This A-Profiler we bring you actress Irene Keng. Find out what other acrosses she would like to work with, what magazine she loves to read in her spare time, and how she approaches getting into character.

Your site URL:
www.irenekeng.com

How would you best describe yourself using a movie title as your description?
I love to laugh, so perhaps When Harry Met Sally. I always crack up when I watch the neuroses and humor in that film.

Was there a line from a movie or a character that you played that made you rethink how you were living your life?
I don't have a movie line or a role I've played yet that has made me rethink how I'm living my life, but one of my favorite movies is The Shawshank Redemption. I admire the courage and perseverance of the main character Andy Dufresne.

Which language do you consider is sexier: Mandarin or French and why?
I think that most people would say French is sexier. I would say what's sexy is the way one speaks French or Mandarin.

In your eyes what makes a guy un-datable? What makes him datable?
A sense of humor is key.

Are you one of those multi talented people that not only act but sing and dance? Favorite karaoke song that scores you a 100 every time.
I'm not a triple threat...hah hah. I'm more of a double threat. I think I am only a competent dancer. When I watch professional dancers, I am always amazed. At karaoke I don't really have a go to song, but I remember enjoying singing Skid Row's I Remember You.

Who are some actors, actresses, and directors you like to work with?
It would be an honor if I ever had the opportunity to work with Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Jim Sheridan, or Ang Lee.

How did your parents react when you told them you wanted to be an actress?
My parents are wonderful. They have always been supportive of my profession, but I think they still secretly want me to get an M.B.A or become a teacher because acting is not the most stable profession...hah hah.

When you're not acting what do you enjoy doing on your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to catch up on The Economist. I love that magazine, but I find that I can't keep up with a new issue every week. I also love spending time with my friends. Something I would like to do more is take weekend trips exploring places outside of Los Angeles.

How do you get into character? Are there certain acting jobs you just won't accept?
The way I get into character differs depending on the role. Sometimes, for certain roles, I just "get it." I don't have to do much. I simply understand the character from my life experiences or imagination. Other times, I need to do acting homework for roles whose life experiences I don't identify as easily with. In class the other day, I had to play a mother who lost a child. I have no children, so I have never felt a mother's incredible bond with her child. I would have to perhaps use imagination, substitution, invent a history etc. to make the performance full.

I have accepted the majority of roles that come my way. I approach each role on a case by case basis and see if it's right for me.

What do you want people to say about you when they look back at your career?
I would want people to say that she was a respected actor and mastered her art.

What do you think and feel when you hear these words: "Asian Pacific Islanders acting in a level playing field?"
Hey, if Obama can do it...

What are some of your guilty pleasures?
Travel is definitely a guilty pleasure. There are so many places like the south of France and Russia that I would love to visit. Another guilty pleasure is getting a massage. I don't get massages very often, but when I do, it's pretty wonderful.

What's your favorite Chinese dish(s)? Comfort foods?
One Chinese dessert that I cannot get enough is called dou hua. I eat it very rarely because it's usually only available at dim sum places. I'm sure I could buy it at Chinese supermarkets, but I know it wouldn't be as special if I could indulge all the time.

My comfort food is probably the Chinese food I grew up eating.

Is there a lot of pressure put on you to stay in shape or look a certain way?
Lately, I don't feel too much pressure to appear a certain way. But that has not always been the case. When I was starring in a movie in Taiwan, the director told me I looked pregnant. I know I didn't look pregnant. He just thought I wasn't thin enough, so I had to rapidly slim down. The pressure was immense.

If you weren't acting what do you think you be doing in life?
I would be studying to be veterinarian.

What kind of music do you unwind to? What are some music stations you have preset in your ride?
I like to unwind to soundtrack music and probably what Pandora pulls up after typing in Snow Patrol. I am pretty varied in my music taste. In my car, I've got your basic pop, country, hip-hop, and alternative stations and of course NPR.

What are you currently working on? Any future projects you like to reveal?
You'll have to wait and see!

How would you describe your style?
I dress casually most of the time. I'd like to think that I kept some of my New York East Village style from when I lived there.

How does it feel to be recognized when you're out and about? Any strange fan interactions lately?
Generally, I don't get recognized - which is really great. I would probably be very self-conscious if everybody knew who I was.

Thank you again for taking the time out our schedule to answer these questions, do you have anything memorable you like to leave us with?
Thanks for reading about me.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to Irene Keng.

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