With a father who was

once an actor in Korea,

Justin Chon’s got performing in his blood. Which is why this 25-year-old who majored in business at the University of Southern California forewent the corporate life for the limelight.

With a new Nickelodeon series (“Just Jordan”)

and upcoming roles in the feature films “Gary the Tennis Coach” and “Crossing Over,” it looks like

Chon made the right choice.

 

 

 

Where would you be right now if you weren’t acting?

I’d probably be doing financial consulting. But if I had a choice? I’d be a pro surfer or something.

Tell me about your role as Jordan’s best friend Tony Park on “Just Jordan.”

I’m supposed to be like the best basketball player in South Central. A lot of girls like me, which is really unusual. And not only that, [Nickelodeon] is a kid’s station so it helps change the perspective of young kids instead of constantly reinforcing that Asian stereotype.

Have you ever had to play a stereotypical Asian part?

Oh, all the time. Like last year I [played the] Korean pop star on “The OC.”

Has it been difficult to get roles as an Asian American actor?

You know, for me, it’s not been that crazy hard. I mean of course it’s not like always a role that you want to play, you know? It’s mostly comedies.

Tell me about your character in “Crossing Over.”

I play a Korean immigrant and my character is this teenager [who] is having a really tough time adjusting to America. He starts hanging out with the wrong group of kids to try to fit in. He just gets into a lot of trouble. It’s a really awesome part.

What advice would you give young Asian American actors trying to break into the business?

Learn how to act. A lot of people, they just want to become famous or whatever. I think if you become a really good actor and you stick with it, opportunities will start appearing.

 

 

-Nina Ahn