Discovering Roots: The Journey of 'The Sympathizer' Actor in Embracing Vietnamese Heritage

Have you ever borrowed a book from the library, only to get through the first few chapters before life gets in the way and you have to return it unfinished? Well, that's exactly what happened to Hoa Xuande with the 2016 Pulitzer-winning novel "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

But now, years later, he landed the leading role in HBO's TV adaptation of the book, with acclaimed director Park Chan-wook directing. (HBO and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.)

"I made sure to read the book cover to cover after submitting my first audition tape," Xuande told CNN during a recent Zoom interview.

In the 1970s, during the final days of the Vietnam War, Xuande takes on the role of The Captain, an undercover agent working for the Viet Cong within the South Vietnamese army supported by the Americans.

Similar to the book, the series switches between different time periods, tracing The Captain's experiences as he travels to the United States after the collapse of Saigon.

Xuande, born in Sydney, Australia, felt a special connection when he portrayed The Captain. It was more than just a role for him - it also helped him deepen his connection to his heritage.

Before starting filming, he worked on improving his Vietnamese language abilities to be able to speak multiple languages, and he also explored Vietnamese culture beyond what is typically shown in movies and mainstream media.

He shared, "All of my friends were Australian. I never truly connected with the culture that my Vietnamese parents would talk to me about, describing what it was like to grow up during the war."

Xuande realized the impact of his heritage on his identity later in life, acknowledging that his participation in this series has helped him gain a deeper understanding.

He expressed his pride in being part of an ensemble cast that is predominantly Vietnamese and being involved in a story that focuses on the Vietnamese perspective of the war.

Xuande stars in a movie with famous actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh, as well as talented Vietnamese actors including Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen, Alan Trong, Phanxine, and Kieu Chinh.

He said, "It's my life."

Chinh, famous for her part in “The Joy Luck Club,” plays the role of a refugee mother to a South Vietnamese Major (Phanxine) who has to escape to the US. Similar to her own experiences, she was born during the Vietnam War and had to leave at 15 years old.

“It’s like reliving my life,” the 86-year-old actress shared. “The evacuation, the refugee camps, the rebuilding, the fresh start in a new country. It’s all there.”

Representative casting is essential for the progress of the entertainment industry, according to Oh, who plays the role of Ms. Sofia Mori - a second-generation Japanese-American in a romantic relationship with The Captain.

Oh emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering individuals in the industry. She noted that many of the Vietnamese cast members were new to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), highlighting the need for guidance and understanding of the industry's rules and expectations.

Starting out in the production industry with little experience, Xuande found a mentor in Oh who played a maternal role on set, providing him with valuable support and guidance throughout the filming process.

Encountering a special casting difficulty, the team faced a unique challenge during the production.

Casting director Jennifer Venditti and her team faced a critical and challenging task in finding the right actor for the role of The Captain.

Xuande stood out with his response to an international casting call, impressing the team with his audition tape. Despite tough competition, he persisted through an eight-month audition process that involved traveling from Australia to Los Angeles and South Korea to meet director Park Chan-wook.

"It was tough for him," noted series co-creator Don McKellar. "But the moment we laid eyes on him, we could tell he had something special. He exuded a charisma reminiscent of a Hollywood star from the seventies, with a unique Vietnamese twist."

During the audition process, Xuande delved into Chan-wook’s filmography, intentionally skipping over the well-known "Oldboy." Impressed by the meticulous attention to detail and the skillful crafting of complex character narratives, Xuande was keenly aware that he was stepping into a production of exceptional caliber.

He mentioned that he was simply trying to keep pace. Later on, he mentioned that by the end of filming, they had developed a shorthand. Through his body language, the other person would communicate what was required, and he would quickly understand and execute it. Not bad for someone new to the scene.

With the chance of a second season on the horizon, thanks to Viet Thanh Nguyen's sequel "The Committed," Xuande might be returning to the library soon.

You can watch "The Sympathizer" on HBO.

Editor's P/S:

Hoa Xuande's journey from borrowing "The Sympathizer" to landing the leading role in its HBO adaptation is a testament to the transformative power of art and representation. Xuande's experience reflects the importance of diverse casting and the need to amplify marginalized voices in storytelling. The series' exploration of Vietnamese perspectives on the war highlights the vital role of storytelling in shaping narratives and fostering understanding.

Furthermore, the article underscores the significance of mentorship and support in the entertainment industry. Oh's guidance for Vietnamese cast members demonstrates the importance of creating inclusive environments where aspiring actors can thrive. Xuande's collaboration with Park Chan-wook showcases the value of recognizing and nurturing emerging talent, even in the face of challenging casting processes. Overall, the article celebrates the power of art to connect, educate, and inspire, while also advocating for greater representation and support within the entertainment industry.