Staten Island, Hong Kong, David Henry Hwang, Restaurants, Acting, Theater, Film, Television, Stereotypes, Representation, Activism, Chinatowns, Acting Philosophy, “The Farwell,” “The Ladykiller,” “The Quiet American,” Racism, Lehman College, Hollywood
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2019.038.004 The Family Journey of Tzi Ma

Tzi Ma, pioneering actor whose stage/TV/film performances have delighted audiences worldwide, challenged Hollywood stereotypes and broken down barriers for Asian American/Pacific Islanders. MOCA 2019 Legacy Awards Gala honoree, talks about growing up on Staten Island and working in his parent’s restaurant. He goes on to discuss how he got into theater during grade school and how it drove his acting career. The conversation progresses to his acts of activism during his teens and his association with progressive organizations such as the Black Panthers and the Students for a Democratic Society. He further elaborates on his career and discusses Asian representation in Hollywood.