Kim calls Hawaii his home, and says he’s “actively seeking” projects he can be part of here in the islands, both as an actor and producer.
Looking trim in a slim-fitting aloha shirt flecked with small blue flowers, Kim answered questions about the arc of his career for the better part of an hour, growing most animated when talking about the importance of seeing Asian Americans represented in film, TV and theater.
(The waiter promptly gave the OK, then nearly dropped some dishes he was carrying, perhaps out of excitement.) Meeting for an interview at a beachside Waikiki restaurant, where he arrived early, Kim politely asked a waiter for permission to sit at a table in an unused part of the room. In advance of their openings, he’s been on a busy circuit of interviews and appearances.īefore taking off for the Los Angeles round of publicity events, Kim made time for a Hawaii talk-story. KIM’S CO-STARRING role in “Hellboy” and a role in an upcoming romantic comedy on Netflix, “Always Be My Maybe,” have put him in the sights of entirely new groups of film fans. and Canada, South Korea, and even Bulgaria, where filming for “Hellboy” took place. His home base is Hawaii, even as he pursues film and television work across the globe - in the U.S. He co-stars in the R-rated, comic-book-based superhero film, playing a conflicted character with shape-shifting powers.Īs the work and the roles keep coming, he somehow remains seemingly well-balanced - a family man with a son in high school. “Hellboy,” his latest project, comes out in theaters today. He is actually an executive producer of “The Good Doctor,” which plays into his continuing effort to break down barriers that prevent Asian actors from reaching the heights of stardom. Kim is a focused man, and his focus is on succeeding in many possible aspects of film, stage and television. Jackson Han, who clashes with star Freddie Highmore’s autistic character, Shaun Murphy.
He also uses it to dramatic effect in the hit ABC series “The Good Doctor,” playing chief of surgery Dr. Kim put his laser-focused look to good effect in “Five-0,” revealing it when about to pounce on a suspect as Lt. On camera and in person, he has a direct gaze and a winning smile. He’s leaped over barriers at season-premiere events for “Hawaii Five-0” on the beach in Waikiki, jumping off the red carpet so admirers could get a good selfie. Though he’s not a big guy, he exudes strength, with his athletic, agile build. As many successful actors do, Daniel Dae Kim has a presence that impresses and draws attention.