In this week’s episode 83 of Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA Canada, actor and comedian Andrew Phung joined us for an engaging conversation about his journey in the entertainment industry, the importance of family, and his experiences with Canadian television. Phung, known for his roles in “Kim’s Convenience” and “Run the Burbs,” shared personal anecdotes and insights, giving listeners a glimpse into his world. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation.
Episode 83 of the Gent’s Talk podcast with Andrew Phung of CBC’s Run the Burbs:
The grind and family involvement
Andrew Phung’s dedication to his craft is evident, but what stands out is how he involves his family in his journey. “I’ve included my kid on this journey… he sees what Dad does for a living,” Phung shared. This hands-on approach allows his children to understand the hard work and long hours involved in his career. He recounted an instance where his son accompanied him to set and realized the extensive hours required for filming, fostering an appreciation for his father’s efforts.
“I’ve included my kid on this journey… he sees what Dad does for a living,”
Andrew phung
Celebrating Canadian talent
Phung emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating Canadian talent. Reflecting on his experience hosting the Junos, he admired the camaraderie and the genuine appreciation among artists. “We as Canadians are so terrible at taking time to just appreciate and recognize our worth and our strength,” Phung remarked. He advocated for a shift in perception, urging Canadians to champion local content and give it the recognition it deserves.
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The importance of community in the film industry
Phung highlighted the need for a supportive community within the Canadian film industry. He praised Cameron Bailey and others who are dedicated to promoting Canadian talent. Phung believes that making great Canadian content and finding audiences for it is crucial. “There’s always going to be an appetite for Canadian content, so it’s just making really great Canadian content and finding audiences for it,” he stated.
Overcoming rejection and pursuing passion
Addressing the inevitable rejection in the entertainment industry, Phung shared his philosophy: love what you do. He advised aspiring actors to pursue their passion genuinely, despite the challenges. “Do you love it? What do you love about it?” he asked, encouraging individuals to focus on their passion rather than the superficial aspects of fame.
Balancing career and family
For Phung, balancing his career and family is essential. He carefully chooses roles that align with his values and considers whether his children can watch and appreciate his work. He shared a heartwarming story about taking his son to a wrestling show and an improv performance, highlighting the joy of involving his family in his career.
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Reflecting on the immigrant experience
Phung’s background as a child of immigrants profoundly influences his perspective. He discussed how his parents’ hard work and sacrifices shaped his values and work ethic. “When I turned 14, my dad started bringing me to the shop, and I started working in the shop,” he recalled. This hands-on experience taught him the value of hard work and perseverance.
The significance of representation in media
Representation is a recurring theme in Phung’s work. He is committed to showcasing diverse stories and characters in his projects. “Run the Burbs” aims to portray suburban life from the perspective of families of color and immigrants, challenging the often whitewashed portrayal of suburban neighborhoods. “It’s like taking the camera that was on the Tanner family in ‘Full House’ and pointing it to the family next door,” he explained.
Embracing positivity and improv
Phung attributes much of his approach to life and work to his background in improv comedy. Improv taught him to be positive, genuinely curious, and adaptable. “Life is just a big giant improv scene,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown and finding joy in the moment.
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To hear more about Andrew Phung’s journey, insights, and heartfelt stories, watch the full episode of Gent’s Talk. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, follow our channel, and support us as we continue to bring you inspiring conversations with incredible guests. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Gent’s Talk, presented by BULOVA
The Gent’s Talk podcast is proudly presented by Bulova Canada. Season 6, episode 83 is now available to stream on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple, Audible, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts! Seasons 1-6 are all on board Air Canada flights via the in-flight entertainment system. Please make sure to like, follow and subscribe. Your continued support throughout this journey is greatly appreciated.
