DIANNE DOAN [WARRIOR] — A BOOK OF MAGAZINE

Words by Phil Limprasertwong

Canadian actress, Dianne Doan got her big break when she was cast to play Mulan’s daughter, Lonnie in Disney’s Descendants.

The Warrior star started booking more major/recurring roles such as Yidu in Vikings which eventually led to her current role as a series regular in Cinemax’s Warrior as Mai Ling.

In our exclusive interview, Dianne talks about her process for acting and auditioning for roles and how proud she is to be a part of the new wave of shows representing Asians in a more respected and positive light. Change is definitely happening in Hollywood and you can expect to see more amazing things from her in the future!

What inspired you to be an actor? How did it happen?

I grew up training classical ballet. Dance was really the only form of art that my parents let us take part in. And in high school without telling them, I enrolled myself in drama class as an elective. I had such a hard time in class. It was all improvisation, the opposite of ballet. The drama classes terrified me, and I think that’s really what I got hooked on. The freedom of it and the exploration.

How do you balance your time?

I’m still learning how to balance my time. My work life and my personal life tend to blend together. Because I have such little down time, it’s taught me to really prioritize what’s important to me. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family and taking the necessary time for myself.

What is your most memorable audition experience?

It would have to be my audition for WARRIOR. I’ve never had such an open and collaborative audition and that really set the tone for my experience on this show and the reason for me wanting to do it. It wasn’t like any other audition in the past. I first had a Skype meeting with Jonathan Tropper, the creator. Where we spoke about character and her arc throughout the season. I was able to share my thoughts on her history and ask questions that you really don’t get to ask until you’ve booked the part and are in pre-production.

How is the transition from one role to another from Descendants to Vikings to Warrior?

Each character has been so drastically different and with a good amount of time between each project that I don’t think of it like a transition. I’ve been very fortunate that I haven’t quite found my niche in this industry yet so it’s as if I jump into a completely different world for each project and I just have to try different things and see if it works. Luckily, I have amazing directors and cast mates to collaborate with.

How much research is involved whenever you audition for various roles?

I try to do as much research going into each audition. I am a Virgo so the more prepared I am, the more confident I feel walking into the room. Usually I’ll research the era and see what kind of rights women had at the time. I’d figure out what kind of education my character would have, family history and create my own back story of who this woman is.

How do you choose the roles that you play?

I have a very short list of roles that I know I don’t want to play. Other than that, my team send me whatever it is that fits my description. I read a lot of scripts. From there, I find characters that I either relate to or would love to embody and then hopefully go in the room for!

Is there a particular favorite out of all the characters that you portrayed?

Well I have only just started playing Mai Ling and I honestly cannot wait for the audience to see the project and to meet all the characters that we’ve dreamt up. I can’t wait to see what the writing team come up with for my character. She’s been a trip so far.

How did you get the role of Mai Ling for Warrior?

Casting reached out to my team to see if I would be interested in auditioning. After that I had my meeting with Jonathan Tropper. But it was after the initial meeting where I only had one day to prep everything and send in my tape. It was the most intense 24 hours. I remember staying up all night reading the pilot. After making the deadline and submitting my tape, I figured I’d have the weekend to sleep it off and ultimately let go of the audition. I have a tendency of getting attached to roles and characters that I fall in love with and of course, most times it doesn’t work out. But the next day I was told I’d have a meeting with the director and two days after that I booked the role. It was a whirlwind of an experience to say the least.

Tell us more about your character. What’s something that is similar to both you and Mai Ling?

When you meet Mai Ling, you have no idea how she got to Chinatown and how she amassed her power. Throughout the season you learn about her heartbreaking past and come to understand her need for status and why she does what she does.

I think a trait that we share, is that we create and lead our own paths. Not only Mai Ling, but all the females of this show, don't let men define them and what they are capable of. And for that time period, says a lot.

What kind of training do you have to do for your character?

We have an amazing stunt team. They are there training us five days a week for at least three hours. I try to go every day that I’m not working. When I have a later call time, I’ll come in and train in the morning. Shower at the studios and then go right to the makeup chair.

What do you think about the new wave of shows in TV & Film representing and showcasing more Asians in Hollywood?

I think it’s about time! I am so excited and proud to be a part of and contribute to this movement. I believe it was Justin Lin who said that there’s no shortage of talent, there's only a shortage of opportunity.

Who are your acting idols?

Lucy Lui was the first female Asian American actor I saw on tv and film in Ally McBeal and Charlie’s Angels and that really changed me.

I am a huge fan of Emily Blunt. She can do no wrong in my eyes. She as an actor is so versatile, she really can do everything from drama to comedy to action! And of course, I fell in love with Sandra Oh and continue to be in awe of her.

Book that you’re currently reading.

Yes Please by Amy Pohler

I’m really enjoying biographies and memoirs

If you were a book, what kind of book would you be?

A romantic satire, something light and airy.

If you could help any charity or organization, which one would it be and why?

Children’s Hospitals. More specifically BC Children’s hospital. My little sister was born with a heart defect and was in and out of children’s hospitals a lot throughout her childhood and still to this day has to go for regular checkups. I’m in awe of the families and what they must go through but also the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to care for others.

See Dianne as Mai Ling in Warrior only on Cinemax.