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The Heroes star talks about Asian stereotypes and cutting in line at the DMV.

Masi Oka Interview

The Heroes star talks about Asian stereotypes and cutting in line at the DMV.

As told to Justin Monroe 1 Don’t sell out.
After my first year acting, I realized there is stereotyping in many Asian roles, like when you have to throw in an accent for the sake of throwing in an accent. My rule is: If it’s funny because it’s me, I’ll do it; if it’s funny because it’s “Asian,” I won’t do it.

2 Geek out.
Being a geek is great. It means you’re passionate about something, whether it’s a friggin’ Rubik’s Cube or shoes or whiskey. That’s what gives us individuality. People who make fun of geeks are people who haven’t really found themselves.

3 Enjoy the perks.
I try not to abuse my celebrity; I use it in small spaces. I don’t have to wait in line at the DMV. I’ll cut in front of people for a bowling lane or a table at a restaurant...OK, that might be obnoxious for people who’ve been waiting an hour.

4 Disguise yourself well.
With the stereotype that all Asians look alike, you’d think people wouldn’t be able to spot me, but I’ve put on a big hat and a poncho and still.... The other day, a guy on the street said he recognized me from the back! From the back! It’s crazy.

5 Beware the media.
The media spins things and you don’t have a chance to explain yourself. I once said I took these pens I loved from ILM [George Lucas’s special effects company] and forgot to return them. Headline: “Masi Oka Steals From Lucas!” What?!

6 Respect women.
In the beginning, I took advantage of fame. Milo Ventimiglia was single and telling me, “You’re fucking Masi Oka! Live it up!” I actually did for a bit, but I don’t like hurting people. My mom raised me to be a gentleman.

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Meet the rest of the cast from Heroes

Milo Ventimiglia