This A-Profiler we bring you Francois Chau, an actor with an extensive resume spanning over 2 decades in television, film, and theatre. He has been seen and heard in films such as Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze as Shredder and G.I. Joe as the voice of Quick Kick. In television, he has appearances on The Love Boat, 24, Grey's Anatomy and Lost. Find out why Chau got interested in acting, what his favorite current television shows are, and what his most recognizable role to date has been.

Your site URL:
www.francoischau.com

What is your ethnicity?
I was born in Cambodia. I am part Chinese and part Vietnamese.

You've got quite an extensive acting resume dating back some 20+ years ago. What inspired you to become an actor and has it been everything you thought it might be when you started?
I got interested in acting in high school as a way to meet girls. I went to an all boys prep school run by Jesuits. Think "Dead Poets' Society." I thought a good way to meet girls was to audition for plays at the all girls schools in the area. I've been hooked ever since. It's had its ups and downs but it has been a very rewarding carreer so far.

Has acting ever turned out to be a good way to meet girls?
Oh Yeah! I met my wife that way.

Prior to getting into acting, what type of jobs had you done? If the acting hadn't quite panned out, what do you think you would be doing now?
I've been incredibly lucky in that I've really never had any other jobs since I started acting. I wish I had great stories of odd jobs I've had to take as a starving actor. Thankfully the acting thing worked out because I really have no idea what I would be doing now.

You speak fluent French. Have you ever had any roles where you spoke in French?
I've only had the chance to use my French once for a role. For an episode of The Love Boat (Love Boat!!! Man, I have been at this for a long time!) I did a voice over in French as a sports announcer for a "Tour De France" type bicycle race. I did get a chance to use my French recently when I worked on a feature starring Jessica Alba called The Eye. The two directors were French who spoke very little English.

Your short roles on Lost has generated a lot of attention. Do you find that you are recognized as "Dr. Marvin Candle" or that "Dharma Guy" more often than any other role you've played? Can we expect to see more of you on Lost in the upcoming final 3 seasons?
Yes, "Dr. Marvin Candle" is my most recognized role to date. I've gotten fan mail from as far away as China. I'm also big in Europe. Go figure! I am told that "Dr. Candle" will be returning.

As an Asian American actor, have you found any difficulties getting casted or being typecasted?
Being an actor is a very difficult career choice. Being an Asia American actor comes with its own unique set of difficulties. Of course you'll be type casted. The roles that are available are, for the most part, stereotypical and two-dimensional. Admittedly, there has been a lot of progress since I started, but it has been very slow going. It's like everytime we manage to take a couple of steps forward, something happens that takes us a step back. You have to have a lot of patience.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see from you in the future?
I've already mentioned The Eye. I did an independent feature called, Snappers. I guest stared on a pilot called The Cure, and I recently did an episode of Shark. I will soon be shooting a feature called Powder Blue with Forrest Whittaker and Ray Liota. And hopefully, more Lost.

When not acting, what do you enjoy doing during spare time? Hobbies? Interests?
As far as hobbies, I watch a lot of TV! I also watch a lot of films. I taught Tae Kwon Do a few years ago when I had some time. Now I have a two year old daughter and I spend most of my time chasing after her.

What are your current favorite TV shows? All time favorite movie?
Some of the current tv shows I like include Battlestar Galactica, The Daily Show, and Real Time With Bill Maher. Old ones include the original Star Trek, Get Smart, and Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.

In terms of movies, it's very hard to pick just one favourite. I have to include Casablanca, Shane, and Spartacus among the top. I would have to choose the top, however, as The In-Laws. The original version with Alan Arkin and Peter Faulk.

What advice do you have for other Asian Pacific Americans out there aspiring to get into acting?
I don't really have any advice to give. If you are able to keep your love and passion for acting alive, it will get you thru a lot of bullsh*t. The rest , you'll learn as you go. Learn to be a good listener.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong.
Special thanks to Francois Chau and Nancy Moon-Broadstreet.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).