Actor Mike Bow Talks About Asian-American Representation And Role In CW’s ‘Kung Fu’

Christmas came early!

Mike Bow is back and better than ever! Literally; his entertaining character ‘Simon Lau’ on CW’s Kung Fu is back for the third season. And fingers crossed for a fourth season!

We had the amazing honor of speaking with Mike again and talking about his character, representation, and more!

Welcome back to New Scene! It’s been over a year since the last time we talked (We are so proud of you!). How has life been?

M: “Hello again, New Scene! Life has been great and your support means so much! Last time we talked Simon Lau had just debuted on season 1 of Kung Fu and now I am brought back to life in season 3 in my first ever tv recurring role! We are leveling up!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iQ5Z3EC2TY

Your character was literally resurrected to come back to the show. What has been the reaction to the fandom love of Simon Lau?

M: “The fandom reaction has been amazing! Ever since my character debuted in season 1 I would get messages on social media hoping I would come back on the show! Then, when I got the news that I would be coming back, I felt so bad because I had to keep it a secret! When they saw I came back, people were freaking out and even started pitching me spin-off ideas! “We need more Kpop and badass meteor hammer in the show!” One review said that she wishes I had the same screen time as the various leads and could eat every bit of my dialogue directly out of my mouth with a spoon. “

Do you think you have anything in common with Simon?

M: “Simon loves his fans and I do too! It’s funny because when you first meet him he’s bringing a larger than life energy in his meet and greet which is something I’ve always tried to do in my own meet and greets! He’s also caught in between two cultures as a Chinese Kpop star and since I myself am both Chinese and Korean, I can relate!”

Can you tease anything fans are going to see in Season 3?

M: “The last time we saw Simon he was murdered by Zhilan. Who is the last person Zhilan would want to run into? Expect a snarky buddy cop comedy through the spirit realm!”

How important do you think Asian-American representation is on screen?

M: “Asian American representation is so important. At the end of the day representation on screen creates role models. Growing up, I wish I had Asian role models on screen but I really didn’t. Thankfully that battlefield has changed and I’m so happy to be included as one of the soldiers fighting the good fight!” 

Does it ever hit you that you are exactly the representation young kids are needing and getting right now?

M: “I’ve been reflecting a lot about this and was brought to tears during a recent interview. Whenever I doubt myself I always think back to whether this would make my younger self happy. Every decision I have made has been for 10 year old Michael. If there are young kids out there seeing what I wish I saw on screen, that is a dream come true.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFZlnlvmxC4

What is some advice you can give to people who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

M: “The more personal you are, the more universal you’ll be. Even if you think you don’t have a story to tell, you do! Write your stories, experiences, and family history down. Write out that script. Work with friends and get creative. You’ll be able to connect with people in new ways you could never imagine!”

Where can we keep up on you?

Instagram.com/MikeBowShow | Twitter.com/MikeBowShow | YouTube.com/MikeBowShow |Twitch.tv/MikeBowShow 

See Mike shine in Kung Fu, available now on The CW!

Photo Credit: Marlo Coloma | Amy Kim

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.

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