting back into acting started proculating.

And it was not an easy decision to me. make uh because i was turning 50 years old and i was afraid that uh that i would you know spend the next 10 years in my life just regretting uh giving this this you know this this professional i love dearly another chance uh i always love acting uh and and and never did i think i would one day revisit this just just because of you know of what it was like in my late teens and early 20s. So it was a conversation I had with my wife and we kept going back and forth and she kept asking me questions, which I didn't have answers for.

You know, for example, like, are you willing to go out in addition again, again and get rejected again and again? You know, this is not, you know, I'm not in my teens or early 20s where I can, I can do this, you know, so I thought about it for a long time. And finally, when the fear of regret I had, if I didn't give this another try, overwhelmed any fear I had stepping back into acting. That was when I decided to, you know, I want to do this.

And when I decided to do this, I remember calling an agent friend of mine and telling him I want to be an actor again. And I asked him and I said, do you think I would possibly land, you know, a series regular on a television show, you know, it's just something just, you know, a steady work. And he looked at me and said, I don't know, key. I really don't know. I don't have an answer for that because nobody knows. I mean, I've been away from the game for so long more than

20 years. And I had no idea how the audience would react, seeing me back up on the screen again. The last time they saw me, I was a little kid. And now I'm a middle age man. And I mean, honestly, I, I just wanted a job. I just wanted to be able to do this again, where, you know, something that I loved dearly for many, many years. So everything that has happened since our movie came out is beyond, beyond anything I could have ever imagined. In fact, after I got the role of Weyman,

and we had the most amazing time making this movie, Then we got shut down because of pandemic. And for a year and a half, I was at home trying to stay safe. And my agents would call me periodically to audition, to put in a self-tape. And I kept auditioning. I kept sending all these tapes. And for a year and a half, I could not land a single job. not even a callback.

And I was getting rejected again and again. And everything that I experienced as a kid in my late teens and early 20s, I was experiencing again. Yeah. The only difference is back then, I was auditioning once every year. But here, there was a lot more opportunities, thank God. But I could not get one single job. And I was afraid that I was going to lose my health insurance.

And this is 2021. And sure enough, that year came and went without a single job. And I was so nervous. I call our producer, Jonathan Wong. And I said, Jonathan, you've seen the movie. Can you please tell me one thing? And he says, what is it? I said, am I any good in it?

And he said, Kia, why are he asking? asking this question. And I said, because nobody wants to hire me. I've been auditioning left and right and left and right. And I cannot get one single job regardless whether it was a series regular, where it was the guest star and role in a television show. And I was so scared. And he said, and I would never forget this, he says, key, you just wait.

And he utter those three words again and again. You just wait. You just wait. And sure enough, when that movie came out in March, my entire life changed. It must feel like a dream. It must feel like a dream from like, because like it is confirming all that self-doubt that you had probably, even if the experience was great, be like, oh, wait, it doesn't matter. I'm not good enough.

It's not going to actually change anything for a year and a half. And then it just changed. Yeah, it was kind of, it was kind of like deja roof for me. Honestly, because my first audition ever was for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Right. And I got that. And then, of course, I started at the very top. And there was nowhere to go, but downhill from there.

And, but, you know, that was 38 years ago. And then 38 years later, I was given this incredible opportunity that I'm so grateful for. And afterwards, I was like, wow, is it? that didn't, I mean, did I just lucked out with that? Like, and then, you know, I'm not going to be able to get another job. That was, that was the fear that was going through my mind during the pandemic. I was miserable. I couldn't go out and I couldn't land a single job. And I even made a joke with the Daniels and all producer. I said, nobody wants to hire me except Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Juan Kyle White, and the Daniels. And, and, and, and when our movie came

out, the first phone call I got was from Kevin Feige, who asked me, graciously asked me if I wanted to join the MCU universe. And I, you know, I called Jonathan and the gang, as I said, you know what, nobody wants to hire me except, you know, Steve's name, the Daniels, and Kevin Feige. But, oh my gosh. I mean, it's just been incredible. What a 2022 will It's the year that I will always, always remember because it's one of the happiest years of my life. All right. So let's go back briefly. You mentioned Temple of Doom.

It's a movie, you know, we're in the same age group. So like for me, especially, I think anyone that was kind of in your age range watching you, part of the joy of watching you in Goonies and Temple of Doom was like, we projected onto you. We felt like we were living through these amazing adventures you were on. And I know you referenced it. you didn't have acting experience, a crazy kind of like story

about how you were cast, and then you find yourself in Sri Lanka with Lucas and Spielberg and Harrison. Is there a scene or a day on that first shoot that jumps out at you? That felt like, I don't know, especially memorable, especially meaningful,

especially fun when you think back to the Temple of Doom experience. You know, the entire experience was amazing. I have nothing but fond memories of that shoot. And that is also one of the reasons why I love acting so much. Being on the set with Harrison Ford, Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas is incredible. I remember being in Sri Lanka riding on elephants, you know, with Harrison Ford. I remember Stephen Spielberg being very kind, very gentle, very warm, giving me hugs every day.

giving me compliments. I just remembered entire experience so well. And there was one day, you know, we shot the majority of the movie in London at L Street Studios. And one day, two grown-ups came to visit us. And I didn't even know who they were at that time. And it was Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. And we were just spent an entire afternoon together.

And it was not until after the movie when they showed me, when George Lucas screened Star Wars to me that I realized that, oh my God, that one afternoon I was having so much fun with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. I mean, that was the entire, you know, the memories that I had of that shoot was that. And it was just so wonderful and amazing and joyful.

And that's why I always love acting. It was because of that. And to this day, I love, you know, these three men, Harrison, Stephen, and George. They gave me everything. They changed my life for the better. You had an amazing run-in recently with Harrison Ford that the internet, everyone fell in love with seeing that photo when you ran into him at D-23. Did you know he was going to be there?

Were you nervous? Tell me what it's like to reunite after what nearly four decades with Harrison Ford. in this context? Yes, nearly. Yes, 38 years later, I didn't know he was going to be there for sure. I was told that he might be there. So the entire time,

I was in the green room and I was just like wondering if he's going to be there. And everyone is assigned with an handler to help you navigate through that event at D23. And yeah, and that person that was helping me you know, told me, he says, hey, Harrison food is just right outside. Do you want to say hi? And immediately, I can feel my palm sweating, my heart pounding. And I said, of course, I want to.

But at the same time, I was really nervous. So when I went out and when I saw him 15 feet away, all those wonderful memories of me being unset with him came flooding in when I hugged him, I think I got even a bit emotional because it felt so comfortable. That man is amazing. I learned the word generosity from this man. He was so kind and it was so generous and it was so giving. If you think I did a really good job as short run in that movie, I give a lot of credit to him because when he was off camera,

he was always behind the camera helping Stephen to help me get that, you know, give that performance. So it was just wonderful to reignite. I, you know, I missed him all these years. And I never, you know, I never had the opportunity to reignite with him until that faithful day. And I remember vividly, you know, to now, and it was just wonderful. And I know I've heard him speak since. a friend of mine chatted with him recently

and he says he loves the movie and loves your performance in it and it must be such a weird like also if you do the math like you're older now than he was when he made Temple of Doom and what a full circle fascinating experience

where we're at now. You know when I saw him and he pointed that finger at me and he gave me that classic heroism for a dumpy look and ask me or you short round I immediately

I felt like a kid again I immediately I was 12 years old again looking up to him and I think even as we were talking you know I just you know it was it was back to 1984 when I when we would make that movie

and when I and when I wrapped my arms around and we took that photo it was you know it's just incredible what a day that was. Okay. So this might have sounded like a crazy conversation again a few years ago, but I don't think

it's crazy anymore. We have another Indiana Jones movie. Presumably, it sounds like it's the last for Harrison. I mean, he did amazing work. Short Round Disney Plus show. Is this going to happen? Are you in? Where is Short Round Today?

Key. Okay. Well, first of all, I love the character of Short Round. He is so awesome. He's funny. He's courageous. He saves him in his ass. And if Disney or Lucasfilm ever come to me and say,

you know, we want to do a short round, you know, a spinoff or a television, I'm there, man. I'm there. I'm there. I love that character so much. And it would just be incredible to revisit that character many years later. idea. Your guess is just good of mine, but just because he looks up

to Indy so much, I would not be surprised if he ended up being an archaeologist. All right, so we can't go to everything. Of course, Goonis could be its own conversation, but I do want to reference without like dwelling in kind of this down period. You know, again, this fascinating journey

where like the role's kind of dry up. You're just not seeing the opportunities. Is there a day, like, was there a definitive moment where you said to friends and family, I retired? That's it. I can't, I can't put myself through this anymore. Was it like kind of a slow decline or was it kind of like a definitive moment where you said, I just, I can't put myself through this. I don't see where this is leading. Okay, Josh, I know where you're going to try to make me cry. No, no, no, no. I'm not. I swear I'm not. That's on you. I do remember.

I remember distinctly that one day when I decided. It was, first of all, it was a gradual decline. You know, I did Indy in 84 and I did the Goonies in 85. I did a television show for CBS in 86. And then after that, the rose just got smaller and opportunities got fewer. And I was waiting a year, a year and a half. between jobs and if you look at my resume some of those jobs were just like minor characters so you know i would wait a year and half and i would work for a week right and i would wait for another

year before i would get another opportunity to audition forget about you know getting a job but just you know just to audition while my my peers were you know i remember you know uh going to parties in Hollywood or just hanging out with my peers and they would, you know, I would hear conversations where they would be doing movies after movies or they would talk about, oh, you know, I just had, you know, four auditions this week. You know, I'm waiting to hear back or, you know, I'm having three auditions tomorrow. Right. And it would always prompt me to call my agent when I hear that and I would get on the phone and I would say, hey, is you anything, you know, for me? because, you know, I haven't, I haven't audition for so long.

Is there anything out there? And the, you know, the answer always came back with like, you know, I'm sorry, there's nothing there. But I'll keep checking and I'll call you if there is something that comes up. And those were very common in the late 80s and the early 90s. So, yeah, it was a gradual decline. and what's what was painful for me was my family knowing what I was going through and they kept saying hey key you know

do you want to do something else is there anything else that you want to do you know and the majority of my family were in Houston Texas having their own business being very successful and they would always see me just waiting and waiting for, you know, for an opportunity and so they were, you know, they were very supportive

and they were very caring. And they would say, hey, key, you know, is there anything else you want to do? You know, do you want to come up to Houston, Texas with us and join the family, you know? And I would always, you know, say, no, no. You know, I want to give this, you know, some more time and see if something, you know, would change.

And there was one audition, and I remember vividly, where I finally got a call, and it was, you know, after a year and a half. And it was just this tiny role for a Viacan, you know, it was a Viacan row that didn't have any name, and there were two lines. But I was so hungry at that time. It could have been, you know, you know, a character with one line, and I would still go in an audition. So I was really excited I walked in the room and there were 30 other Asian actors waiting to read for this role

and when I didn't even get that then that was when I decided oh you know what maybe I need to step away because I was just wasting my time I was 23 at that time so I gave it another year

before I decided I go you know what I'm going to enroll myself in film school I love the, you know, I love movies so much. I love, you know, I love this profession so much. So I just wanted to learn more about the other aspect of, you know, that goes into making the movies. So I went to film school. Right.

Graduated and, you know, and I was content working behind the camera. What is your, what is your family make of this now? I mean, that must be wonderful. Like, they, they wanted the best for you. They saw the passion within you. and they saw the dream kind of get extinguished for a while and to see it come back, to see it through your wife's size, siblings, I don't know if your parents are around, et cetera, must be a whole other level of joy for you.

Yeah, this is, yeah, one of the, you know, they've been very, you know, like you said, they saw my passion, they saw my struggles. Yeah. And they, oh, my gosh, they've been so supportive and they've been so, you know, they've always been there for me. And, you know, when I decided to get back to acting, I didn't tell them because I didn't know, I didn't know what it was going to be like. This is your parents you're talking about specifically or your- My entire family.

Yeah. I didn't tell my mom. I didn't tell any of my siblings or my nephews or nieces, nobody. And after I got the role of Wayman and everything everywhere, I made the entire movie. without them knowing it was just my wife my agent and my and my and my lawyer who is jeff cohen who's chunk in the goonies with me those were the only three people that know that i that i that i was making everything everywhere all the once and then uh because you know i was just so afraid because i didn't know if i was going to be any good at it i didn't know if i was

going to get fired you know so it was i finished an entire movie uh and the day before four-hour trailer dropped. I called my mom and I call my family and I said, hey, I got a little bit of news to share with you. And I said, I, you know, I'm an actor now. I just make this little movie. And the trailer is going to come out tomorrow. And they saw, they were very happy.

And when the movie came out, they saw the movie, they called me. And the first thing they said was, Key. Wow. you know, I didn't even know you, you know, you're in this movie a lot. They thought it was just, they thought I was, it was just like, you know, a small role. Right. And I, and I say, yeah, yeah, I'm in this movie a lot.

You get, you're like, you're like one of the leads. I said, yeah. And they, and they were so, so, so happy for me. And, and, you know, yeah, for the last few months, they, you know, I've been getting a lot of calls from them. They're very sweet. They were sent me, you know, articles or interviews that I did. And they're just, you know, so to be able to share all of this with them.

And having, you know, seeing their reaction of how happy I am now is an incredible feeling. So to talk specifically about this movie, which we haven't even really got an interest, do, but we should give some props. For those that haven't seen it, it's a remarkable piece of work from the Daniels. And it features an amazing ensemble. It's justifiable that literally everyone in the cast, the main cast,

has been talked about for awards, as they should be. It's a big swing of a movie. The thing I always say on this podcast is I like the big swings. I don't want to double. I want the home runs. And this one just goes for it. And it really works.

And it's so special in so many different ways. And I know you've talked about this, but I'd love to hear your reflections on it a little bit in that, like, this is a very multifaceted Asian American family, which we have not seen a lot of. We're seeing it more now in recent years, but not much. And it must have struck you from the last time you were working to the time when this script arrives to see not only just like the big swings in terms of narrative and action and romance or whatever,

but also just like the heart, the heart of a family that you can relate to and I can relate to that any human being can relate to. I don't know, can you speak to that a little bit about what the aspects of the script that resonated for you most and why you think this is clicked for a wide audience? Well, you know, when I read the script, I went through a range of emotions.

My first reaction was I was just elated that finally a script like this. Somebody, you know, somebody decided to write a script like this that featured an Asian-American, family. And it was a script that I waited to read for a long, long time. And then I, you know,

when they offered me the role, I cannot believe it. It was just like beyond anything that I could have ever imagined. And yes, that's what's so beautiful about our movie is, I mean, honestly, it can feature any family, any family of colors or anybody, because the theme is universal. So it's just about love and empathy and acceptance and kindness. And that's why I'm so grateful to the Daniels. They could have rented for anybody that they chose to write it for, you know, for a particular Chinese family. Otherwise, you know, I would not be here talking to you.

And, you know, it's a lot has changed. And I'm, you know, I feel so blessed. and so happy that that our movie resonated with the audience. People really came out and rooted for it and supported. And, you know, I, I didn't think any of this what happened. It was just a little movie that we made and seen me valid before the pandemic. I don't think anyone would have expected. I mean, like, I loved Swiss Army Man.

It wasn't a $100 million grossing movie. It was like for a particular audience and we loved it. But like the fact that this one has made, what, over $100 million? like this is just so not what was supposed to happen in the best possible way no no even when we were making it uh i was just hoping that you know we would make enough at the box office so that a 24 would make all the money back and maybe a little profit so that yeah age 24 or like other studios and well production companies would green light more stories like this yeah that was my only hope. And so for us, when we, you know, crossed the $100 million mark and became a 24th highest

grossing movie of all time, oh my God, it's not just me. It's the entire E-E-A-A-O family. We were all surprised by it. And it was just, we all, you know, we would all get together once in a while and we would all hug one another and we would all get emotional. just because of how well received our movie has been. It's not surprising to me to see the work that has come since people have seen this film for you.

Because it's kind of an amazing calling card audition tape. It's not one role. You get to see you in different guises as a romantic hero, as an action hero. It really shows off what you can do as a performer, which is just another added bonus to this. You

mentioned the first call comes from Feigy. Unbelievable. You've shot the second season of Loki, presumably. I assume you're done by now. Tom Hiddleston is one of my spirit animals. We go way back. I adore Tom. He is a huge movie buff.

Did he contain his geekiness around you? How much did he pick your brain about Goonies and Temple of Doom? I got to think he asked you a bunch of questions. Well, first of all, I love Tom Hiddleston. One of the kindest, generous, one of the most talented actor I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I had an amazing time shooting Loki Season 2 with him and with Owen Wilson and our entire cast. You know, it was incredible. There was one day we were filming and there was a, we, we, we, oh, see, I have to think.

carefully now before I get in trouble. You've shot it already. They can't fire you now. It's okay. There was one particular of shooting, and he found something on set, and he said, he saw it, and he said, oh, my gosh, I cannot believe I'm working with a short round from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. And he was so cute and so kind, and I was so excited.

And I says, oh, my God. Did anybody get that on tape? Please tell me somebody got that on tape. He was just, you know, he was incredible. We laughed so hard. And we just, it was, you know, I didn't want that shoot to end. So hopefully we will go back for some more shootings, reshoots. I don't know when, but I can't wait to see all of them again.

Is there potential for more beyond, not to get greedy, but beyond Loki? I mean, you know, Marvel puts out a lot of great content. Has there been talk about potentially seeing your character again outside of Loki? I don't know. I really don't know. That is a question that you would have to ask Kevin Feiji. All I can say is that I have the most amazing time. And it was, you know, I'm so grateful for it.

I've been a fan of, you know, of a lot of, you know, Marvel movie, you know, dating back from the first one, The Iron Man. And when Lopee season one came out, I thought it was one of the most creative television shows ever made. And I was instantly a big fan. So when I got that call from Kevin Feahy to join season two, oh my gosh, I was just, I was, I was jumping up with joy. I bet another good phone call is working with the Rousseau's directly who produced, I believe Agbo produced everything everywhere. Have you shot with them for the electric state? Yes, yes.

I was in Atlanta, Georgia. And working with them is incredible. Yes, they produced our movie. So to be on set and to be directed by them was incredible. They are amazing filmmakers. I, you know, I love the work so much. I've enjoyed them for many, many years. So when they asked me to join Electric State,

and, you know, I had the chance to work with Chris Plant, who, you know, who I love dearly. It was incredible. I was up there for a month. They were still shooting. Yeah. Big movie, big sci-fi movie, as I understand it. Great ensemble.

Yes. Yes, yes. And I think the audience is going to get a real kick out of it. It's incredible. Visually, it's stunning. we you know the script is amazing and and I'm just so happy to be a part of that and again you know I mean all of this

it's I'm so grateful to Sarah Finn our casting director and I really think casting directors are the unsung heroes of our business they are the gatekeepers and and you know I remember the day when I went into Sarah Finn's office to audition for her

and the Daniels for everything everywhere all the once. And it was also her that suggested to Kevin Fahey for me for Loki season two. So I owe that woman a huge, you know, a debt. And I'm really grateful to her. Have you had a chance to talk to John Chu? I know Crazy Rich Asians was an important kind of shift in your brain to see that kind of representation on screen, which is so ironic, by the way, as I'm sure you realized, because your representation on screen back in the day meant so much to a generation of Asian-American actors. And then for you to see it, you know, 30 years later

and see that and say, oh, wait, I see what's possible. I'm curious, have you made that connection with John, who's just such an exceptional filmmaker as well. He is, he is. And, I mean, it's absolutely true. It was when I saw Crazy Witch Asians. That was a movie that maybe, you know, decided to get back in acting.

Yes, I didn't meet him at an event. And it was a really special to me. I went up to him right away. And I gave him a big hug. And I thank him profusely. And I also said, please hire me one day. I would love to be in your movies. Can you sing?

He's doing wicked now. How's your singing voice? You do a wig. Okay. You don't want to hear me sing or dance. I can do a lot of other things. I'm probably good at martial arts. But singing dance is not something that's my forte.

But it must be amazing. Like, yeah, I saw you at Governor's Awards, like seeing you with Jordan Pee. Jude law, it's just like, it must be like a dream. And you're seeing these like amazing people that you can now call peers and like it's, it's, and to hear them come to you now as a peer, it's, uh, yeah, I can only imagine. You know, you know, when I go to these events and, and because, you know, I, over the years, uh, I would watch these events on television and always fantasize about being there and meeting these people, uh,

And as the years went by, that dream started to fade further and further away from me. And I did not think that one day in my, you know, in my 50s that I think that I would, you know, we have to have this opportunity to meet these people. That's why, you know, when I go to these events, I'm kind of like a kid at a candy store. I go up to all these people that I love, that I admire, and I go, oh, my gosh, I love you. Can I get a picture with you? So, you know, you see me running around all the time and just shaking hands with the people that inspired me and gave me, you know, joy at a movie theater. And yeah, shamelessly, I go up to all of them.

I'm sure plenty are going up to you in the same way. It's okay. It's all good. In the spirit of the name of the show, happy, sad, confused, Keith. and I could probably anticipate some of these answers, but I'm going to ask you, nonetheless, what's making you happy now? And you can interpret that however you will,

whether it's personally, professionally coming out in the world. What makes you happy? Seeing how happy my family is for me makes me really happy. Especially my wife, whom I love dearly, who stood by me all these years. never once gave up on me never once

not believing in me my brother David who went to the audition with me for Indiana Jones he's been yeah

he's been so supportive calls me every day sends me he's the one that sends me articles his wife Kendall Kendall Kwan yeah seeing how happy

they are seeing how happy my mom is when our movie came out I rented an entire theater, you know, one screaming room for her and her friends to watch it. So she went to see it with all her friends who are in their late 70s and early 80s. How do they like the hot dog fingers? Did they get it? I don't think they understood the movie at all.

But you said, Key, you were great in it. But it was just funny. I just can't imagine, like, my mom, you know, watching the Dildo. I'd see up on screen with Michelle Yo and the late brothers. But yeah, just seeing how happy they are for me. Because they, you know, they know how much I love acting. And they've seen all those years that I struggled. Well, you reference it.

That's what people never, I think, often don't think about when they see the actor is the family behind them, the casting director, Sarah Finn. You see the, you know, the agent, the manager that advocated, the people that got them. in that position to succeed. So, yeah, I get it. I don't know if you have much to be sad about, what makes you sad right now? No, nothing.

I'm not sad. I'm so happy, Josh. You have no idea because I didn't think any of this would be possible. You know, like you said earlier, you know, had somebody told me that a couple of years ago is key, you're going to, you know, you're going to do this little movie and it's going to come out and people are going to embrace your return. People are going to love you. And I would say, get the F out of here. Impossible. You know, that dream is so distant. It's never going to happen. So I'm every day, I wake up feeling very grateful and I go to sleep every night thanking God and Buddha and everything that's happened so far.

uh i i yeah i you know you've you've you've heard me said it many many times ever since a movie came out i'm so grateful and that is that is the truth yeah um every single day and you know even now like when i walk on the set on uh on the loki you know set or when i walk on you know the electric state set uh you know i i i know how difficult it has been for me to to be here to be on that set i wanted that for so long. So I'm, I don't take anything for granted. And yeah, I treasure every moment when it's happened since. What's confusing to you in the world right now? Is there anything that's that's hard to grab? Well, you know, I'm kind of in it in a perpetual days because I didn't think any of this would happen. Fair enough. So I don't know. I don't know how how it happened.

And, yeah, I'm, yeah. It's a good confusion. It's the best version. Yeah, and really, Josh, you should really consider adding the adjective elated at the end. In your case, it makes sense. Not everyone is as happy or justifiably as happy as you are. Look, man, I just want to say, like, I've talked to so many performers over the years that are defined by a certain period in their life, right? Defined by a role.

And it's always a hurdle. And it's a beautiful kind of hurdle. in a way like look to have those early films is great but to kind of like rewrite the official bio at this new stage in your life that is hard to do and you you i hope you've intellectualized this and no but like your bio has been rewritten already you are no longer just key who did goonies and temple of doom you are now you know you know josh i kid you not okay so for so long everywhere I go people would say oh my gosh you're the kid from you know from Indiana Jones you're short round or you're the kid from the

Goonies and and I'm I was always happy I was you know I've always been grateful for those two movies because I wouldn't be who I am without those two movies but you know when you're 50 years old and people are still you know remembering you only yes as that kid you always you know you kind of you know hope that one day you would do something that people would remember you by as an adult and this movie has given me that. Now when I go out, you know, for example, like yesterday when I went out to eat with our producer Jonathan and people came out and says, oh my God, you're waminging from

everything everywhere. Huge. And that is, that is so amazing. And then you're also from Indiana Jones and the Goonies. And yeah, it's just, yeah, what the Daniels have given me is, you know, I can never, I can never repay them. I'm so grateful to them. Well, we're an award season.

Hold on to your potatoes, Key, because it's going to be a wild ride the next few months. I'm rooting for you, man. Many are. Truly, it's a great story. And look, you seem like just a great guy and obviously an amazing talent. And I'm really happy for you. And again, if folks haven't seen this movie yet, check it out. It is a wild, amazing swing that totally works.

And Key delivers an amazing performance. And it's just, it's really inspiring to hear your story, man. and thank you for the time today. Josh, so lovely talking to you. Thank you for having me. And so ends another edition of Happy, Sad, Confused. Remember to review, rate, and subscribe to this show on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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