Chino LaForge, Maui’s #1 Comedian, shares his origins and his journey as an artist, comedian, and actor.

Can you tell us about your journey into acting and what inspired you to pursue this career?

My journey into acting began in the 2nd grade. We did a retelling of “The Ugly Duckling,” where I was cast as “sound effects.” I wanted a more crucial role, but I decided to give the same level of passion to my given part. Some would say I stole the show… others would say I ruined it. I remember laughter…

My acting career continued into high school when I attended Maui High. I was elected president of the drama club in 2004. If you know your “Saber history,” then you also know that Maui High ended its drama program in the same year! I collaborated in writing and performing an all-pidgin version of “Romeo and Juliet.”

In early 2007, I became active in Maui’s community theater scene. I worked with ProArts and Maui OnStage for some fantastic productions. Some of which include “Urinetown,” “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Taming of the Shrew.” One of my favorite roles was the Cowardly Lion in “Wizard of Oz.”

I’ve been doing stand-up comedy since 2007, and my pursuits took me to LA in 2015. I was on a pilot here and a short film there. I performed at several comedy meccas in the greater Los Angeles area. As COVID-19 reared its ugly face in 2020, I returned to Maui to await the chaos.

Since finding Moku Moku, it has become my soul artistic focus. I still perform stand-up comedy locally and pick up the occasional off-island show when the timing is right.

What kind of roles do you find most challenging and why?

Every role has its own challenges. Some parts are more physically demanding, while others are technically difficult.

Accents are always challenging, but I enjoy studying how language has traveled and has been reinvented as it moves. For example, the Minnesota accent comes from many of their settling frontiersmen being of Swedish descent. When you hear the Minnesota accent, you can hear the Swedish influence.

Other roles, however, can come with a limo or physical embodiment that feels uncomfortable to wear. I use that discomfort to remind me of how it feels for a person to really wear such character points. For me, it’s a lot of being hyperconscious in the preparation, and totally natural in the execution.

How do you prepare for a new role? Can you walk us through your process?

I’ve been more methodical in my approach to a character in the past. First, obviously, I read the script. Then, I start with physicality and work inward. Where does the lead come from? By that, I mean what portion of their body drives their movement. Are they shoulder-heavy or upright? Hips forward or turned away? How do they hold themselves? How do they move from room to room? Etc. Physical exercise helps discover why they are the way they are.

The character I’m playing currently is much more natural and guttural. That element has made it a lot of fun to play. Still, it also presented some difficulty getting back into character when we returned to shoot.

Have you ever had to portray a character drastically different from your personality? How did you approach that?

Yes! I love playing villains! I’m not one by nature, so it’s always fun to get into skin that isn’t mine. I’m a significant physical presence, so I usually lean into that when playing someone menacing. If I ever lose confidence in my choices, I look for where the character feels most empowered.

Can you share a memorable on-set experience or anecdote that significantly impacted you as an actor?

Clint Eastwood stepped on my foot! I was an extra on a movie he directed called “Hereafter.” He walked before me and conversed with an AD about the scene. As he was explaining, he stepped backward and stepped on my foot.

He turned and said, “Sorry.”

And I told everyone I had a conversation with Clint Eastwood.

What do you believe is the most crucial quality or skill for a successful actor to possess?

The most important asset to own as an actor is an active imagination. Constantly looking at things or people that aren’t there and having to have feelings towards them. When you shoot from opposite angles, you sometimes change your eyeline or have to play to something or someone else. If you still have a childlike imagination, it definitely helps.

How do you handle rejection in the competitive acting world, and what keeps you motivated?

Not well. Just kidding. I’m fortunate to have been a comedian for so long. Stand-up makes subjects you to instant critique and sometimes gratification. After enough rejection, you get used to it. It hurts less. Then, when they see you’ve been broken, they usually cast you.

Can you describe your collaboration with directors and fellow cast members? How do you build chemistry on set?

Luckily, I’ve never had a problem making friends. Everything with everyone on production has been a joyous experience for me. The water cooler talk is always fun! Even after a long 12-hour day, we still sometimes hang out after.

With Moku Moku being about 3 best friends, we got right to it regarding preproduction. We had a conversation where we gave each other permission to be weird and goofy with each other. To be silly as you are when it’s just your friends around. I’m grateful for one of my actual friends for being so close to the Kimo character in real life. Our friendship has inspired many of the choices I’ve made in character.

Are there any actors or directors whose work has significantly influenced your own, and if so, in what way?

Every acting performance I’ve ever enjoyed has influenced me. I need to find out if I’m doing something original or plagiarizing from multiple sources simultaneously. I’m taking a few pages from Jim Carey’s book with my facial work. I heard he would spend hours in the mirror practicing faces. I’ve put in some solid mirror time in my preparation.

What do you enjoy most about live performance, and how does it compare to working in film or television?

Two very different skills. For live performance, what I love most is the freedom. I have a script, but I have yet to hear it. I can make changes on the fly, live, and die by my choices. It’s all my choice. It’s all my credit. It’s all my fault. The final wish that every artist has is creative control. That’s the only space in live comedy where a performer can be genuinely free. Acting has thrills and beauty, but live comedy is raw and untamable.

Can you share your experience with character development and how you make a role your own?

First, obviously, I read the script. Then, I start with physicality and work inward. Where does the lead from? By that, I mean what portion of their body drives their movement. Are they shoulder-heavy or upright? Hips forward or turned away? How do they hold themselves? How do they move from room to room? Etc. Physical exercise helps discover why they are the way they are.

Then, I go back through the script and justify their words with their thoughts and feelings. I make everything make sense as to why I said it and how I meant it. If I have anything I’m hung up on, I go to the director, and we hash it out. It’s always a team effort. It really helps when you trust the people you work with.

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of an acting career, especially during intense shooting schedules?

Balancing your professional life and personal life is always a challenge. Sometimes, the profession forces us to be distant for a little while. Relationships with loved ones and friends can be strained by your lack of availability for others’ events. Being a performer can cause you to miss essential birthdays, weddings, etc. The best you can do is communicate with the people you love as often as possible so they can understand what we go through to work.

Have you ever been asked to perform a particularly physically challenging stunt or emotionally demanding scene? How did you prepare for it?

I’m grateful for my time in martial arts as a child and young adult. Being trained to fall properly makes any stunt work go smoothly. As for emotionally demanding scenes, I’m already emotionally unstable. It really helps when trying to cry, hahaha.

What is your perspective on the evolution of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, and how has it affected your career?

Asian is in, baby! Just kidding… The doors are opening wider for many more talented artists to get through. It is nice that casting agents are also more specific about cultures. We have less brown people pretending to be a different type of brown people. I think it preserves the integrity of the productions by keeping them authentic.

Looking back on your acting journey, what advice would you give aspiring actors just starting out in the field?

Enjoy the ride, and be open to the idea that your passage may pull off to a different destination than you envisioned. I know many people who have found their true calling while acting that wasn’t working.