Hiro Kanagawa: Identity, Fighting Stereotypes, and opening the doors for others.

Hiro Kanagawa

All of the opportunities we enjoy today—everything from civil liberties to social standings to professional opportunities are made possible because of all those who preceded us. But what did they have to overcome to make this possible?

Hiro Kanagawa is an actor with over 200 credits that include everything from Smallville, NBC’s “Heroes Reborn” to Taishi Okamura in Amazon’s “Man in the High Castle” to Captain Tanaka in Netflix’s “Altered Carbon.” Now, he’ll be joining Star Trek Discovery. He’s also an award winning playwright. But these incredible achievements have been hard fought. At the start of his career, Hiro has struggled with the very limited opportunities that existed for Asians. He faced dilemmas like do you take the very few parts available but know that you are also reinforcing stereotypes?

It is a delicate negotiation between whether or not to take what was give-stay in that lane and the impact that it would have on your own personal self worth. Hiro has been at the forefront and shares how he navigated this process, what he had to do not only to build his own career but open the doors for all those who follow. And listen in on what his thoughts are on whether or not he thinks any progress has been made.

Hiro’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/hirokanagawatv

Hiro’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hirokanagawatv/

Yvonne Chapman Returns 2: Exceeding Expectations

Yvonne Chapman

Photo credit: Richie Lubaton

Yvonne Chapman gives a pitch perfect performance as the sophisticated, lethal and complicated assassin Zhilan on CW’s hit Kung Fu. Yvonne hits every beat whether it be during intricate fight sequences nailing the choreography with very step and strike or quietly grounding more tender, heartbreaking scenes that make her character nuanced, redeemable and has audiences rooting for her character.

We got to meet this talented actress on her first appearance Reppin 4.4: Yvonne Chapman where we learned about her personal background, also her first career in Corporate Finance, the sexism she had to face, to the fear and expectations she had to overcome before her leap into entertainment to the importance of community. We went deep and learned about this remarkable talent. We continue our conversation here, she shares even more important insights and lessons learned. And you will learn even more about who she is and what makes up her integrity and character.

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en

Reppin 5.2: Meegwun Fairbrother

Meegwun Fairbrother

Photo credit: Kevin McIntyre

Meegwun Fairbrother is an indigenous actor and screen writer in Canada. He’s has appeared in the role of Owen Beckbie on BURDEN OF TRUTH for four seasons. He has enjoyed performing in five seasons of the television series, Mohawk Girls for APTN. Additional television work to his credit includes two leading roles (twins) in Syfy series Helix; a recurring lead on Netflix’s Hemlock Grove and guest appearances on The Beaverton, Murdoch Mysteries and Haven. His feature film credits include roles in Beeba Boys for Deepa Mehta and Breakout for Damien Lee. 

Meegwun is of Ojibway and Scottish origin, from Grassy Narrows First Nation. From age two to thirteen, he lived up on many First Nations communities across Northern Ontario. He grew up hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors while taking part in many Ojibway cultural practices.

Belonging and identity is fundamental need for everyone. Finding and establishing a sense of self impacts how we navigate the world and the prism of how we view life and how we are seen by society. But what happens when all that you were taught, from practices, language, to rituals— all disappear? When your fundamental foundation is gone and you inherit the the collective pain, how does one go about finding their place?

Meegwun grappled with this experience, and he shares his insight here. Meet this talented actor and see how it impacted him and his work and find out if he’s been able to regain his footing.

Meegwun’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmeegwun

Meegwun’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meegwun_fairbrother/?hl=en

Reppin 5.1: Karen Olivo

Karen Olivo

I sign off every episode of Reppin with “Stand Up and Represent.” My next guest truly LIVES this mantra.

Karen Olivo is a powerhouse talent. They’re an American stage and television actor, theater educator, and singer.

In 2008 Karen originated the role of Vanessa in In The Heights on Broadway. The following year, they won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress In A Musical for their performance as Anita in a revival of West Side Story. They are the first and only actor to win a Tony award for a performance in West Side Story. From 2016 to 2017, Olivo portrayed the role of Angelica Schuler  in the Chicago production of Hamilton 2019, Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge on Broadway and was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award For Best Actress in a Musical.

With this incredible, illustrious career, Karen risked it ALL when they publicly spoke out against a very powerful and influential producer. We’ve all encountered bullies and difficult bosses-but would YOU have the courage, truth —and readiness to do what Karen did? Learn more about this talented, remarkable person and where they draw their strength from. Find out how they’re fighting to ensure civility, kindness and community is present today and for those who follow.

Karen’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenolivo

Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenolivo76/?hl=en

Reppin 2.8: Osric Chau

Osric Chau

Osric Chau is a Canadian actor and martial artist who starred as Kevin Tran on the CW’s mega hit Supernatural! Some of his other credits include Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Blood and Water, Demon X, Arrow and The Flash. Osric shares some personal stories about self identity and discovery, you’ll find out what risks he’s taken, if they have paid off, what he’s learned and what he’s doing be the change he wants to see. This is an incredibly insightful conversation with this amazing talent.

Osric’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/OsricChau

Reppin Season 2 Premiere: Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd is an extraordinarily talented actress with an impressive list of credits that includes Law and Order SVU, Daredevil, Blindspot, Hawaii Five-O, Gossip Girl, ER, 90210 to Younger -just to name a FEW! And currently you can find her starring on the hit Star Trek: Picard as Raffi Musiker!

Michelle shares personal stories that impacted her and shaped how she views the world. She talks about the challenges she faced professionally and personally and why she is a fierce advocate for equality and justice for all.

This is a very insightful, powerful and intimate conversation—and one you don’t want to miss. Meet this amazing actress and you’ll find out she’s even more incredible in real life.

Michelle’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsMichelleHurd

Reppin 1.9: Zabryna Guevara

Zabryna Guevara

Currently, she’s on ABC’s hit show Emergence as Dr. Abby Frasier, some of her other credits include Gotham, Twilight Zone, Tell Me A Story, The Get Down to New Amsterdam! The talented and lovely Zabryna Guevara comes to hang out! She gets personal and details how she went from “disappearing” in crowds to finding her voice and strength then evolving into a successful actress on some of the most popular television shows. She shares intimate stories about growing up in New York City, challenges she’s overcome and how much family means to her. Get to know this talented actress and amazing woman on this episode of Reppin.

Zabryna’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZabrynaGuevara

Zabryna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zabrynaguevara/?hl=en

Reppin 1.7: Joanna Hausmann

Joanna Hausmann

Joanna Hausmann is a Venezuelan-American comedian, writer, actor and social media personality. She has garnered over 70 million views virally and her biweekly show “Joanna Rants” has collectively reached over 50 million views. Joanna comes to Reppin opens up about the challenges of being a media personality, the confusion she receives when people find out she’s Latina and spills the beans on her grievances with Snow White. Hilarious and insightful—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Meet this dynamic woman behind all of the viral videos.

Joanna’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joannahausmann

Joanna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johaus/?hl=en

Joanna’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGY8qSl98_5ehQ66zs0ZoaQ

Reppin 1.2: Michele Selene Ang

Michele Selene Ang

On screen, you’ve seen her on CBS’ Elementary and she also plays the complicated Courtney Crimsen from Netflix’s hit 13 Reasons Why. But in real life actress Michele Selene Ang is a thoughtful and fierce advocate for Asian American representation. She comes by to hang out with us so listen in and find out what Michele is all about and why she’s so passionate about the importance of representation.

Michele’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleSelene

Michele’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheleseleneang/?hl=en