Actor, Jerome Chong brings his story to America and shares it with the Michelle Danner Acting School in Los Angeles.

PLEASE BEGIN WITH A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF YOURSELF.

I’m Jerome Chong from Malaysia currently expanding my knowledge of the acting craft at one of the Best Acting Schools in LA, the Michelle Danner Acting School.

WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO ACTING?

When I was in high school, I got the opportunity to make a couple of short films and showcase them to the entire school which eventually sparked my interest in the entertainment field. But unfortunately, Malaysia’s entertainment industry is still developing so there weren’t any film schools or acting courses. Infact, the only course that was available was a class on the performing arts. That’s when I decided in college to start my life in as a performer. Ever since then, I’ve come to really enjoy acting.

WHAT WAS YOU PERFORMANCE EDUCATION LIKE?

As I previously stated, I studied at the collegiate level in Malaysia for two years until I graduated with a Diploma in the Performing Arts. Now I’m continuing my studies in the States doing a one-year program at Michelle Danner’s Acting Studio.

WHICH ACTORS DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?

That’s tricky but I would have to say that I’m very inspired by the stars of the action genre; especially actors who are also martial artists and stuntmen. They may not be the best actors but they’re definitely hardworking and dedicated actors who put their bodies on the line to inspire and perform for people around the world. I’m talking about talent from Asia like Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa and of course America’s very own Bruce Lee and Scott Atkins.

WHICH OF YOUR ROLES HAVE GIVEN YOU THE MOST SATISFACTION? WHY?

I was once cast to play a character named Fairy. Yes, a guy named “Fairy”. Where I danced around and spoke in a high pitch voice; in front of all my peers. It was one of the most embarrassing characters I ever played. But despite all that fact, it was actually the role that forced me out of my comfort zone for the first time and challenged me to face my fear of playing difficult characters.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PROJECTS PLANNED?

Just continuing to audition for films and shorts. I am however in the pre-planning stages to start shooting a web series with my friends.

IF YOU COULD CO-STAR WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD YOU CHOSE? WHY?

Honestly, I’ve never thought about it before. But if I were given the opportunity to star with anyone, I would say Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman or Leonardo DiCaprio because they all share one thing in common. They’re always playing bold characters that tap into their versatility which inspires me to play characters that are very different from myself as well.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

To land a major role in an action film; especially as a villain or superhero. Besides that, I’d love to direct my own films too.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ACTORS?

Keep moving forward, persevere and pursue what you like. You only live once. Would you rather turn your dreams into a reality or you would rather just make excuses and turn away? When in doubt, push those thoughts away and just remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Above all, BELIEVE.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN AT THE MICHELLE DANNER ACTING SCHOOL?

I may only be here for four short months, but I can honestly say that it’s really opened my eyes to view things differently. I’ve learned things that I was never taught back in college. So it’s safe to say that the acting classes here can be very enjoyable if you cooperate.

And for our readers, please look forward to more interviews with aspiring actors and dreamers as we share what stories our students bring from their homes and journeys. More to come from Michelle Danner’s acting school !