Chicago-native Alice Lee is an actress on the rise. With credits on shows including ABC Family’s Switched at Birth and CBS’ 2 Broke Girls, Lee has an impressive repertoire and is making her next move with ABC’s new summer crime comedy, Take Two.
She talks with KPOP-TV’s Lauren Jiang about her character, Monica, and how her story has shaped her into who she is today.
Can you talk about your character in Take Two, and about the show’s premise?
Take Two is an upbeat crime procedural. It’s a duo played by Rachel [Bilson] and Eddie [Cibrian], the character’s names are Sam and Eddie. They team up and solve a bunch of crimes, but it’s also funny and endearing, with a lot of action and a little bit of drama. I play Monica, who’s Sam’s assistant, and she comes in to help her with everything. But as the show goes on, she becomes part of the team and starts helping them solve some crimes. Monica is super smart, she’s a young girl who’s very unique and eclectic. Her humor’s a bit dry but she’s super into new, bold, unique things that’ll make her into a smarter, better human. She’s super cool, super different, and she’s very fun to play.
What drew you to the role of Monica?
When I first saw the audition, [Monica’s] character is super different from anyone I’ve played. That was intriguing. Personally, I’m very expressive and loud, but she’s quite the opposite. So immediately I was like: “okay, this can be someone cool to play that I’ve never played before.” And I love crime procedurals; I also loved Castle. I knew what the idea was and it was like “okay, this can be super cool.” It was a series that was picked up already, which is not common during pilot season.
What was your experience like on set?
It’s been super fun. I came in on the second episode, so they’d all done the first one when I first came in. They already had a rapport going when I came in, but everyone was super welcoming and super friendly. Rachel, Eddie, the whole cast and crew. They made me feel very comfortable. We all goof off a little too. It’s been good energy on set so I’ve been very lucky.
How do you feel about how Asian Americans have been receiving more recognition in the entertainment industry?
I think it’s great, of course. More representation in TV and film is very important, and I’m glad it’s come a long way. There are more opportunities from 10 years ago that are different from now; I go in for so much more. There’s still a long way to go, but there are more open-ethnicity castings that aren’t stereotypical roles. For this character, I know I was up against a bunch of different girls; it wasn’t specifically Asian. It’s really good. We’re on the right track and I’m proud to represent.
How has being Korean American shaped you?
I am 100% American and 100% Korean. I was born in Chicago, but my parents taught me Korean since I was young and all of my extended family is in South Korea. I’ve been going there every year and I grew up on Korean food and culture, but also I’m fully American. I’m this weird middle, but it’s been good. I feel proud of everything, who I am. When you’re younger, when your mom makes you Korean food for lunch, you just want to fit in. I had to go to Korean school every Saturday at 8 am, and I was like: “No! Please!” But now that I’m older, I’m like: “Thank God.” I love being bilingual.
What is your dream role?
There’s so many things I’ve gone in for where you don’t know you didn’t get it until you watch it on TV, or for a movie, and you’re like: “Oh, there it is.” I love comedy; I would love to do a superhero movie one day. That’s a dream, those look fun. For the future, eventually, movies that have a really good message, a powerful message. I’m open. I love to work; I find joy in every single project. Whatever comes my way.
Which actor and singer do you look up to?
Childish Gambino. He’s an actor as well. That’s like: “Dream big.” My goal is to do it all. Or even J. Lo — people who act but also do music and are successful at both. Those are the people I look up to. They found a way to do it all.
How long have you wanted to be in entertainment?
As long as I can remember. My dad is a singer, so I grew up with music. Watching Korean dramas, listening to K-Pop, I always loved it but I didn’t know I could really do it professionally which is why I chose to study music business in college. But when finally the opportunity came, I was like: “I can actually do this.” That was the first time I really thought, this can be a career as opposed to just a dream. But I’ve always wanted to do it. I’m very grateful that my parents worked their butts off so I could do it and had the opportunity to actually pursue my dream. I did a hostess job one time, but with a lot of actors, it’s a hustle; there are a lot of side jobs. But I’ve been very fortunate to get work and to have time to pursue it.
You started in musical theater and then transitioned to TV and film. How was that transition?
The way I got into it musical theater was, I watched Spring Awakening and I fell in love with it. They had open calls for their shows, where anyone can audition. That’s how I got into the business; I went to an open call. The stars aligned and I got it, then I got an agent, but I didn’t study musical theater. I didn’t know much, but I fell into that world. But I’ve always wanted to do TV and film. What inspired me to move to L.A. and do more, was time — I just felt it in my gut. I’d done a lot of musical theater and eventually I do want to go back, but I wanted to try another part of the industry and I love TV and film. I was ready.
What are the differences between the industries?
Musical theater is bigger and the acting, the performance, is way more dramatic; you have to perform for thousands of people who are sitting far from you. Film and TV’s way more subtle. Musical theater is the same show eight times a week. There’s a bit more structure. You know when you have a show, as opposed to TV and film where your schedule can be that you work all day one day then you work only two hours one day. I like that TV and film is something different every time, because musical theater is the same shit over and over again. TV and film is more accessible for the mass audience. Musical theater is still very niche: it’s expensive, you have to go to New York, Broadway. TV and film you can watch it from anywhere and pay like, 10 bucks for a movie, although now it’s super expensive.
You have a YouTube channel where you post covers; what made you want to start YouTube?
Back when I started, I was focused on music and breaking into that industry, so I was talking to people and they were like: “you’ve got to start with YouTube covers.” So I was following what people were doing. It was super fun; who doesn’t like to just sing and jam out? And it was also cool to see people’s responses. I don’t do it as much anymore; it was for the joy of it. I put pressure on myself sometimes, but it was fun.
Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
Hopefully Take Two does well, so a couple more seasons of that. Other than that, I’d love to do more movies and find time for some music. I’ve been so focused on acting, music has come and gone, but I’d love to write.
What advice do you have for other Asian American women looking to make it in the industry?
Go for it, don’t give up, and don’t be discouraged. A lot of the entertainment is rejection, and that’s one of the hardest parts for a lot of performers, but you have to not take it personally. Know your worth and know you’re worth it. Just because one show or one person says no, doesn’t doesn’t mean it’s no forever; there’s always another job. Hustle and have faith in yourself. And talk to fellow actors; I have a lot of Asian female actor friends. It’s good to talk it out and talk about what’s going on in the industry. And know you’re not alone. There’s room for everyone, so keep going, don’t give up.
Take Two premieres Thursday, June 21, on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.