Tornado Kicks and Wedding Bells

"JIA YOU!!!"

Ah, the classic chant that infects audiences at Chinese martial arts tournaments the world over. Literally translated, the phrase means, "Give it gas/oil." But when crowds cheer it, you feel their love lifting you up and it's like a jolt of adrenaline shot straight into the veins of whoever's tearing it up on the competition floor.

Though I'm far out from the days of competitive Wushu, the community still remains strong and connected. And for that reason, a handful of us United States Wushu "old schoolers" got together in Cleveland to witness the marriage of one of our own, Y Chan, to the lovely and graceful Betty Chu.

We're an intimidating bunch, yeah?

We dusted off our Feiyues and silks that we used to wear when we represented this fine country in the ring and gave it another go in the banquet hall of the wedding reception. I'd like to think we performed pretty entertainingly, but I'll let you be the judge.

Y has been one of my really good friends since I started Wushu in 2002. I met him at the first Wushu tournament I ever competed in and he even wrote a generously awesome article about me a few years ago. Needless to say, there's a lot of love for Y and Betty from my camp, and for that, I raise my glass and toast...

"Y and Betty…JIA YOU!!!"

Trip Down Sense Memory Lane...

The cold keeps you wrapped cozily under your covers an extra half hour or more, but the sun's so excited to have you be a part of this beautiful autumn day that its beams peek from behind the shades in an attempt to wake you up gently. Your feet scramble around and hit the cold floor and a shockwave of thrills rush to the top of your head.  The nozzle twists all the way so that the pipes will warm up and shower you comfortably in warmth that takes serious will power to pull away from. Step out shivering like a tree shaking off its leaves as you acclimate to the chilly environment. You pile on clothing layer by layer before you step out to be engulfed in the crisp air embracing you from all around. The colorful trees surrounding you sway back and forth, happy to see you looking at them and their radiant leaves. Inhale…

…Exhale. Take the first step and enter this gorgeous day.

At the top of 2011, I worked on Dragon Age: Redemption starring Felicia Day with my good friend and stunt coordinator extraordinaire Thom Williams. He mentioned that he would be running a show in Virginia and if he could find me a spot, he'd bring me on to work for him. Sure enough, he kept his promise and brought me to my home state to stunt up a ruckus on a movie called "To Have and To Hold." Good man! Check out this vlog I shot on the prep process in the hair and makeup trailer:

Two months earlier, one of my favorite professors from my alma mater VCU invited me to speak at the school and share my experiences since I graduated in 2003.

Wow. Time flies! It felt like only yesterday I was running amok up and down the streets of Richmond, VA. But it's been seven years!

hamming it up at a bboy battle for MTV's Campus Invasion (circa 2003)

When I entered the university, I had no idea what I wanted to concentrate on. The only passion that motivated me was the same drive that I had from my younger years: making movies to entertain the masses, bringing people together, and giving something back to this world to make it a better place.

But I knew the path to becoming a successful actor and stuntman in Hollywood would be a challenging one, so I'd need as much help as I could get. For that reason, I studied Mass Communications to learn the best way I could reach out to large audiences and share my gifts.

Seven years later, I'm revisiting my home state to shoot a feature film.

I'm so thankful every day to be blessed with the opportunity to do what I love and absolutely love what I do. If you can visualize the dream in your mind and connect to the love in your heart, the universe will find a way to bring it all together.

Live in love, baby!

Good day, Mr. Holmes!

“Just curious, Alex…and please, take no offense, but those shoes you’re wearing: are they made for riding a Vespa scooter along the Italian countryside?”

Ah yes, he’s got jokes. The shoes I was wearing were beat up FeiYues from my Wushu competition days, and the person asking me was none other than one of the wittiest personalities in Hollywood (and very simply, such an awesome guy!), Mr. Robert Downey, Jr.

I’ve admired Robert’s work for quite some time (more recently Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Due Date, Tropic Thunder, and of course the Ironman movies) but this time I got to be a part of the process! My good friend MarkosRounthwaite called and asked if I’d be interested in helping him and Fight Choreographer/Wing Chun Master Eric Orum in developing one of the sequences for the upcoming second installment of Sherlock Holmes, “A Game of Shadows.” Um. YES PLEASE.

The great thing about working with Robert is that he works incredibly hard and is absolutely disciplined through one of his main focuses in life, martial arts. The tie that binds! Coming up with the choreography was such a creative experience and working with the guys was nothing short of a blast. Check out the movie, hitting theaters on December 16, 2011!

Puerto Ricooooo!

It’s a rarity that I ever slow down, but every so often a shark needs to stretch out his fins and swim a couple laps with his fellow marine buddies!

Puerto Rico's just as beautiful upside down

Over a year ago, one of my best friends and I were sitting at a taco stand along the San Diego coastline discussing his wedding plans. The conventional ceremony was obviously an option, but extraordinary people propose exciting adventures for any occasion! Thus, he and his wife got married in BEAUTIFUL Puerto Rico!

During my stay in Old San Juan, my friends and I kayaked in the pitch black darkness of a new moon night in the bioluminescent bays, surfed the tropically warm Atlantic Ocean waves, and brought the "Bernie" back (be forewarned, it’s a dance for the grown and sexy ha)!

the boys and their boards

paddling into the deep blue sea

testing out the planking fad.
...on a castle wall.

let's flyyy!

Traveling to great places, making new friends, spending the best times with old pals, celebrating every moment to the fullest...living in love!

triple (GQ) Bernies @ Casa De España

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of...

New York City has housed me three times in the past few months and I ain’t got no shame! Why would I when I’m visiting (in my humble opinion) THE GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD! After all, it is the city that birthed me!

Several things have brought me back to the Big Apple recently…work, meetings, shows, promo events, and (of course) my friends and family! It’s such an amazing city full of timeless awe and I discover something new every time.

Tamara, myself, and my best friends!

Upon my first arrival I met up with my friend Tamara Levinson, one of the stars of Fuerza Bruta and my choreographer for the Britney Spears project in which I moved my body like a snake! She helped develop the crazy imaginative show with an Argentinian flare and every moment keeps you fully engaged. It entertains completely and magnificently and its grand finale is like the party you’ve always wanted to go to!

The most fun I've ever had watching someone else swim overhead

Even the pups have style

My second time around out I caught the tail end of Fashion Week. Every individual has such an eclectic artistry and how it manifests itself is equally unique. Just walking down the street in Manhattan is like watching a runway show (please refer to one of my favorite documentaries this year, Bill Cunningham New York)! 

Sporting my 'hipster/photographer' look

Three’s a charm and no doubt I experienced the charms of New York City to the fullest! I checked out the architectural marvel of Highline Park, passing by some wickedly dressed cosplayers from the New York Comic Con! Insane amounts of creativity! Cheers to the Comic world…love you guys and dolls!

It was a gorgeous day so I after the Highline I hiked uptown to Central Park where I took a nice stroll (aka got completely lost).

Lastly I hopped on the A-C-E to the World Trade Center Site. The lines for the Memorial were really long, but a visit to the Tribute WTC Visitors Center co-founded by Lee Ielpi was totally worth the trip. I heard his story on NPR one Sunday morning and was so moved by his strength that I had to see it. If you get a chance, definitely check it out. There’s truly great power and honor in the humble memorial.

"Love conquers all."

A city fueled by passion, inspiration, and love.

Very simply, I love New York.

It's been a long time...

...I shouldn't have left you without a dope beat to step to! *

Wow! It's been over 2 months since I've given you all some quality bloggage to munch on (slapping my own wrist!) I owe you some goodies, and no doubt these past couple weeks have been chock full of fantastical events for y'all to marinate on!

I'll be sure to fill you in with the details in upcoming posts. In the meantime, here's a taste of what's been going on in my world!

(*great line from the soundtrack of Jet Li's "Romeo Must Die")

Slim Jim!

Here's the commercial I shot for Slim Jim (referenced in previous post "Up, Up, Here We Go!")

I was cast as a principal role in the spot, but what's really fun is that at the audition they asked my experience with doing my own stunts.

"I'm limber, fly really well on wires, and move like an educated monkey."

And with that I was hired. LOVE. MY. JOB.

"Work is no longer work when you're doing what you love!"

Party Rockin' with LMFAO!

Every day I'm shufflin'! It just so happened that today I shuffled with the guys who invented the Party Rock Crew, LMFAO!

the gang and I gathered around my storyboard sketches (accurate down to the hair!)

 RedFoo and Sky Blu walked into the studio like true rock stars - entourage and all! But when it came time for business, the boys were nothing short of gentlemen and professionals. Good energy all around!

Playing off one of the station's popular catch phrases, the "New @ 2" promo spot I directed stars the fellas with my buddy Mando Fresko and Power106 all stars Yesi Ortiz (Single with 7) and DJ Felli Fel!

From A Star To The Moon

Ever since I was five years old, I've had the same dream: to bring people together, entertain, and give back to this world. It's a personal mission of mine to brighten the lives of the people I come into contact with every day. I'm truly grateful to be able to share my gifts and blessings with audiences all over the world through my work, and I thank God for every moment that I get that opportunity.

So when I was asked by my good friends - spoken word artist In-Q and acting coach Anthony Gilardi - to share what my motivation is, I wanted to express my thoughts and feelings through my artistry.

Here is the personal monologue that I shared.

Up, Up, Here We Go!

Another great day hanging around the office...

I just wrapped shooting a hilarious commercial where I play a paramedic that saves the lives of emasculated men by swooping in and reviving them with a popular snack food. So much fun!  I still pinch myself sometimes when I'm awake to see if I'm dreaming!

Behind-the-Scenes: Stunts with Ken Jeong

I’ve penned quite a few handfuls of blog entries about my experiences with the remarkably talented Ken Jeong, so this time I’ve decided to share a short video of he and I working together. Enjoy!

Fit For Fun Magazine

 

"Alex Huynh is a stellar young actor and stuntman who arrived in Hollywood on the wings of a Pegacorn. That's something like the love-child of a Pegasus and a Unicorn. Pretty magical. He trained in Wushu, and the technique he is performing is called 'puff face-limber legs' which is wildly popular in America."

Okay, maybe that's not the exact translation, but the German fitness magazine Fit For Fun did include me in their California Lifestyle piece in their June 2011 issue! Here's a more accurate translation of the article:

"With other martial artists, the Wushu master founded Reelkick Stunt Team, in which they train each other in a variety of disciplines. But Alex, who has been a stunt double in cinema hits like "Pirates of the Caribbean III," is not just a fighter. Recently he's been training with others at the first freerunning academy in LA."

Britney's Snake Charmer

The project's working title was "Desiree." Now I have no clue who Desiree is, but I did know that the director I was auditioning for was someone I really wanted to work with. I've followed his career for years now, so to work with him was a big honor.

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I used to train at LA Valley College's open gym with a colorful mix of gymnasts, martial artists, and breakdancers. That's where I met Daniel "Cloud" Campos, one of the absolute sickest dancers I know. 

 

So when I heard that I was going to be auditioning for Cloud, needless to say, I was excited. With his choreographer, Tamara Levinson, by his side, I vibed out to the music and gave them the best show I could. 

A couple days later, I was on set for what I later learned was a music video for Britney Spears' "Femme Fatale" concert tour! Check out the screens behind her during her performance of "Boys!"

Just what the doctor ordered

Time and time again, I've gone on and on about how Ken Jeong is hands-down my favorite person to double in my career as a stuntman. People have asked me if it was because of the wild characters he plays on screen, from the B-team doctor in Knocked Up to the insanely hilarious criminal "Mr. Chow" in The Hangover and The Hangover 2, now out in theaters near you :)

But this article truly captures the reason I love the guy. I'm sure you'll feel a thump in your heart for him, too, after reading this touching letter.

For My Wife, in Celebration of Mother's Day
by Ken Jeong


If you don't mind, I'm going to take a step back from the naked Asian gangster persona you've come to love from those heartwarming Hangover films. I realize my temporary departure may be difficult for many of you, but given it's Mother's Day tomorrow, I'd like to do something nice for my wife, Tran. Something that doesn't involve me cursing like a sailor or exposing myself on movie screens across America. (Though Tran really appreciates that stuff too.)

In the middle of the most challenging time of our lives, Tran stood strong for our family and encouraged me to pursue my dream of leaving behind my career as a doctor to become a comedian. (I don't know how many wives would encourage that kind of insanity. But I was lucky mine did.)

Three years ago, as my wife and I were eagerly adapting to parenthood with our then 1-year-old twin girls, Alexa and Zooey, we received the most devastating news. Tran was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. We were both in shock, and I was angry. How could this be happening to her? How could this be happening to us now, at what should be the happiest time of our lives? But her grace and poise in how she faced her own diagnosis made me realize I'd have to stand up and be the man she needed me to be -- the man who would match her strength and be her constant throughout her battle. We were in this together.

Throughout her grueling treatments -- 16 chemotherapy sessions, a mastectomy, followed by radiation -- I stood by her side in complete amazement as she drew from a strength I didn't know she possessed, until she became a mother. She fought back against cancer with everything she had for our girls, so that they would grow up knowing a mother's love, a mother's instinct, a mother's touch.

It was difficult to comprehend why this was happening to her at a time when she should be enjoying the first years of motherhood with her young children. I now believe there was a reason she was diagnosed when she was -- she had a mother's strength to draw from, and a stronger will to fight.

I won't lie, I was scared out of my mind -- worrying that in spite of her best efforts, the cancer would be too much for her. And I thought, how could I lose my wife, my best friend, the mother of my children? How would I explain this to Alexa and Zooey? How would I ever compensate for her not being in their lives? And I realized I couldn't... I would always fall short, because Tran is the most unbelievable mother. In the two years she battled this disease, she never once let it take away from the moments she had with our girls.

Then, the call came. A few months into her treatment, I was offered The Hangover. I was going to turn it down, but Tran encouraged me not to. She would not let her diagnosis change our lives or strip us from our dreams. For as long as we'd known each other, she'd been my biggest champion in my efforts to pursue a career in comedy. She knew this was my chance, and again, she selflessly put herself second. It was the hardest decision I had to make, and there were days I thought I'd made the biggest mistake, ready to pack my bags and come home. But, she wouldn't hear of it and continued to give me her love and support. I used my time on The Hangover as therapy -- channeling all of my frustrations into that insane role which allowed me to act out in ways no human being ever should.

When Tran was told she was cancer-free, it was the greatest moment of my life. In a way, it surpassed our wedding and the birth of our girls because it meant that we would be able to celebrate both of those moments, for the rest of our lives. In those two years, I fell in love with my wife all over again and discovered a deeper love and appreciation for her than I ever had. For that, I am thankful.

As doctors (Tran is a family medicine physician and I am an internal medicine physician), we're very aware that one out of every three women is affected by cancer, and about 39,840 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer. And so as we celebrate Mother's Day in our house tomorrow, I'm reminded of how things could have been -- and so grateful for how they are. 

Let's reflect on the memory of all those moms we've lost, the moms who are in the fight against this vicious disease, and the moms we're so lucky to have with us, cancer-free. Launch a star in memory of someone you love at su2c.org.

Happy Mother's Day, Tran.
Love,
Alexa, Zooey and Ken

(Published from Huffington Post - http://huff.to/mQE2Zr)

Train hard. And when you're done, train some more!

Here's a peek into part of my weekly physical training regimen...enjoy!


.

Detroit Jim

This is something I wrote when I was shooting Red Dawn in late fall of 2009. This man’s story really moved me and I just wanted to share it...

Detroit, Michigan

I was unusually late for work today. 

I’m almost never late. As a matter of fact, if I have a 5:00pm pickup, I’ll be there at most by 4:30pm just to be safe.

But it was 5:05pm, and I was late.

The first van had already taken off. When I got downstairs I threw my bag into the second van and jumped in. Myself and the driver sat for another ten minutes to see if anyone else would join us, but then I realized that all seven of the other guys had squeezed into that first van. So we were off, just me all by my lonesome in the van with just my driver. 

We sat in silence for a few minutes. He coasted through the Detroit rush hour traffic as I scurried through my things for work. Amongst my fumbling about, I pulled out my little prayer book to take a moment to collect my thoughts before the workday. The quiet was then broken by, “I got my first paycheck in four years today.”

It took a second to register what I had just heard. In a flash I thought about the rate of unemployment in Detroit and how this city’s been overlooked and left to wallow in its jobless decline. Once all of this processed, I was fascinated by the optimism of this statement and proceeded to talk with my driver. Little did I know that the conversation to follow would be one of the most unexpected moments of enlightenment of 2009.

His name’s Jim, and he’s had quite a challenging past few years.  Since 9-11, misfortunate has plagued this guy. It all started with his family business of 53 years being shut down because of economic hardship. Following that, his marriage of 30 years ended in divorce.

These events tore his spirits apart, and it took him years to muster up the courage to move forward. When he was finally ready, he fell deeply for someone. He was seeing her for about a year and a half, but one night she was killed in a terrible car accident. Knocked down again. But he continued to look forward. He’s been seeing his current girlfriend for about a year now, and they’re doing well. Sadly, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have both of her breasts removed.

It sounds unearthly the trials this man has had to deal with. I listened intently as I connected with him through the rear-view mirror. I could feel his heart wrenching with each blush of red flushing through his face, his eyes becoming glassy with each tale.

But there was something else I saw that I didn’t expect to see: an unyielding amount of hope, optimism, and lots of faith. It seemed like no matter what this world threw his way, he looked upward and pressed forward. Never did it sound like he was bitter or blaming anyone.

When he told me the story of the deconstruction of his family’s business, he also mentioned that amidst all the financial withdrawals he had to make to try to salvage the shop (pulling out his entire life savings) he saved enough to put both of his children through college.

When he discussed the tremendous pain of his marriage dissolving, he reminded me that though the gravity of the breakup weighed down on him, he eventually rose out of the situation with a great friendship and the experience of an enriching relationship.

When he recounted with great difficulty the loss of his girlfriend in the car accident, his crumbled voice gathered enough strength to lightly murmur, “At least I met my soulmate.”

And when he informed me of his current girlfriend’s anguishing surgery, he told me that he still adores her with the same devoted eyes and that she’s absolutely beautiful to him.

He’s proud to have been able to see his children graduate with his hard-earned financial support. He’s thankful that he still has a life’s friend in his ex-wife. He appreciates his spirituality through the blessing of being able to know his soulmate. He loves his girlfriend unconditionally, no matter what the circumstances.

“I could have died a thousand times,” he said. “I might have never seen what I saw or went through the pain of half of those experiences.”

“But there’s someone up there watching me. Someone cares about me. God wouldn’t have challenged me if He didn’t think I could handle it. There’s a reason for everything, and I’m thankful to know that.”

In that moment, when I looked at his eyes through the rear-view mirror and saw him opening up his heart to me, I felt my own heart. The feeling of love, gratitude, pride, and spiritual connection resonated throughout my entire body.

I experienced a prayer of thanksgiving without even having to crack open my little prayer book.

Hearts all over the world...

The people of Japan have been devastated over the past couple months with extraordinarily terrifying natural disasters. Initially the news channels jumped all over the tragic events, responding with a great outpouring of aid. But as of recent, media coverage has dissipated. I'm not sure as to why, because the small country continues to get ravaged by one disaster after the next.

But it doesn't mean we can't do anything to help! Tonight I and my good friend/mentor James Lew attended a benefit concert to raise funds and awareness for the tsunami and earthquake victims in Japan. My homie Steve Terada and his group, Quest Crew, headlined the Thousand Hearts Japan Relief Benefit Show with talented artists such as Paul Dateh and Hiroshima.

It was a night filled with amazing performances and several Asian-American personalities, such as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, my Wushu brother Mark Dacascos, and (my personal favorite) Tamlyn Tomita!

Meeting a childhood crush of mine, Tamlyn Tomita (from Karate Kid 2)!

I've mentioned this in previous posts, but I really believe that we're all here in this world for a greater purpose. Each and every one of us can make a difference! Even if we touch one person's life with just a simple smile, that can make a lasting impression. We are more powerful than even we know!

"Your life will become better by making other people's lives better!" Will Smith

"Do you remember?" (these kids sure will!)

"Those are the years when you can become anything you want," says international pop sensation Jay Sean in regards to the importance of those pivotal years teenagers spend in high school.

Get Schooled, an organization driven to improve the graduation rates of high schoolers all around the country, and Power106 LA put together a pep rally to congratulate the students of Santee High School for their increased attendance over the past two years. What the students didn't know was that Get Schooled and Power had a bit of a surprise up their sleeves...Jay Sean! And I was fortunate to join him with my friend Mando Fresko as he donated $10,000 worth of computer equipment to the students of Santee High!

It's really inspiring to me when I see an artist who's achieved great success give back to the community. I truly believe that we all have a social responsibility (especially if there are folks who look up to us) and this isn't Jay's first altruistic deed! He works with Keep a Child Alive (founded by Alicia Keys) and for his birthday he asked people to donate to charity instead of giving him gifts. The gift itself is giving and that doesn't only brighten one person's life...it touches so many more!

If you drop a pebble in a pond, ripples cross the entire pond. See the joy of giving back and drop that pebble...your ripples will reach beyond your own imagination!

Young Storytellers Big Show 2011

Together with Zachary Knighton (Flash Forward/Happy Endings), Craig Anton (Phil of the Future) and several other incredibly talented actors and actresses, we brought a handful of kids' original scripts to life once again! 

The Young Storytellers Foundation is a non-profit organization that fosters the development of imagination and teaches children that anything is possible...and it is! One of the great things about being a part of this program is that you simply live in the moment, enjoy life and are game for anything...just like in acting! Art truly imitates life! 

The kids in this program impress me every time with their clever scripts and have such a vivid imagination that it's really refreshing. It's fun taking my audience on an adventure without having to leave their seats!

Dragon Age: Redemption

Strike up the band and commence the parade, Felicia Day’s new web series has been announced! After an appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show - as well as several write ups through notable media outlets such as USA Today and Time - the trailer for Dragon Age: Redemption is spreading like wildfire! I won’t say too much about my role in the series just yet (*insert dramatic buildup) but let’s just say there’ll be action that’s sure to have your toes curling and pulse pounding. And maybe it’s just me, but come on, I’m a sucker for girls with elf ears!

 

Community!

I got to work again with my favorite actor to double, Dr. Ken Jeong, on his hit NBC comedy Community over the weekend! Watching him inspires me as a young Asian American actor as he approaches his work with remarkable professionalism and a fun loving spirit. It was a quick shoot but a great reunion for the both of us!

"Serenade" starring Bruno Mars

My directorial debut!

Here’s the video that I directed and wrote with my friend DJ Mando Fresko and the fedora-donning Grammy winner Bruno Mars!

REWIND: Hanging out with Davey Jones on Pirates 3

Bill Nighy and I after a long night of shooting

Here's a photo I found from the first movie I ever worked on, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End!

What a blessing it was to work on that movie! Over the span of two years while we shot the movie I got to travel to the Bahamas and worked with amazing stuntmen and women who continue to provide me with guidance and inspiration.

Subject 6

Me and my amigo Matt Kohler getting fashionably fitted

Over the weekend, my friend Seda put the gears of his filmmaking vehicle into drive with his original screenplay, Subject 6. I play an insidious technician that infects the minds of experimental subjects in this dark sci-fi thriller. Quite a departure from the norm, but a fun acting challenge I wanted to take on for sure! I recently saw a brief screening of the footage and it looks amazing! 

Relaunch! Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Welcome to brand new and improved alex-huynh.com Version 2.0! Check out the new layout and please be sure to follow me on Twitter and Like me on Facebook!

And Happy Chinese/Vietnamese New Year! May this new year bring an abundance of prosperity, health, and happiness to all! Cheers to achieving greater successes and enjoying more fun quality time with the ones you love in the Year of the Rabbit!

Mystery Show!

me, felicia day, and tara macken

Wish I could tell you about this awesome series I just wrapped, but it’s so secret that even the CIA’s scratching its head! What I can say, though, is that there are some incredibly talented actors and actresses lighting up the screen!

One of the stars is Felicia Day, well recognized for her role in the widely popular web-series The Guild. I had the pleasure to train Felicia in preparation for this role, and she is without a doubt a delightfully hard worker, quick learner, and a super fun and ambidextrous
butt-kicker!

Stay tuned for updates on the release date of this epic series!

Raw Food Diet

Raw Food Cleanse/Diet: SUCCESS!

A lot of folks asked me why I chose to go on this diet/cleanse.

Evolution is occurring. For me, this is a time of renewal in my life. My processes were challenged but I wasn’t gonna give up. I won’t back down. I won’t stop fighting. This life isn’t just for me…its for you all. You deserve better from me, and I can give you better than that.

My relationship with my career, with others, and more personally, with myself is growing and I want to approach this growth with the best possible me that I can. I’m about to be thrust into a brighter future, why not bring a healthier, upgraded version of myself?

These are some of the reasons why I took up the raw food diet/cleanse:

Physically:

Cosmetic – The camera adds ten pounds, how else am I supposed to showcase my thin wiry frame? Plus it cleans out the toxins without depriving me of essential nutrients. Unlike other cleanses, I’m not surviving off only water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. You still get to eat, you just have to find raw alternatives to the things you need (ie. almonds and spinach for protein).

Health - inflammation: with as much pressure as I put on my joints and how much I push my body to the limits everyday, I needed to repair and rebuild myself all around...exceed your own levels to reveal something amazing!

Mentally:

Education: when you're aware of what you're putting into your body, you're also aware of what you shouldn't put into your body. Walking around the grocery store I saw unnecessary things that are really poisonous to your health that any other day I wouldn't bat an eyelash to...no biggie. I worked with a coordinator who deals with diabetes and had to do this for 24 days! Makes my 7 days look like a breeze! Be careful what you put into your body...you only get one body, one life...take care of it so as to live this life the best you can!

Commitment and discipline - Chicken. Fish. Mac and cheese. French fries. Freshly baked cookies. I craved these and could have them had I cracked. But I'm driven to bring forth a better me so that I can offer something greater to this world, so I needed to focus on bettering myself. This wasn't just for my career, it was for myself in the long run. The task of going against the grain and challenging the way you think is uncomfortable, but discomfort gives way to growth!

Emotionally:

I've felt it all! The frustration from not being able to get what I want just yet, the depression of not being able to enjoy my favorite foods, the joy of achieving goals that seemed so difficult once before (i.e. the Snapuswipe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIz2a50vuU0), the fun of sharing this challenge with good friends. Experiencing these emotions, the highs and the lows, colors my days with liveliness!

Spiritually:

Around the world (and even here in the States), there are some people who don't get to choose when or what their next meal will be. They live knowing of their deprivation, knowing that they’re gonna be hungry, but it doesn't stop them from living their lives and doing the best with what they've got. I have the luxury to not only eat but also choose specifically what my diet is and how I can cater it to my needs. How blessed am I? Not only do I get to choose if my glass is half empty or half full, but I get to choose what I'm drinking. Expand this thought to acknowledge that people all over the world are in need, and if I am capable, I want to provide. They deserve better, I can do more.

We can all be heroes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiC_9RHTvsA

Video Gaming

lady gaga's next getup: walking Christmas tree

It’s been a busy past couple weeks and I’m loving it! Now primarily, I’m a film and television actor, but I enjoy doing motion capture for interactive media because it allows my growing skills in acting to work out their imagination muscles. Whereas on a film set you interact with what’s in front of you, on a mocap volume you interact with what you imagine is in front of you...it’s like playing make believe!

My phone rang immediately upon my return to Los Angeles from Madrid. The casting director who had chosen me to play Crosby in Call of Duty: Black Ops had booked me to play a conflicted police officer in a soon-to-be-released action game. The character was really fun to develop, and I had the great privilege to work with CSI’s Archie Kao. Our chemistry was on point and every scene was thrilling to create!

A few weeks later, my good friend Thom Williams asked if I would be available to lend my Wushu abilities to spice up the action in a fighting game. Getting paid to play? I’m in!

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I’m loving it!

Happy 2011!

Happy New Year World! Wishing all of you a blessed new year full of happiness, success, and deeper connections with the ones you love! It’s gonna be a spectacular and fun 2011!