Daniel Dae Kim: From 'Lost' to Found on 'Hawaii Five-0'

Daniel Dae Kim a veteran of episodic television appearing in countless successful TV shows since the 1990s. In the 2000s he appeared in a number of significant films that was a box office success and another won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. In 2004 he was part of an ensemble cast of a massive hit TV series that lasted from 2004 to 2010. Currently he appears in a reboot of an iconic TV series that ran for twelve seasons. Daniel is the epitome of the successful Asian American actor who continues to expand on that perception. Some of the roles he was cast in were originally intended for a Caucasian actor. What is it that makes this character actor so truly unique?

Early Acting Career

Born in Busan, South Korea on August 4, 1968 the family immigrated to the U.S. when Kim was two-years old. They settled in Easton, Pennsylvania, a culturally diverse suburb. He attended Freedom High School where he excelled in sports, journalism and student government. At home his parents did not want him to forget his Korean heritage where he spoke only Korean outside of school. This would prove valuable later in his life.

While attending Haverford College it is there he discovered acting. Eventually he would major in theater and political science. After graduation he moved to New York City to act in the theatre. He performed in a number of classical productions such as "Romeo and Juliet", "Ivanov" and "A Doll's House." Later on he attended NYU's prestigious graduate program in acting at the Tisch School of the Arts.

In the early 1990s he appeared in the film "American Shaolin" which is a martial arts action film. During the mid '90s Daniel made his first episodic television appearance in "Law and Order." It wasn't until 1997 he relocated to Los Angeles when his opportunities in New York dried up. From there he appeared in numerous television shows: "Babylon 5", "24", "ER" and "CSI."

A starring role from Michael Crichton's novel, "The Andromeda Strain" had earned an Emmy nomination for best mini-series. Not only did Kim appear in television, but also in films such as "The Jackal", "For the Love of the Game", "The Hulk" and "Spider Man 2." Also in 2004 he was part of an ensemble cast in the film "Crash" that later won an Oscar for Best Picture over the heavy favorite "Brokeback Mountain." 2004 proved to be a magical year for Kim when he was cast in a sci-fi adventure drama titled "Lost."

"Lost" on ABC

Jin Soo Kwon was Daniel Dae Kim's character on the phenomenal hit TV show that ran for six seasons on the ABC network. It won an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards in 2005. "Lost" was about a group of survivors resulting from a plane crash en route between Los Angeles to Sydney. They ended up on a mysterious island somewhere in the South Pacific. Each episode focused on storylines from the island and flashbacks of their personal life before the crash.

His character was the mysterious Korean businessman who is marooned with his wife. Kwon is very controlling and the traditional husband. Throughout a number of seasons his character became more compassionate to his wife and fellow survivors. In the first five seasons Jin Soo Kwon spoke only Korean and no English. Afterward, he learned to speak English. This show had been consistently listed as one of the top ten series of all time. In 2010 Kim was cast as Chin Ho Kelly in a reboot of a classic TV series that could either sink or swim.

To the Classic "Hawaii Five-0" Reboot

Many fans of the original "Hawaii Five-O" were concerned if this new remake series would live up to it. The show has been an enormous success winning the People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Series-Drama. Scott Cann, the actor who plays Danny "Danno" Williams, was nominated for a Golden Globe in the TV supporting actor category. Only time will tell if this crime drama receives any Emmy nominations.

The character of Chin Ho Kelly is a former police officer with the Honolulu Police Department. His former partner was Jack McGarrett, Steve MacGarrett's late father. He is recruited by Steve McGarrett to become a member of the elite Federal task force commissioned by the Governor of Hawaii. During season one we learn he was engaged to be married, but they broke-up due to his mysterious reasons why he had to leave the HPD. His character rides around on a motorcycle all over Oahu.

When he was on "Lost" and currently on "Hawaii Five-0" Kim found time to appear on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in a production of "The King and I" as the King of Siam. He is also in the film "The Adjustment Bureau" starring Matt Damon to be released in theaters March 2011. If that weren't enough he is currently working on the upcoming film "Death Games" starring Samuel L. Jackson. As you can see Daniel Dae Kim is fortunate to be constantly working, plus he has been in one hugely successful TV series. Perhaps his current TV show will be on for seasons to come.

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