Vien Dong Newspaper

Photoshoots always make me laugh.

I’m not sure as to why...maybe it’s the feeling of the camera right in your face that reminds me of how I’d burst out laughing at the optometrist’s office when she was examining my eyes from an inch away. Or maybe my inner wild child giggles at having to take myself so seriously. Nevertheless, photographer (and bboy extraordinaire) Vincent Nguyen did a spectacular job snapping pictures for this recent article in Vien Dong Daily Newspaper.

Vincent was kind enough to provide me with an English translation for anyone who doesn’t read Vietnamese proficiently (a la myself). Thanks! 

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Alex Huynh, age 28, is a passionate Vietnamese American born in New York and raised in Virginia. He came to Los Angeles in 2004 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue one of his passions, acting. Of course, his parents were hesitant and preferred that he apply for graduate school but he asked them to give him 6 months in LA. If he landed a gig then he would have fulfilled his dream and if not then he would return home to pursue business. Luckily, after 5 months of searching and auditioning, a producer saw Alex practicing in the gym and was so impressed that he asked Alex if he was interested in pursuing a career in acting/performing. Thus began his dream.

Since 2004 Alex has been in many feature films either as a stuntman or a supporting cast member. He has worked on Hancock as “Gun Nut,” the Asian Gangster at the beginning of the film and has personally met and spoken to Will Smith who he highly respects. Also, he was a stuntman in Pirates of the Caribbean 3 and the recently released Airbender. Alex also had smaller roles in television and video game productions such as HBO’s Entourage and he is also currently working on the very popular game Call of Duty: Black Ops as an American Marine named Crosby. In additional to his growing career, he also carries 3 gold medals for the US Olympic Wushu team!

Alex started martial arts at an early age and it has grown into another one of his passions. He started around age 9 because his parents wanted him to become healthier and stronger since he got sick too often. Well, his parents must’ve known what they were doing since he loved it since day 1 and after winning many amateur competitions and training for years he was scouted by a well-known coach (also Jet Li’s teammate) from Beijing. In 2003 he tried out for the US team and made it. He brought home 3 gold medals in his two year term on the team. Years later Alex still practices Wushu because he loves it and it keeps him in shape.

So this summer Alex is living his life and his dream. He trains daily to maintain his Wushu and lives life with an amazing outlook. Recently he gave a speech for UNAVSA (Union of North American Vietnamese Student Association) on his life experiences, appreciating success, and fulfilling your personal happiness. Alex believes that you should always be true to yourself and everything will follow through in the end. As you can see, he definitely speaks from experience.

Lights Camera ACTION Reel 2010!

Drumroll, please! Introducing my newest action reel for 2010! Hope you like it!

Mic Check

Phew! Who knew that voiceover was such a tough gig!

I’ve been going in the studio for ADR sessions and leaving tuckered out...screaming in Vietnamese is no easy task! Thank goodness for tea, lozenges, and intensive vocal training!

The sessions have further reinforced the importance of my voice as an actor. As one of my coaches, Susan Rumor, says, “every great actor needs a powerful and connected voice in order to convey the depth and range of their characters.” It’s such a thrilling feeling when you get to experience that connection!

Behind-the-Scenes with the Tarot Stuntman

Here’s a Behind-the-Scenes interview with Brian, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s Backstage Correspondent!

And if you missed it, here’s a short clip from the skit I did with Brian Palermo on the show! Enjoy!

Call of Duty: Black Ops

The secret is out! The video game that I’ve been working is Call of Duty: Black Ops! Their first trailer has been released to the general public, with several more clips from gameplay shown at E3! I’m not sure if I can disclose my role in the game, but check out the video! It’s friggin awesome!

Young Storytellers 2010

A couple years ago I ran into my friend Helen while working over at the Sony lot on Hancock. In catching up with one another, she mentioned that she did work with a non-profit organization that teaches kids how to write their own scripts as well create their own productions. The concept of nurturing creative talent and uncovering potential is one of my passions, so needless to say, I was super interested!

Fast forward a couple years and an email pops up in my Inbox from my friend inviting me to perform at The Young Storytellers Foundation annual “Big Show” at Canfield Elementary! It’s a program where the students create their own scripts and we the actors bring their words to life! Along with great talents including Ben McKenzieSouthland, The OC)and Debra Wilson (MADtv), we played out some of the most imaginative scripts ever written!

Jiayo

If you took a box of crayons filled with extreme colors and detonated it into the form of high-flying, weapons-wielding athletes in silk uniforms, Wushu tournaments would be the glorious result.


I remember the weeks in preparation for competitions. Extreme practices, unyielding conditioning, pushing my body to extraordinary capacities. Decorating my walls with gold medals was the goal, but those training sessions alongside my fellow teammates are the stories I remember best. We would challenge each other physically and creatively, and no matter how many times you fell down it was all about how many more times you would get up.

It’s been years since I retired from competitive martial arts, but from time to time I like to go to competitions to marinate on the quality of athleticism. About a month ago I journeyed up to the University of Oregon to watch the Collegiate Wushu Competition and this Saturday I’ll be traveling to northern California to attend the Berkeley Chinese Martial Arts Tournament. These venues are wonderful opportunities to watch and be amazed by people all over the world who have pushed their bodies to the limits in order to achieve unimaginable flexibility, agility, and grace in the pursuit of victory.

Maybe I’ll make my way back into the ring for old times sake!

MoCap'n'Crunch

I just signed a contract to play a great role in a HUUUGE video game franchise! I can't divulge too much information, but what I can say is that we've shot loads of great scenes at the famous House of Moves motion capture studio and had some intense voice over sessions.

Working in video games is a lot of fun because, like in the production of James Cameron's Avatar, the actors live out the lives of their characters in a completely imaginary world. No elaborate sets, no intricate wardrobes. Everything is constructed in your imagination, meaning to the actor you see everything (monsters, explosions, unicorns...you name it!) from your eyes even though they don't really exist in the studio.

Living in the make-believe world...I love my job!

Tonight Show

"I put your name in for a really fun job," says my good friend and mentor James Lew from his side of the phone line. He remarked that the group I would be working with was full of high energy and good times. With my curiosity sparked, I enthusiastically walked in to NBC Studios.

Crowds lined up outside the gate to Studio 11, where I was to meet with producers and writers. Upon entering, I spotted a red sports car in the parking lot that could only belong to one late night talk show host.

I play a Kung Fu fighting Tarot card that comes to life in this upcoming comedy bit with Groundlings alum Brian Palermo (The Social Network) and late night legend Jay Leno! Keep an eye out for it and I'll post a video link when it becomes available!

Firebending the BBQ

Almost half a year has passed since we've all been together, but The Last Airbender gang picked up where we left off last! Catching up on that Saturday afternoon and trading stories of our wild stay in Philadelphia, this group is really a great family to be a part of. And as an added surprise, our favorite airbender Noah himself showed up!

The movie comes out on Independence Day weekend 2010! Go watch it...again and again! It's gonna be epic!