Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanny Joon.
Lanny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Cincinnati, but moved to Los Angeles at a month old, and then all around SoCal: Koreatown Los angles for elementary, Ventura for middle school, Mission Viejo for high school and then eventually to NYC to attend NYU where I got my bachelors in Theater and Journalism.
I started my acting career on off broadway shows like “The Dispute” and “Take Me Out” which led to my first principal film role in, “West 32nd” starring John Cho and Grace Park (Hawai’i 5-0) that eventually led to the decision to move back home to Los Angeles to pursue work in film and television in 2007. Been lucky enough to be working ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road, but a road I can’t complain about. Being a male, Asian American actor when I started 13 years ago, the climate was much different in terms of opportunity. The characters I’ve been fortunate enough to play have not been your typical “Asian” roles i.e., nerds, computer guys, or lab technicians. I’ve had the luck to be able play characters that have a strong persona, maybe not with the kindest of personalities, but men of powerful stature. Bad guys is what I’m trying to say, I play a lot of bad people hahaha… and it’s some of the best fun, if not therapy, to play these awful people.
I think the key to being comfortable in any line of work is consistency and the struggle will always remain the same for most of us actors which is, when will my next gig come? Even when I’m on a series regular role or if I’m in a big film there is always the idea in your head, what will I do if the work stops coming in? Maybe that’s just a fear that I’ve cultivated being in a line of work that is so unstable and volatile, but understanding the nature of the industry is to understand that it can change overnight in any capacity.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I mainly work as an actor. You may have seen me in the film Baby Driver as the character JD starring Jamie Fox, Jon Hamm, and Ansel Elgort. I’ve also guest-starred in shows like The Big Bang Theory, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, and NCIS to name a few.
I’m also owner/coach of Joon Boxing. I teach mainly basic mechanics worked in with high-intensity mitt work. You can find information on Instagram @joonboxing for more information.
Being able to book consistent work as an actor is an obstacle for many pursuing a career in Hollywood, including myself, but to now be able to have consistent work is something I’m very proud to be able to say. But I also feel very fortunate because I’ve had the luck of being connected with a great team of agents (AEFH) and reps who not only support and believe in my work but treat me Like family.
My boxing business actually came into fruition out of dire straights. I had just quit my serving job because I’d booked a commercial and took the risk of seeing how long the paychecks would last while trying to book the next gig. My luck ran out. I wasn’t booking any gigs and the checks stopped. I didn’t have enough to pay rent the next month and I didn’t have the stomach to go back to a job that treated me less than a tooth left behind by a meth head. So…I realized I had some pretty good knowledge in boxing since I’d been boxing for a decade as a passion and exercise that I made an Instagram page and had my first client the very next day. I’m proud of that.
I’m no different than the next person trying to make it in their field. I think maybe what sets me apart is that I know that I’m no different than anybody else in this world, it’s just circumstances and environment that shape us into the people we’ve become. I Always try to approach my work and life this way and hit has allowed me to accept ideas and people, whom I would’ve been closed off to with my older perspective. As an actor, this mentality has been a godsend. To be able to look at a character with no judgment and to try and understand why a person would be or do something “evil”.
What were you like growing up?
I was fat butterball growing up that had no notion of shame. One of my many quirks was that I would answer the front door stark naked to the complete shock of our guests. I hated wearing clothes. I didn’t see the point. I’m pretty sure the last time I did that I was ten, old enough to know it was inappropriate, but dumb enough to think it was still funny.
My young adult years were a bit more of a growth period from my naked days. I had to navigate through a lot of bullying in my middle and high school years, which eventually introduced me to many racial issues. But I wouldn’t change it if I had to do it again. I was gifted with a family who was able to guide me through the dark times that has directly affected me into being the person I am today.
I think going through the loneliness during those trying times helped me to develop the toughness to endure the many failures that Hollywood had to offer because the feeling of doubt and loneliness are pervasive when you first start out and it feels like you’re being bullied by your own dreams.
Pricing:
- Joon Boxing: Intro session $40
- Single session: $60
- 3 sessions: $150
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lannyjoon & @joonboxing
- Facebook: Lanny Joon
Image Credit:
Compel Pictures, Robert Ryu, Wilson R Webb
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