Albert Tsai immediately stole Americans' hearts when he first appeared on ABC's short-lived comedy "Trophy Wife" in 2013. Despite the show's cancellation, the adorable actor quickly found work recurring on "Fresh Off the Boat" and booking guest spots on USA Network's "Benched" and TVLand's "Hot in Cleveland."
The latter is where Tsai first worked with Ken Jeong, who now plays his TV dad on the ABC sitcom "Dr. Ken." The two actors both starred in the live episode of "Hot in Cleveland," which also featured Dr. Ken co-star Dave Foley. Later on, Jeong sent Tsai a script for the role of Dave in his new comedy series.
"I read [the script] and I liked it and I was excited to be back on ABC and working with Ken again," the 11-year-old actor told Headlines & Global News in an exclusive interview.
Learn more about Tsai's experience on "Dr. Ken," what he loves to do while not filming and how the cast controls their fits of laughter on set. And be sure to catch "Dr. Ken" on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC.
Single-Camera or Multi-Camera Comedy - Tsai Loves It All
"Dr. Ken" is the first series-regular role for Tsai on a multi-camera sitcom, which films in front a live studio audience. But filming in front of an audience doesn't make him nervous as much as it gives him an energy boost - "like an adrenaline rush," he said.
On "Trophy Wife," a single-camera comedy, the cast would split their time between on-location shots and filming on stages.
Lots of Laughter and Dancing On Set of "Dr. Ken"
With such a funny cast including Jeong, Foley and Suzy Nakamura, it would seem hard to keep from laughing all day, and Tsai assures that there is "quite a lot" of laughter both on and off set. Following an intense giggle fit, they will "laugh it out and then try to get back into character."
"Especially if the character is supposed to be in a serious or angry mood, we'll just laugh and then get back to angry," he explained.
If he's not laughing in between takes, Tsai takes advantage of the music playing on set and shows off his dance moves to the audience. He still hasn't had the opportunity to dance on screen, but it may be coming soon.
"[The writers] might be incorporating it. You have to stay tuned for that!" Tsai teased.
He and Krista Marie Yu Like to Discuss Greek Mythology
Tsai and his TV sister Krista Marie Yu, who plays Molly, have a close sibling bond off camera as well. They both enjoy Greek mythology and frequently chat about the subject while the cameras aren't rolling.
The two young co-stars are part of big change in the TV landscape, starring on one of the few TV shows that feature an all Asian-American family, and Tsai is proud to be a part of it.
"I certainly think it's great that we have Asian-American families on TV and that they're normalized. They're not stereotypical," he said. "I'm really grateful to be part of the whole experience."
Playing Dave Has Taught Tsai How to Mime
Tsai learned a cool party trick in the role of Dave - how to mime. Before shooting the "Dr. Ken" pilot, Tsai trained with a choreographer for a week learning his mime routine. He's hasn't kept up the craft, but he's willing to perform if someone asks him.
Vive la France! Where Does Tsai Plan to Travel Next?
Tsai has traveled to a number of places around the world including England, Scotland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Next on his travel wish list: "I'd love to visit France. That seems really cool."
Giddy Up! Tsai Enjoys Horseback Riding
While filming "Trophy Wife" on the Disney lot, Tsai lived around the Burbank-Glendale, Calif. area near Griffith Park, where he enjoyed horseback riding at the equestrian center. "I used to go a lot and I learned horseback riding there," he said.
