BD Wong on why he dreads when his characters wear a lab coat

This story is part of I’m So Obsessed (subscribe here), our podcast featuring interviews with actors, artists, celebrities and creative types about their work, career and current obsessions.

In the course of a various and seemingly countless expanse of movies, TV collection and different media is actor BD Wong. His work is sort of a completely set gem that persistently catches your eye and forces you to pause in surprise and delight. His performances are beloved whether or not it is on Broadway, the place he first acquired his break; in movies like Jurassic Park, Father of the Bride and Mulan: or in reveals like Legislation and Order: SVU, Oz and Gotham. In 2017, Wong acquired an Emmy Award nomination for his efficiency as Whiterose on the collection Mr. Robotic.

He can at the moment be seen within the second season of Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens as Wally, Awkwafina’s father. The present is predicated on Awkwafina’s life and displays her marvelous and spot-on humor. On CNET’s I’m So Obsessed podcast, Wong mentioned that “within the heart of the present is that this loopy, fantastic performer, Awkwafina, who if you do not know who she is, you actually must get with this system.”

“Wally desires to inform his daughter what she ought to do, however on the identical time, he additionally desires her to search out her personal means,” mentioned Wong. “I relate to that a part of Wally. And I believe folks like Wally as a result of he’s attempting the very best that he can and he is fumbling and never all the time making the suitable alternative. It is very human nature.”

Throughout our interview, Wong discusses Mr. Robotic, Jurassic Park and Legislation & Order followers and his theater profession. He additionally shares that when he began out, he was regularly forged within the position of a health care provider. Over time, his costumes and the stereotypes they represented made him depressed.

“I used to be physician this and physician that, and each time I acquired a brand new physician, he simply had a unique surname, for essentially the most half,” mentioned Wong. “It was once a dreadful second to enter a wardrobe becoming and fear about whether or not there will be a lab coat.”

You possibly can watch Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens Wednesday nights on Comedy Central. You possibly can subscribe to I’m So Obsessed on your favorite podcast app. In every episode, Connie Guglielmo or I meet up with an artist, actor or creator to study their work, profession and present obsessions.