Actor, Michael Sun Lee portrays the roll of Harry Takayama in the recast role made famous by Nathan Nishiguchi on “Full House.” Michael portrays grown-up Harry in “Fuller House.” I spoke with Michael for an exclusive interview for The Valley Ledger.
“Michael plays Harry Takayama, who you’ll recall was Stephanie’s boyfriend (they even got fake-married in an episode of “Full House”) as tots, all grown-up. The character appeared in the second and third season of the original series and returns, all these years later, for the new spin-off FULLER HOUSE. The actor, also known for his role as Maui PD Lieutenant Kala on Hawaii Five-0, joins FULLER HOUSE from episode 9.”
What is like portraying grown-up Harry on “Fuller House?”
Michael: It was almost like a dream come true getting to be a part of an iconic show. I met almost all of the cast except Bob Saget and Dave Coulier. It was a treat. They were very nice.
What is the difference for you as an actor filming a show for Netflix versus the television and film world?
Michael: Well, the difference was there were a lot of executives and higher ups watching the taping. That is the only difference that I could see, other than that everything was the same.
Did you grow up watching “Full House?”
Michael: Yes I did. Two of the last seasons I did not watch. It was surreal to be in the actual Tanner residence. That was kind of weird.
How did you prepare to portray Harry in “Fuller House?”
Michael: Well everything I needed to play Harry was written on the page but I did go back and refer to a couple of the older episodes just to get flavoring of the character as he would be as an adult. Everything you needed to know was pretty much written in the script and the dialogue.
How was it working with the cast and the crew of “Fuller House?”
Michael: Everybody was so pleasant and hard-working. I think they were just grateful to be there. It was really a good time. Everyone was really nice, the cast and crew were very nice.
What is next for you and will you return for Season Two of “Fuller House?”
Michael: The next project I have is, I am not sure when it will be released but it’s a Horror anthology called “Holidays.” The segment that I am in (with Seth Green). The segment that I am in may be called “Christmas?” It is a bunch of short stories that take place during the holidays. Horror stories that take place during the holidays. My story takes place around Christmas time. I think it will be released this year. There is an animated feature called “Kubo and the Two Strings,” (Michael does the voice-over) who brought you “ParaNorman.” It is a Japanese tale. I think it is coming out August of this year. The main voices are Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Art Parkinson, George Takei, Brenda Vaccaro and Rooney Mara.
What challenges did you face filming a series for Netflix?
Michael: Just keeping up with everybody since I came in on a later episode. The cast already had their stride going. Their chemistry is already evident because they are all friends in real life so it seemed like they picked up where they left off. That was my challenge to try and keep up and not freak out that I was at the Tanner residence.
Was the show shot on the original location/soundstage?
Michael: No, I think it was in a different soundstage but they recreated the whole house. It was modernized because it is present day so the appliances are modern. There were little changes here and there with the house but everything else kind of looked the same.
You have done such a variety of work. What advice would you offer to someone who wants to maintain a long term career?
Michael: To be flexible, to be open-minded and embrace the unknown and perseverance!
Out of all the films and television series you have done, do you have a favorite character so far?
Michael: Oh gosh, that is a good one. It would be Harry. You get a direct audience reaction. With this character, I had no idea how popular he was. It has nothing to do with me the actor but it has to do with the character itself.
What would you want to say to the fans because there was such an excitement regarding the return of the show?
Michael: Thank you for being entertained by us. They are truly good people that work on that show.
(Michael does not know if he will be returning for season two but it would be great to see more Harry so bring back Michael for season two.)
Follow Michael on Twitter
https://twitter.com/MichaelSunLee
Michael Sun Lee Official Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelSunLee/
Check out more from Janel Spiegel on The Valley Ledger
