AC (DENNIS): Since you are one of the few Asians who appeared on "Soul Train," in the Asian community, unfortunately there are some people who have a certain stereotype of Asian women who surrounded by many African-Americans. What do you think of the negative Asian female stereotype of a girl who is not surrounded by Asians?
GINA: First of all, "Soul Train" may be known as a "black show," but that's not necessarily so.True, there are a lot of African-Americans, but there are also a lot of other mixed cultures involved. You've got Latinos, Caucasians, and an increasing number of Asians.  All in all, the show is about bringing together the whole hip-hop culture and placing it in an environment to promote hip-hop artists/acts. I have been  criticized before of being a "sell-out" to my Asian heritage because of that, but all I am really doing is dancing to the type of music that I like. My niche in the acting field just so happens to be the whole hip-hop film market and, if you will, the African-American film market, but that's not intentional. I don't set limitations on myself for just that, and I also don't expect everyone to agree with me. I guess all I can say is that I am very aware of my appeal in the  industry, and will continue to use it toward my advantage if it works in my favor.

AC (DENNIS): Did the people on "Soul Train" treat you with respect? Did any men target you because you were the "Asian" girl of the show? 
GINA: I really had no problems with the guys when I was on "Soul Train." I mean, it's in a professional atmosphere on the Paramount Studios lot, and there is strict security, so I had no worries about guys making sly moves on me. Of course, you've got your occasional weirdoes, but all I would have to do is tell the bodyguards, and I'd be waving to them good-bye. I think it's great though, so that girls can feel safe and comfortable.

AC (DENNIS): Would you recommend any other Asians to be part of the show?
GINA: I wasn't the only Asian girl on the show, so I would feel guilty if I took full credit for that. I think people remember me as that "Asian girl with that really long hair," but I've cut it and permed it now. I would definitely encourage other Asians to be a part of the show. It's a great dance workout, and you learn more dance moves in 10 minutes than you would at a club dancing all night!

AC (DENNIS): You appeared on several music videos. How was it like to work with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker"?
GINA: Working on Mariah's video was such a dream come true for me because she  has been my inspiration for about a decade! She was really nice, and I had a lot of fun on that set.

AC (DENNIS): You also did some work with Mr. Enrique Eglesias. How was it like to work with him?
GINA: Enrique was cool! I had a dance solo in which it was "all about me" in the dance sequence and had to do this Hawaiian-Tahitian boody shaking number. He was cheering me on and making it bigger than it really was.

AC (DENNIS): You have been singing and dancing all of your life. What do you enjoy more: the acting, the dancing or the singing?
GINA: I think I like dancing the best because I get to exercise every part of my body and get a good workout without realizing it. I like that it's very physical!

AC (DENNIS): Do you like to watch yourself on television or the big screen?
GINA: I don't mind watching myself  on screen, but I'm very hard on myself because I'm very critical.

AC (DENNIS): What was your reaction when you first saw yourself on TV or in a movie?
GINA: I saw myself for the first time on the big screen on "She's All That," and all my friends screamed and jumped up when I came on. It was a great feeling.

AC (DENNIS): Do you have any role models?
GINA: My acting role model is Tia Carrere. I feel that I can relate to her because her roles do not always reflect stereotypes. I often find myself in those situations, in being cast as something outside the norm, and it's good to know that it's completely OK to be!

AC (DENNIS): Are people intimidated of you because you have been in movies and  television?
GINA: I hate to say it, but there are times when I see that people might be intimidated by me because of my occupation. Although it's a profession that comes along with a lot of prestige, I'm really a round-the-way "homegirl" that likes to hangout, party, and do the things a typical teenager would do.

AC (DENNIS): A few Asian actresses have  told me that it can be quite catty when it comes to several Asian women trying out for a part. Have you experienced some friction among other Asians when going for a part?
GINA: They're right. Asian girls tend to be a quite catty, but I have never been in a situation where that has bothered me. I'm sure there are a lot of player haters out there, but I use it toward my advantage to make me a stronger person. I love competition. I strive on it.

AC (DENNIS): What is the most satisfying part for you as an Asian actress/singer?
GINA: Being an entertainment figure in itself is very satisfying. To me, receiving recognition for my work is the most rewarding feeling. There's a lot of perks too, like invitations to premieres, industry events/parties, and free concert tickets.

AC (DENNIS): What is the most frustrating aspect about being an Asian actress/singer?
GINA: Being patient is the most frustrating part. It can be overwhelming when you give it all you've got, and in turn, get slapped in the face with rejection. It's emotionally draining, and takes a lot of inner strength to get up and keep fighting the struggle. I  have experienced many sleepless nights, praying to God in hopes of improvement in my early stages of my career. But luckily for me, I surrounded myself with people that believed in me and still continue to believe in me. The same people who blessed me with positive energy to keep going.

AC (DENNIS): Let's now get away from the acting and the singing and get to know Gina Hiraizumi the person. If you had one word to describe Gina Hiraizumi, what word would that be and why?
GINA: An overachiever. I have always been the type to go further than what is  expected, breaking down barriers, and being #1 at everything I do. I've always wanted to be that "one in a million."
 

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More articles and interviews by AC's Dennis Amith