There are two types of Chinese growing up in America. One is the kind that does really well in school, with thick, thick glasses. And the other is involved with the gangs.

When I was growing up, I went to an Irish-Christian missionary school.

It certainly was unusual growing up with two fairly well-known pastors as my parents.

When I was growing up, there were two things that were unpopular in my house. One was me, and the other was my guitar.

While I was growing up in Flushing, Queens, we socialized exclusively with other Chinese immigrants. I was forbidden to make contact with nonapproved, non-Chinese peers outside school. That was fine with me.

I didn't know any actors growing up. My dad was a builder, and we didn't know any arty types.