Television

TNT's "The Closer": Lt. Mike Tao

Actor Michael Paul Chan plays Lt. Mike Tao on TNT's " The Closer." Lt. Tao's tech savviness helps him crack open the toughest cases.

Chan received his professional training at the American Conservatory Theatre. His film credits include The Insider, Spy Game, U.S. Marshals, Falling Down, and the critically acclaimed adaptation of The Joy Luck Club.

He was online to discuss the show's new season, which debuted earlier this week.

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Michael Paul Chan: Good Morning, MPC here.

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Siloam Springs, Ark.: Do you develop a detailed bio for the characters you portray? If so, do others on "The Closer" do the same and does everyone share any of that information on set?

Michael Paul Chan: Yes. (for the good ones that is...) It's always a good idea to have something to refer to when making acting choices. As far as the others in the cast, I don't ask. We all have our own way or working and we respect that.

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Atlanta, Ga.: How similar are you to your character on the show?

Michael Paul Chan: We both shave our heads.

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Clearlake, Calif.: I was invited by TNT to visit the set at Raleigh Studios this past Tuesday. Got to meet Tony and Corey, and the line producer Andy. I was disappointed that I didn't get to meet you or any of the other cast members. Fascinating how they make such small rooms look so large on TV.

Michael Paul Chan: Sorry I missed you. I use to hear about clear lake quite often growing up in Richmond, Calif.

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New York: I suppose it's hard to separate your own personal career from broader demographic trends, but do you think there are more roles for Asian actors these days, specifically for men?

Michael Paul Chan: Offhand I can count at least four Asian-American male series regulars. In the past 20 years I would normally count one per season. Now, how many are portraying American born -- half that. I count that, because, half my career was portraying foreigners.

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Atlanta, Ga.: What is your favorite thing to do outside of playing Lt. Tao on "The Closer"?

Michael Paul Chan: Surfing, building, restoring, riding, single speed bicycles, (I've gotten Ray Cruz and Philip Keene hooked) There are pictures of bikes I've made on desks throughout the office. Golf once in awhile with friends, and I'm starting to get hooked on motorcycles.

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Valrico, Fla.: Will the whole cast be together for Season 5? This is our favorite show, and each time we watch an episode (we view them several times) we enjoy it more. Hope to see you again after this season also!

Michael Paul Chan: Hope so.

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Alexandria, Va.: Love the show. Each episode is complex and interesting. What's a typical day like on the set?

Michael Paul Chan: Early start, travel to the studio can be an adventure as far as I'm concerned. Bicycle to the subway, motorcycle over Caheunga pass, or drive. Filming is tedious, methodical, but we try to break it up with lots of laughs.

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Indianapolis, Ind.: No question -- just wanted to say you guys are great and I love the show. It comes across in the show that you guys really enjoy what you're doing.

Michael Paul Chan: Thank you. And, yes we do.

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New York, N.Y.: Can you spill any dirt about upcoming plotlines? Anything scandalous to look forward to?

Michael Paul Chan: Well... no, I can't.

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Atlanta, Ga.: In your career, what has been your most challenging role?

Michael Paul Chan: It's usually the role that's on the table. There's always something to explore to make it more than what's on the page. that's an actors job. Tao presents a lot of interesting things to play with. I do things to make him more than just a "computer nerd" and hopefully this season you will see that.

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Siloam Springs, Ark.: Is filming a television series more difficult than a movie? Is is more difficult to maintain consistency with your character from week to week, season after season?

Michael Paul Chan: TV is a lot faster. We shoot an hour episode in six days. A two hour movie can take anywhere from a month to a year. The fascinating thing about character development on a TV series, I'm finding, is that the longer we go on, the writers get to know us better, and observe us in a variety of situations, that are beginning to find themselves in storylines.

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Chicago, Ill.: Hi, Michael. Are we going to learn any more this season about any family members of the cast members? We've met Brenda's mom and dad so far. Anyone else coming?

Michael Paul Chan: Brothers, wives... that's about all I can tell you without giving it away. But yes, you will.

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Seattle, Wash.: I saw the premiere, great episode... question... what do you have in your drawer? Brenda keeps sweets, what do you have?

Michael Paul Chan: Funny you should ask. Yesterday I was cleaning out crew trash from my desk -- soda cans, paper plates, half-eaten sandwiches, chocolate... there's always a lot of food on film sets. And I have a working laptop on my desk.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: What were some of the more valuable lessons you learned at the Conservatory Theater School? Do you think you could have acted successfully without such training?

Michael Paul Chan: I remember my acting teacher would tell us, that a lot of what we were trying to learn would not sink in for another 15 years. A scary thought, but quite true. I still grab onto the same principles I learned years ago when I approach my work. I've been doing this quite sometime and I am quite sure it would not have been this way had I not studied my craft properly. I wasn't particularly good looking, I didn't know martial arts, I am a person of color, etc.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi, Michael. Who is the funniest actor on the set? My guess is GW Bailey.

Michael Paul Chan: Without a doubt. Jon Tenney can tell a good joke, though. But, everyone has their moments. The current episode we're shooting, Kevin Bacon is directing. He's funny.

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Arlington, Va.: I loved the episode set in Chinatown where Lt. Tao was asked to tell the Chinese-speaking crowd to move back and he started yelling in English to "Move Back!" And it's interesting that he's married to a Japanese-American and the different perspective it gives him. It's great to see a TV show that doesn't regard "Asian" culture as a monolith. It'd be wonderful if the series could explore his background more (although given the variety of interesting characters in the show, it must be hard for the writers to choose!)

Michael Paul Chan: I'm glad we got that episode out of the way, and cleared the path for a deeper exploration of Tao, which we will see this season. Our show is the most diverse on TV. And we've never made a big deal out of it, which is quite cool! So, when we begin to dig deeper into the other characters, it won't just be about surface stuff, like color.

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Boston: Follow-up to the question about Asians with recurring TV roles: Are you noticing more casting directors are willing to pick Asians (and others) for roles that aren't written race-specific but would traditionally have "defaulted" to a white actor?

Michael Paul Chan: I think the individual actor has more to do with it than a casting director. It's difficult for all actors to land roles. You get picked b/c you're good. If you're a person of color, it will get noticed. That's how it works here, so far...

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Pendleton, S.C.: With such an intense filming schedule, do the cast and crew get together after work for fun?

Michael Paul Chan: Fridays¿ late!

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Arlington, Va.: Do you have a personal favorite episode so far? "Ruby" was the most amazing television I've ever seen, although I haven't be able to re-watch it, it was so affecting.

Michael Paul Chan: The one I'm filming now!

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Curious...: Is Kyra Sedgwick anything like her character?

Michael Paul Chan: No. She's a very together, mom from NYC! Very sweet, very caring, and her integrity sets the tone on how we conduct ourselves at work. I so look forward to going to work everyday!

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Warrenton, Va.: Do you have a hard time with all the techno-speak that your character relates in explaining the workings of the devices that are part of the crime?

Michael Paul Chan: Not yet... ask again in season seven.

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Siloam Springs, Ark.: Is there a side of Tao you would like the writers to explore more?

Michael Paul Chan: The episode we're currently shooting explores a more human side which I'm having a great time with.

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Englewood, N.J.: Comment: Just want to announce to the world how much I enjoy "The Closer." Loving each and every character, and that goes without saying you Michael Paul Chan. I only hope the powers that be don't one day decide to improve "The Closer" and kill off someone or add someone that just does not fit in. You are absolutely great in your character and please keep up all the good work. Thank you for complete enjoyment, smartness, quickness, never boring, and surprising endings. This show is absolutely intelligent and so are all of you.

Michael Paul Chan: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Have you made plans for when this season's filming stops? Might you do a movie or theater?

Michael Paul Chan: If something finds me that I find interesting, sure. The one thing that a steady job provides is the power to say "no" to something that's really not interesting. Not all actors get to have choices in their careers. More often than not, choices are made based on mortgage payment, rent, college tuitions, food, etc.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: Do you have any favorites in who should win for Best Actress in a TV drama?

Michael Paul Chan: Duh!?!?!?!

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Charlotte, N.C.: What is your schedule like? How long are your work days?

Michael Paul Chan: Four to five days a week, 12 to 14 hour days. Putting stuff on film is very tedious and time consuming. Lots of waiting around, then moments of intense pressure!

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Naples, Fla.: Hi Michael! Are we going to learn anything new about Lt. Tao this season?

Michael Paul Chan: Yes, he's human!!!!

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Siloam Springs, Ark.: I enjoyed your work in the episode "Critical Missing" and am looking forward to many more Lt. Tao scenes like these!

What has been a favorite episode or scene for you?

Michael Paul Chan: Watch this season's episode seven...

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Virginia Beach, Va.: I really enjoy watching the show. Can you say where you see your character going this season other than the "tech go-to guy"?

Michael Paul Chan: The human guy!

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Bethesda, Md.: Mr. Chan: Thanks for taking time to join us today. "The Closer" has a tremendously talented ensemble cast. I'm wondering how difficult is it for the writers to include each character in every episode? Will we ever get to learn more about each character's back story in the new season? Your character, along with Flynn and Provenza, facinates me and I'd love to get more back story on you three. Bravo sir, "The Closer" is a big hit in my house thanks in large part to your contributions to the show.

Michael Paul Chan: Yes, yes, yes!!! I'm really looking forward to this season and how tao contributes.

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Anonymous: Hi, Mr. Chan. I love "The Closer" and your portrayal of the geeky Lt. Tao. You're awesome and really, the whole cast is exceptional. I have a question. How come five episode of this season are being shown in winter? Thank you in advance.

Michael Paul Chan: Thank you! It's nice to be called "awesome," will never tire of that! It has something to do with story arc and getting a late start this season.

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Wake Forest, N.C.: I enjoy the show and have been watching since it started. I was wondering how the cast gets along. Is it a businesslike set? A fun set?

Michael Paul Chan: Fun set, always a fun set.

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Phoenix, Ariz.: I love you. You're my favorite. That's all.

Michael Paul Chan: Thanks for that¿ and thats enough!

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Los Angeles, Calif.: I think it's exciting to see an Asian-American on television (and film) whose character does not have an accent, is not doing martial arts or is somehow marked as a "foreigner." What do you think it will take for the industry to hire Asian-Americans to play more everyday roles?

Michael Paul Chan: It's up to the individual actor, and how prepared we are when the time or chance comes.

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Kansas City, Missouri: Mr. Chan: While rewatching "The Goonies" on DVD, my wife shouted "Thank yooouuuu, Lt. Tao" in her best Brenda Leigh Johnson voice during one of the last scenes of the movie. A quick rewind revealed that, yes, it -- was -- you as Data's father. Any memories of working on that film? Keep up the great work on "The Closer"!!!

Michael Paul Chan: Yes, I don't speak Chinese and Data's father did. We decided to do the scene in Chinese during a rehearsal on that beach. During a break, I had to run to a payphone, (no cell phones then) call a relative and ask "how do we say this!?!"

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Harrisburg, Pa.: Do you consult with any police investigators or experts in the field on developing your character? How do you create such a compelling character?

Michael Paul Chan: Yes, definitely, and we'd be lost without him. Detective Mike Berchem, Robbery Homcide Detective, LAPD. Also, a writer/producer on our show, also retired from the LAPD yesterday!

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washingtonpost.com: Looks like our time is up. Special thanks to Michael Paul Chan for joining us today.

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