Press Play with Madeleine Brand
BD Wong on playing Awkwafina’s dad and teaching audiences about anti-Asian racism
Comedy Central’s hit show “ Awkwafina is Nora from Queens" is loosely based on the life of actress/musician Awkwafina. Her father, Wally, is played by B.D. Wong (“Law and Order: SVU,” “Jurassic Park”). He talks to Press Play about how this role is a refreshing departure from all his past ones, and how directing an episode is his chance to remind audiences of the impact of anti-Asian sentiment.
By Michell Eloy • • 50m ListenComedy Central’s hit show “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens,” now in season two, is loosely based on the life of actress/musician Awkwafina. Her father, Wally, is played by BD Wong (“Law and Order: SVU,” “Jurassic Park”). He talks to Press Play about how this role is a refreshing departure from all his past ones, and how directing an episode is his chance to remind audiences of the impact of anti-Asian sentiment.
Critics also review the latest films, including “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” and “Prisoners of the Ghostland.”
Gov. Newsom recently signed two major housing bills, and one former translator for the U.S. military shares his efforts to get his family out of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
In this episode
4 storiesFixing CA’s housing crisis: Will changing zoning laws help?
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two major pieces of housing legislation on Friday. Senate Bill 9 would allow as many as four units on a piece of land where only one single-family home is currently allowed.
Read the story9 min‘We’re running out of time’: One Afghan keeps fighting to get his family out of Taliban-controlled country
About 64,000 evacuees from Afghanistan have arrived in the U.S., as of this week. Most of them are on eight military bases awaiting resettlement. Another 18,000 evacuees are on bases overseas, mainly in Germany.
Read the story10 minAfter being typecast for so long, BD Wong feels like he’s playing a ‘real person’ alongside Awkwafina
Comedy Central’s hit show “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens" is loosely based on the life of actress/musician Awkwafina. Her father is played by BD Wong. He talks to Press Play about how this role is a refreshing departure from all his past ones, and how directing an episode is his chance to remind audiences of the impact of anti-Asian sentiment.
Read the story15 minJessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield make ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ worth watching, says critic
Critics review “Prisoners of the Ghostland,” starring Nicolas Cage as a criminal sent on a mission to rescue a politician's granddaughter; “Cry Macho,” which follows a washed-up old horse breeder, played by Clint Eastwood, as he helps a friend’s…
Read the story16 min
