Keong Sim has appeared in a variety of different television series such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Southland”. Keong currently plays the role of Mike Chang Sr. on Fox’s hit television series “Glee”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Keong about his role on the show as well as what it was like working with M. Night Shyamalan.
Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your role on “Glee”?
Keong Sim: I play Mike Chang Sr. He is your typical tiger parent. He doesn’t want his son involved in glee club or anything else that may hurt his chances of getting into Harvard. In Mike Chang Sr.’s eyes the only role his child should have is to get into Harvard.
AL: How did the role come about?
KS: Like a lot of auditions we get them the day before we are needed to shoot. I got asked to audition for “Glee” while I was shooting an episode of “Ringer”. I went in a couple hours later and had a great audition. I thought I had read maybe a little too young to have a high school student as a son but that’s not my place to judge. I just went in and went with my gut.
AL: Had you watched any episodes of the show prior to your audition?
KS: I had definitely seen some of the episodes. I wasn’t someone who 
watched every episode but I knew of the show. I remember saying to my girlfriend that maybe one day I will play a father when I look older. It’s kind of weird. (Laughs)
AL: You have shot two episodes so far. Has there been any talk of you appearing in more episodes?
KS: I haven’t heard of anything. I am guessing there is going to have to be a third episode. In terms of what I know related to arc/story structure it would be a little different for there not to be some sort of resolution or understanding. I’m trying to convince them that in my younger days I did some play performance singing. I may not be a fully legit singer but I have done some singing and dancing.
AL: What has it been like working with the cast and crew?
KS: It has been very welcoming. I have been on a lot of different television crews and this one was just really nice to be a part of. Everyone involved with that production is wonderful. It was fun not to have to add an accent to the character. Not adding the accent is more reflective of today’s Asian/American culture.
AL: What was it like working with M. Knight Shyamalan on “The Last Airbender”?
KS: It was a great experience. That was the first big budget film I had been a part of. 
Knight was super cool and the whole experience was great. If there was anything that was stressful it was me wanting to do a really good on a specific scene. I put a lot of pressure on myself. When we did the first read through I hadn’t met Knight yet as I was cast out of Los Angeles. Knight came up to me and introduced himself and I told him who I was. He then says “Yeah I know. I cast you.”(Laughs)
AL: Can you tell us about any other upcoming projects?
KS: I am appearing in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” this season. I also have been doing a lot of sketch writing as of late.
