François Chau: From Shredder in TMNT to Star of Lost and Beyond

Interviews, Stories
Interview with François Chau: From Shredder to Sci-Fi Icon

Table of Contents

Introduction

François Chau has had a distinguished career spanning film, television, and voice acting. Known for his versatility, Chau has taken on roles as diverse as Shredder in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze” and Dr. Pierre Chang in “Lost”. In this interview, he shares insights into his acting process, experiences in different media, and thoughts on cultural representation in the industry.

About François Chau

François Chau
François Chau, Acclaimed Actor and Voice Artist

François Chau is a Cambodian-American actor whose work has earned him recognition across multiple genres and formats. Known for his roles in “Lost”, “The Expanse”, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, and various video games, Chau continues to engage audiences with his unique characters and dedication to authentic performance. His contributions have helped shape modern representations of Asian-American characters in popular media.

Interview with François Chau

1. Reflecting on your role as Shredder in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze”, what initially drew you to the character, and how did you prepare to bring such an iconic villain to life?
I was already a big Turtle fan before I saw the first movie. There were certain parameters already set in the first movie, so I couldn’t really stray too far. I just tried to bring my own personality to it.
2. Throughout your career, you’ve taken on a wide variety of roles across different genres. Is there a particular type of character or genre you find most challenging or rewarding to work in?
I’ve played mostly villains, but interestingly enough, my favorite role was that of Walter in the “Amazon” series, “The Tick”!
3. Your work in voice acting, particularly in video games like “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” and “Ghost of Tsushima”, has been widely praised. How do you approach voice acting differently from on-screen roles, and what do you enjoy most about working in the gaming industry?
There is no difference for me. The most important thing is that every performance has to be truthful.
4. Having worked in both film and television, including significant roles in “Lost” and “The Expanse”, how do you adapt your acting technique for different mediums? Do you have a preference for one over the other?
My preference is Film & TV, but I have also done a lot of stage work. Again, the acting must be truthful, but for the stage, you have to project and make sure it reaches the last row.
5. Your career has spanned several decades and has seen the entertainment industry undergo significant changes. How have these changes impacted your career choices and the types of roles you pursue?
The industry has changed, although very slowly. I am at an age where I still audition and hope I get cast. The choice I have is to accept the role if I think it is stereotypical or offensive.
6. As an actor of Cambodian descent, you’ve played characters of various ethnic backgrounds. How important is representation to you, and how do you navigate the complexities of playing characters from different cultural backgrounds?
I am an Asian American actor who happens to be of Cambodian descent. I have played many different Asian ethnicities. It’s fine if you are believable, but the roles should be played within your own race, especially in this age.

Footnotes

1. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze” (1991) introduced Shredder as a fan-favorite villain with a strong visual and character impact.

2. “The Tick” is a satirical comic book adaptation known for its humorous take on superhero tropes, with Chau playing the villainous character Walter in the Amazon series adaptation.

3. Chau’s roles in video games like “XCOM” and “Ghost of Tsushima” show the depth of his voice acting skill, emphasizing emotional authenticity.

François Chau Talks TMNT at Big Texas Comic Con

Watch François Chau discuss his experience playing Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze at Big Texas Comic Con. In this panel, Chau shares insights into his portrayal of the iconic villain, the challenges of bringing Shredder to life, and fan interactions related to the role.

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