My First Job
By Mark Dacascos

My then-girlfriend and I were walking down a street in San Francisco's Chinatown. I had just finished teaching a class at my mom's (Malia) studio, and we were going to grab some lunch.

Two men approached us and one of them asked me if I was an actor.

I said, "no," since I really wasn't at the time, and we proceeded to walk away.

The same man then said it didn't matter, and asked me if I'd like to audition for a movie. I could feel my girlfriend squeezing my hand, signaling for us to get out of there. In most cases it would have probably been the right thing to do, but the man assured us it was a legitimate, dramatic film. He said he was the assistant director. He seemed sincere, so I took his card and told him I'd think about it.

I did call and figured if it was something I didn't feel good about, I could always walk away. I showed up at the office on the appointed day, and was met by the "card" man. I was led to a meeting room where a long table occupied most of the space. At the table sat a couple of men, a couple of women, and the director -- a tall, slim, Chinese man who appeared to be in his early thirties. He was very friendly and asked me some questions about myself. Our conversation lasted about 15 minutes. I can't remember if he actually had me "read" for him, but I do remember being really nervous.

A few days later, I was surprised to receive a phone call from Chris (the card man), actually the assistant director, telling me I got the job. I would be playing the boyfriend of one of the "lead" girls. It was a supporting role and they had me scheduled to work about a week.

The first day on set, I found myself face to face with one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Chris told me she was already a big star in China, having done movies since she was a kid. This, however, was going to be her first film in America. This was the first time I had ever even seen a movie camera, let alone been in front of one. One could say I was a little nervous.

I finished my week and had a great time working. I only wished I had had some knowledge, any knowledge, of the art and craft of acting. By the time the movie was finished with post-production, all of my scenes were on the cutting room floor. I like to think it was because the director had shifted the story's emphasis on a couple of the other characters and my character just wasn't relevant to the change. Of course, it could also have been because I was just horrible.

That was sixteen years ago, and the movie was called "Dim Sum." It was directed by Wayne Wang, who later directed " The Joy Luck Club."

The assistant director whom I became friends with was Chris Lee, from Hawaii, who went on to become president of Tri-Star (his brother Jeff taught me how to surf!).

And the beautiful actress I played the boyfriend of was the extremely talented Joan Chen. She has since starred in many movies, including "The Last Emperor" and "Heaven and Earth," but has most recently made her directorial debut with her film, "Xiu Xiu." I've seen it twice and think it's amazing.

Anyway, "Dim Sum" was my first job as an actor, and I have Chris to thank, so Chris, big Mahalo to you, brah!!! And Mahalo for letting us stay at your house whenever we're on the North Shore!

I started acting classes shortly after "Dim Sum," and I am still taking classes. I've studied with several different teachers over the years, but I feel as if I've found my mentor in Howard Fine. I've been with him for the last seven years, and intend to continue for many more.

Take care. Aloha!