All photos in this interview are courtesy of Gina Hiraizumi

If there is one thing I can say about actress, Gina Hiraizumi, she's definitely all that!

She  has played a variety of roles on big movies such as "End of Days" starring Arnold Schwarznegger as a candy striper. She was on "She's All That" starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. She's also been on TV on shows such as "The Bold and The Beautiful," "Just Shoot Me" and "Beverly Hills 90210."

But acting is not the only talent that Gina is known for. She's also known for her dancing and her singing. At 17, she was a regular on the show, "Soul Train." She was also in a Enrique Iglesias music video "Be With You" and also Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker" music video, that opportunity eventually gave Gina a chance to cut a demo for Sony Music.

As one of the hottest up-and-coming young Asian American actresses, she has also been vocal about her determination to make it in an industry where barriers still exist for Asian actresses. A determination that she hopes will bring more opportunities and will hopefully influence filmmakers to create more roles for Asians.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Gina Hiraizumi.

AC (DENNIS): Let's start with a few basic questions. Where were you born and raised? What kind of atmosphere were you brought up in?
GINA: I was born and raised in Gardena/Torrance, CA. I pretty much grew up as an all-American kid, playing sports and hanging out with friends. I wasn't deprived of anything; as a matter of fact, I got everything I wanted. I guess you can say I was a little spoiled!

AC (DENNIS): Was their a big Asian influence growing up? (Were your parents the typical strict parents, wanting you to be a doctor, etc?)
GINA: There really wasn't too much of a strict Asian influence in my household because my dad is a Sansei, and there wasn't such a necessity of that issue in my family. Aside from being forced to go to Japanese school for all 18 years, I don't really think that my lifestyle compares to one of a typical Asian girl. My parents say that I never settled for second best, and that I never took no for an answer. They say I was always a fighter and didn't give up until I reached my goal. I guess the discipline factor may have been an Asian influence.

AC (DENNIS): What led you to become an actress?
GINA: I knew I wanted to be an actress when I was  14. All throughout high school my friends would call me "Miss Drama Queen" because I would over exaggerate things, and make everything into entertainment. Then, I realized that I could really use that toward my advantage. It was then that I realized my talent and started acting lessons.

AC (DENNIS): With the holiday season coming up, what is your favorite Christmas memory?
GINA:  When I was 5 years old, I wanted some wierd toy called "Pogo Ball." It's this ball with a platform ring around it where you place your feet, and you jump around on it. It actually looks a little like the planet Saturn. I remember just nagging my mom to buy it for me, but for the longest time, she just wouldn't. I actually wrote a wish letter to Santa Claus, sealed it, and convinced my dad to take me to the post office, because I wanted to witness putting it in the mailbox myself. (God knows where that thing really went--I just addressed it to the North Pole) When Christmas day came, my wish was granted. I got it! (From the so-called Santa) All I remember was that it proved he exist, and that I was the coolest kid in the world now that I got that thing.

AC (DENNIS): What was Christmas like in the Hiraizumi household?
GINA: Every Christmas, my sisters and I were not allowed to open gifts until everyone was up that morning. My dad would videotape us coming down the stairs, and making our entrance into the living room, where the christmas tree and presents were located. It's so funny now that I think about it, we would rehearse it, while my dad narrated in the camera. We took it so seriously! Then, each of us took turns opening our gifts one at a time, while my mom was in charge of handling the wrapping paper trash that built up pretty quickly. That night, we would go to my Auntie's house in Laguna Hills for a family gathering, and go for a ride to look at all the beautifully decorated Christmas lights. To this day, it's still fascinating to me.

AC (DENNIS): Now, what's your Christmas wish?
GINA: For Santa to bring me a rather rare gift....the perfect boyfriend.

AC (DENNIS): You have appeared on several big name films. Of the movies you have acted in, which is your favorite? Any certain unusual experiences with the actors in these movies?
GINA: My favorite would have to be "She's All That." In the graduation scene, Freddie Prinze Jr. was wearing a flesh colored body suit that actually appears to be nude on screen. I was drinking water when I saw him, and it came spraying out of my mouth because I was shocked. I thought he was really naked!

AC (DENNIS): Okay...I just got to get this out of my chest. What's this I hear about you being Michael Jordan's best friend's girlfriend?
GINA: No I wasn't the girlfriend of Michael Jordan's friend for real. It was only my  character in the FOX family channel movie of the week. You're so silly!!

AC (DENNIS): Has acting changed you a lot?
GINA: Not too much, because when I am not working I am still the same Gina everyone knows. Although I am in the Hollywood game, I don't ever want to be a slave to it, which I think is an important thing to keep in mind. But then again, acting has taught me creativity, while approaching it as a business.

AC (DENNIS): What words of advice do you have for Asians who want to pursue a career in acting?
GINA: Go for it! Never ever let anyone tell you differently than what your heart tells you. Always follow your dreams and surround yourself with nothing but positivity. Set high goals, so that even if you fall short of them, you still accomplish a lot.

                             Page 2 of interview

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More articles and interviews by AC's Dennis Amith