Leslie Ishii plays Mrs. Chang on Lost and The Lost Interviews wanted to ask her some questions, for instance about how it all works on the set. A HUGE thanks to contributor Kevin for conducting this interview on the phone.

TLI: What inspired you to become an actress?
I'm Japanese-American, third generation. I started out in theater with the Northwest Asian American Theater Company in Seattle. We had a fundraising performance for a gentleman named Gordon Hirabayashi. He had broken the curfew during World War II and was incarcerated (for 90 days), which he believed was in violation of his rights. It was years later, and he had a Supreme Court case coming up (in which he would ultimately have his conviction overturned). The place was standing room only. We told the story of those interned during WWII and Gordon Hirabayshi and everybody was very moved. It was very powerful to see the audience's reaction in support of this community member. It was the first time that these stories had been told publicly since WWII. For the internees in the cast, it was the first time they had spoken of their stories at all. Many families had not spoken of these stories since they happened. I recall my Dad mentioning at intermission that he was in the restroom and saw men crying. Asian men could be very close to their vests in showing their emotions. I saw how powerful storytelling was and knew it was something I had to do more of.

TLI: You have appeared in many well-known TV shows, and one of them was Party of Five. Did you meet Matthew Fox during that role?
It was one of my first jobs in Hollywood. I played a nurse and he was actually the person I had my scene with. I don't know if he would remember it but he was very seasoned and very kind. He put everyone at ease. We did not cross paths on Lost, though.

TLI: Did you watch Lost before you came on the show?
I watched the first season pretty religiously and thought it was really funny that they had this show where a plane crashed and they got lost on this island, and it was airing at the same time as Survivor, a reality show that had no plane crash but involved a group of people on a beach trying to survive. I watched both of those shows and was fans of both the reality and the scripted versions. I don’t watch Survivor anymore, but I still watch Lost. It did get a little slow in the second season, but the third season picked up and the fourth season was great – it got deeper and more intense.

TLI: What was your audition like at the beginning?
I auditioned last August. I was away seeing my husband at a Shakespeare festival and was in the airport when I found out I was going to have an audition. When I received the sides (the excerpts of the scene I was going to play in the audition), it was very exciting. I hadn't auditioned for Lost since way back before it started. I think the part back then was a nurse but it wasn't pivotal and I didn't end up getting it. All this time later, here was another round of auditions. In TV, pretty much what we audition with is what we're going to shoot, so I assumed the scene I was given would be in the episode. Then I got the script and it was the only script I had received at home. I called my agent and said, “Am I still in the episode? Because I didn't read the scene I auditioned for.” She said, “Oh, that's because they're very secretive. They're not going to let out any material that will really be shot.”

TLI: Could you describe the scene you acted in the audition?
The side was great. Dr. Chang and I were on an airplane and it appeared we were coming back from having spent a short period of time when Dr. Chang was being recruited to join the Dharma Initiative. He spent that period of time going to seminars. I (Lara) was upset because it felt like there were throwing me a bone. They thought it would be enticing for me to sign because I would have my own job, as well, as a lab tech. I felt it was beneath me (as Lara was a scientist in her own right). We had this very young child. It made me seem like I was on the fence about this as a family. It ended with us being positive about the decision, but I had to see if it would be fulfilling for me.

TLI: What was it like playing Lara?
I have really enjoyed playing Lara. They made her so interesting at every juncture of her life. I would be so grateful to continue playing her if that's in the cards next season. She's so multi-faceted.

TLI: When you filmed the first scene of Season 5, did you know that the baby was in fact Miles?
When we shot that first sequence in the season opener we did not know that the baby was Miles. My question was, “Did we have the baby on the island or have the baby and bring him there?” I thought a little bit about it but was leaving my mind open.

The first scene I filmed was when Lara was in bed and the baby cries. One scene they didn't end up using was Lara talking with Dr. Chang before he left for work, but because they established them as a couple well enough they didn't need to use the second one is my guess.

TLI: What was it like working with Francois Chau?
Francois, I've know him a lot of years through the Asian American theater. His wife is an actor, too, and an amazing singer and performer. It was a real joy to see I'd be playing opposite him. We all belong to East West Players Asian American Theater in Los Angeles, one of the oldest Asian American theaters in the country. One of the key founders was Mako.

TLI: And Ken Leung?
Ken is a wonderful actor. We had a lovely talk. Once the scene was over and we were on set waiting, we had a few minutes to chat and kind of connect, before he looks in the house and sees himself as a baby. It didn’t take long before we realized we have many mutual friends.

TLI: What was it like shooting the deathbed scene?
Ken approached it perfectly, in my humble opinion. Before we shot that scene, we didn’t talk a lot. He was in his own place emotionally and I was in mine. I think it was perfect because it didn’t diffuse the emotional impact. The process ended up lending itself to the scene because Miles hadn’t seen his mother for quite some time, so I think we achieved something… an emotional distance. Well, and by now, you all know what happened with that scene and after it.

TLI: What surprised you the most on set?
Jack Bender directed the scene where my character was very ill. Both he and Stephen Williams (who directed “Follow the Leader”) are a dream come true for an actor. They're collaborative. They know you've thought about your part. They both know how to talk to an actor about the technical as well as the emotional. Sometimes you get one or the other with directors. They were hands-on with the actors, which was fantastic. It's a great crew, as well as the artists in the make-up and hair departments. It's a pretty well-oiled machine now. I had a great experience.

TLI: Who are your favorite Lost characters?
They’re all very interesting. I would have to say that when I first started watching, the language of the Sawyer character always got me. The writing was so unique. He would try to express himself by comparing something to something we already knew about. It was very delightful.

Matthew Fox does a great job as Jack. I enjoy the Locke character, too. I met Terry O’Quinn and he was wonderful, very friendly. I met Elizabeth Mitchell and she was friendly, and Josh Holloway was very welcoming and friendly. What’s lovely about this cast is that you never get a sense of hierarchy on set. It was a real pleasure to work with and meet all of them.

TLI: Do people recognize you because you played Lara Chang?
I get recognized a little bit. My brother asked me to sign an autograph. (laughs) When visiting my husband at the Arkansas Repertory Theater, one of the cast members recognized me from Lost and that was really unexpected. It’s one thing if you’re in L.A. and someone from the business recognizes you, but this was Little Rock. I had no idea Lost had become such a huge phenomenon.

My episodes of Desperate Housewives just aired recently, too. My brother Facebooked me and said, “You have to go online! The Desperate Housewives fans are starting to recognize you from Lost!” You know what's so exciting about Lost and DH fans? As an actor it's really nice to see that there are so many people excited about scripted shows. Writers sit down and really think things through and take us to places we could never go otherwise. I'm really grateful to the fans that they show such enthusiasm.

TLI: Can we expect to see you in Season 6?
Hope springs eternal for next season. It's always a nice surprise when you get that call to go to Hawaii. I have a theory about how Lara could appear again, actually. Not only can they time travel back and forth; we know she was gravely ill but we never actually saw her die.

There's a tiny little segment I filmed during the Dharma evacuation that didn't come up in the last episode, but it looks like it was cut. I can see where it wasn’t needed. This could bode well for my character. If you see too much, it could trap the writers in a corner. If you see less, it gives them more options to keep playing with.

TLI: You know, some fans have a theory that when Miles was talking to his mother, she was already dead...
I love that! That's even better! That's what I love about Lost fans. They're so smart and so imaginative. I love what they come up with.

TLI: Do you ever read Lost fan sites?
I have more so since being on it, but I don't check a lot. Actors hope it's all positive. When I was first cast I went to Wikipedia. I had missed a little of the show here and there but was doing a major review. They had extensive material and I basically printed all of it and read it and enjoyed it. Once you're rehearsing the scene and shooting, the information kind of feeds into it and brings your character alive.

TLI: Why do you think Lost is so popular?
I think it's because of the great imaginations of these writers. I tell people it's a thinking person's show. The fans are so smart and so imaginative and I know the writers are that way, too. The way they paint a scene and come back to it later; it resonates all the way back. Good writing has that kind of depth. Part of being believable is the whole attention to detail. It's a big commitment to watch this show because it's deep and a huge puzzle. You have to be willing to hang in there. It's a quite a journey that they take you on. I think it mirrors how our imaginations work. I’m hooked; I’ve been hooked since the beginning.

TLI: Do you have any theories about Lost?
Between takes in the scene where Dr. Chang was filming the Dharma video, one of the actors who played a Dharma cameraman said his theory was that the island was connected to Atlantis. I've continued to think about this because it would be an interesting premise. Atlantis was known for having all these great experiments. Maybe the Dharma Initiative had that kindred spirit.

TLI: I notice you’ve started a blog. Can you tell me more about it?
I had never blogged before. I had read them but had never written. My students at East West Players said, “You have to get a blog. You're on Lost!” So, they've been coaching me, and my students are a great teacher. They like reading articles from actors and wanted me to write what my experiences are like from an actor's point of view. It’s also a great way to let my family and friends know what I'm doing. The blog is at leslieishiiblog.blogspot.com.

TLI: What are your upcoming projects?
I juggle a lot of balls. I enjoy being creative. While being an actor is my primary job and I love what I do and I'm very grateful to be able to do what I love, I also teach because I believe in bringing up the next generation of actors. I am also a writer. And fans are welcome to come to a reading of a play I’m writing called “Painting By Numbers,” which is based on the Jane Austen novel “Persuasion.” The reading will be on June 30th at 7:30 p.m., at the East West Players Theater in L.A.

I already shot a remake of “Fame” that should come out this fall (Sept. 25th). One day of work was a great amount of fun. I play one of the school administrators. I didn’t get to dance and sing, but I wish I did! It's directed by Kevin Tancharoen, a Thai-American director, and he was wonderful to work with. It's lively and works well as a modern interpretation.

TLI: Would you like to say anything to the fans?
I really appreciate the Lost fans. I come from live theater where you have more immediate feedback to go on. On the Lost sites, people are into the show and really support it. They're such imaginative people. I love reading what they say because they're amazing. They shouldn't underestimate the effect they have on the show. Their enthusiasm has helped keep the show going.

Hi François, first of all, thank you for taking the time for this interview.

How was your role on Lost first presented to you? Did you also think you were just Marvin Candle appearing once in an orientation film or did you know you would get a more important role later on?
I believed that the character "Marvin Candle" was just going to appear once in the orientation video. There was no indication that it was going to be anything more than that.

When you found out that your character would become more than just a narrator of orientation films, what was your reaction?
Of course I was very happy when my character broke out of the orientation videos. It was great to have some interaction with other characters.

From an actor's point of view, how do you approach a role such as Pierre Chang? Seeing as you didn't know his real name for three seasons, how did you create a back story for him?
From an actor's point of view, it was easier in the first 3 seasons to play the character because he was just an image in the videos. I was basically doing a strait forward educational video. I knew there was something more mysterious about the character, but as an actor, you can't play that. The lucky thing for me was that the viewers came up with their own ideas about the character.

How would you describe Pierre Chang?
I think Pierre Chang is at his best when he is in his own element at his labs, doing his work. He is not comfortable in social situations. Let's just say he is not really a "people person".

Why did Dharma select Pierre Chang to present the orientation films?
I don't know yet why Dr. Chang was selected to do the videos. Let's hope we all find out soon.

Of all the orientation films we've seen, which one was your favorite to film?
I don't really have a favorite, but if anything, I think I like the first one.

Is it ever going to be explained why Dr. Chang used all those aliases?
I hope we all get to know why he uses all those different names before the end of the show.

Why do his aliases all refer to candles? (Halliwax, Wickmund, Candle)
Don't know why all the names refer to candles. Maybe the writers are just having fun.

Chang used an alias in every orientation film he presented, why did he just say his name was Dr. Chang to Jack?
I guess he tells Jack his real name because the aliases are only for the videos.

Do you know how Pierre loses/lost his arm?
I do know how Pierre looses his arm, and soon, so will you.

Did the producers ever hint to you that Chang would have a connection to a main character?
No hint about any connection to a main character.

When did you find out your baby was Miles?
Learned about Miles when I got the script for that episode.

Who do you enjoy working with most on the set?
I liked working with everyone so far. Working with "Miles" and "Hurley" was a lot of fun.

Can we expect to see much more of you in season 5? Have you even been approached for season 6?
You will see "Dr. Chang" more at the end of season 5. Hopefully, he will make more appearances in season 6.

What is Chang's order of command in DHARMA? First many people thought Chang would be the leader, but now it seems that Horace takes a leading role.
It seemed like Chang was in charge, but maybe he is only in charge of his own section, and everyone has to answer to "Ann Arbor".

When did Chang arrive on the island and how did he get recruited?
Don't know how he was recruited, but it seems that he had been working on the island for a few years already when the gang arrives in 1977.

Are we going to see a Chang flashback once? Or even a Chang centric episode?
Don't know if we'll get a Chang centric episode. It would be great.

Who filmed the Dharma Booth video shown on Comic Con 2008? The video in which Pierre implied the past can be changed. Did Daniel Faraday film it?
I'm told that you can find out who filmed the ComicCon video in the DVD extras for season 5 when it is released.

Have you filmed more orientation films for upcoming episodes?
Have not yet filmed anymore orientation videos, but this is "LOST", so who knows?

Thank you so much for having this interview with me, is there something you want to say to all the fans?
Thanks for being a fan of the show!

She plays the role of Theresa Spencer, who was Daniel Faraday's girlfriend at Oxford University researching time travel. In Jughead Desmond visited Theresa, we found out she was sick, perhaps because of one of Faraday's experiments.

The Lost Interviews wants to find out more about Theresa and also about Sarah Farooqui, the actress who plays the role of Theresa.

Do you have a question for Sarah? You can submit your questions by using the form below or by leaving a comment. You can submit as many questions as you want to!

Select text to read a mild spoiler:

Sarah Farooqui will appear as Theresa on 05x14 The Variable. You could also wait for this episode to air and then submit more questions for Sarah (referring to the episode).

She had the first line of season 5 and her name is Leslie Ishii. She plays the role of Lara Chang, the mother of Miles and the wife of Pierre Chang. The Lost Interviews is going to have an interview with Leslie on the phone.

I'm sure some of you have a question for Leslie and that's possible. Just leave your question in the form below or by leaving a comment.

I talked with Lesie Ishii who plays Mrs. Chang on Lost about having an interview with The Lost Interviews. She's willing to have an interview on the phone or in person in LA.

I'm looking for someone who likes to interview Leslie Ishii on behalf of The Lost Interviews.

If you like the idea, just send me an e-mail at thelostinterviews@gmail.com and we'll discuss it. Also tell me if you want to interview Leslie on the phone or in person.

NOTE: The following interview contains very mild spoilers.

TLI: Let’s start with some short non Lost questions. What's the best band ever?
Ever? Ooo! That's a bold question. It's hard to deny the Stones although I listen to the Beach Boys more often.

TLI: Who's the most famous person on your mobile phone?
J.J. Abrams?

TLI: What's guaranteed to make you mad?
If anyone hurts my dog.

TLI: What's your most extravagant purchase ever?
A painting.

TLI: What's the most outrageous thing you've ever heard about yourself?
That I'm a sex symbol.

TLI: Who would you most like to go to the pub with for one hour?
Shane MacGowan

TLI: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
I'm a Ferrari. If they should want to make their movie with say a Hyundai. It doesn't take away from em being a Ferrari.

TLI: What's been your worst fashion disaster?
I don't know. I sometimes try to run errands early in the morning in the clothes I've slept in.

TLI: What's your favorite smell?
New rain on hot asphalt.

TLI: Do you have any recurring dreams?
No, but last night I dreamt a bunch of us were being attacked by hippos that could get up on their hind legs.

TLI: What's your favorite swear word?
I'll save this question for James Lipton.

TLI: What is your favorite part about filming in Hawaii?
Pretty much that. I'm filming in Hawaii. There's nothing like it.

TLI: And what’s the worst part?
Bugs I guess.

TLI: What has been your favorite scene of the series to date which included you?
Hmm... I shot one that hasn't aired yet that I like very much. I can't say right now though.

TLI: And what is your favorite scene without you?
I liked the scene when Locke is trying to convince Jack to push the button. I'm actually in it, but I'm kinda on the sidelines. I just like being a spectator on set for it.

TLI: If you could change a scene of a previous episode on Lost, which one would it be, how would you change it and why would you change it?
I'd probably cut the scene where Hurley dips mango in ranch dressing.

TLI: During which scene did you have the most fun?
Driving the van was fun.

TLI: If you had to pick any other actor to play the role of Hurley who would you pick?
I don't know.

TLI: Do you want to know Libby's back story as much as the fans do?
Yes.

TLI: Are you enjoying the Dharma Initiative 70s storyline?
The jumpsuits are a lot of fun.

TLI: The information we have on Episode 13 so far implies that Hurley and Miles are going to have a lot of screen time. Would you consider this episode to be a Hurley centric, a Miles centric, or is the focus pretty much equally balanced?
Well it's not hurley centric.

TLI: Does Hurley get some kick-ass lines/scenes in episode 13?
Yes.

TLI: What do The Numbers mean to you?
I don't really think about them too much.

TLI: Why do you think Hurley can see Jacob’s Cabin?
Because he's "touched"

TLI: How many times in your life did someone walk up to you and said “Dude…”?
Don't know. It happened today though.

TLI: Do you like it when people recognize you and ask for an autograph or a photo?
It's usually fine.

TLI: Did you film scenes for upcoming episodes with people Hurley has never interacted with before? (Richard, Faraday etc.)
Yes.

TLI: Which character/actor would you like to spend more screen time with?
I don't know. I enjoy shooting with everybody.

TLI: Do you think you’re going to cry when you finished shooting/watching the last scene of season 6?
I might.

TLI: I want to thank you for taking the time for this interview. But also, on behalf of all the fans, thank you for taking the time answering questions on The Fuselage Forum.

NOTE: The following interview contains spoilers!

TLI: As a young actor, what was the most important thing you learned when you were working so closely with many phenomenal actors as Terry O'Quinn, Dominic Monaghan etc.?
I have learned so many things working with so many great actors. The most important though would be how Dominic really taught me how to get into my character in real life. When i first started acting, I didn't realize how important it was to become your character, and he taught me how to do that from his years of experience.

TLI: How soon did you know you would return for The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham?
Damon Lindelof, a producer, contacted me and told me they were going to need me to Hawaii for a week or so. I wasn't told anything beyond that, but I knew at that point from the lack of information, that I was going to be in the show, and not just coming back for a cast engagement. They really arn't kidding when they say even if you die or get off they island your story isn't done.

TLI: Is it true you already filmed a scene from the season 6 finale because you were aging too much?
n/c

TLI: Apart from episode 7 of season 5, will you appear on the show more often?
I sure hope to, but for obvious reasons, I can not comment of specific appearances.

TLI: Is there even a chance you will be a regular again in the final season?
Again, I would love to. But thats not up to me.

TLI: Do you keep up with the show as a fan?
I really love the show, and am very interested in it. I have to watch the show for "work", but I guess that means I have the best job ever because I love the show.

TLI: Did you ever film scenes as a flashback related to Walt’s time with the Others? Scenes we are possibly going to see?
n/c

TLI: What did Ms. Klugh from the Others mean when she said Walt appeared in place he wasn’t supposed to be?
You know about as much about that as I do.

TLI: What happened when Walt was in Room 23? And what is Room 23?
Wait and see.

TLI: Are all the Walt-mysteries going to be solved? (Dead birds, the Others, whispering in the jungle all wet)
The producers have said many times that they really hope to solve the whole Walt story, and in time I believe they will.

TLI: Do you think Walt will ever see Vincent again?
It's possible

TLI: Are you disappointed that things didn't work out better for Michael and Walt on the show?
No, not at all. I truly enjoyed my time on the show, and have learned so much. I am just grateful for the time I had.

TLI: Who do you think is more connected to the island? Aaron or Walt?
I think they are connected the same, in different ways. Obviously Aaron being born on the island give him a large tie, but walt has similar abilities to Locke to communicate with it.

TLI: How important is Walt for the show.
Just as important as all the other actors, film producers, writers, set coordinators, and everyone else that works on this amazing show.

TLI: Is Walt going back to the island?
Maybe if we cross our fingers.

TLI: Can we expect to see Walt in the season 5 finale?
Yes, keep your eyes on the t.v.!

TLI: Do you think you’re better than Richard Alpert, because you do age?
Haha no not at all. Richard Alpert, is one of the most unique characters I have ever seen on T.V. And I think he fits in perfectly with the show.

TLI: And last but not least, is there something you want to tell all the fans?
Thank you all for all of your support! Lost would be no where with out fans like you who care about the show, and care about the people in the show. Your support has been nonstop and for that, I thank you.

TLI: What was your audition like, at the very beginning of Lost?
I didn’t have to audition. JJ knew my work from “In the Bedroom,” so that plus a scene from “Mean Creek” (which was later cut before the movie was released) was enough to convince them I was right for the part. They just offered it to me. As a sidenote, I was offered the role the morning of the day the show premiered. I had no idea it would be a huge hit. I was just thrilled I’d been offered two episodes of work!

TLI: What was your favorite scene as Ethan?
All of them. I’m not kidding. I’ve enjoyed all my scenes, wherever, with whomever, doing whatever. It’s been a blast.

TLI: Was Ethan a good or a bad man?
I don’t believe in good or bad in life, and I think one of the strengths of “Lost” is that the creators seem to feel the same way. In other words, every character exists in a shade of grey, don’t they? People might hate Ben, but we’ve seen Sawyer kill two unarmed people in cold blood, and Kate has killed one (when she burned down the house). Both of those are murder in the first degree. So who’s good and who’s bad? (You could argue that the best-looking people are good, but that’s another discussion. : ) )

TLI: Do you know a lot more about Ethan’s character than the audience does?
A little more.. But I get surprised, too. I had no idea I had been a surgeon until I heard it on the show!

TLI: Who’s your best friend on the set? Pick one! And who’s the best actor on Lost, besides you of course.
My best friend is the director, whomever that happens to be. : ) And the Best ‘Lost’ Actor Award goes to... Vincent!

TLI: How did you feel when you read the script in which you got shot by Charlie?
About how you would expect. Shocked, a bit bummed, but then looking forward to shooting a cool death scene.

TLI: Would you like to be in the season 6 finale?
Are you crazy? Of course!

TLI: Do you watch Lost every wednesday on ABC?
I record it so I generally don’t watch it live, but I almost always watch it within a few days, or else someone might tell me what happened!

TLI: Do you still have a lot of contact with other cast members of Lost?
Some yes, some no. About typical for most TV shows. Everyone has a very busy life and meets new people on every new show they do, so it would be a full-time job to keep up with everyone on every show!

TLI: Which other series would you love to play in?
The Office, Deadwood (if it weren’t cancelled), 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights...

TLI: Do you think you will be in an episode of Lost once more?
I like to think they will have Ethan on one more time, but I can’t promise that.

TLI: When reading the scripts do you get the same sense of surprise at twists that we do on television? Specifically, in the beginning of "Not in Portland," we see Juliet going through a routine, including walking past your character, leading us to believe they're on the Island until she pulls the curtain and we learn it's actually Miami. Do the slug lines indicate a pre-Island flashback, or does it leave it to your imagination until the reveal?
Good question. Frankly, I don’t remember how the slug lines read. I believe they leave it to the reader’s imagination, but I could be wrong... Yes, I absolutely get the same surprise that viewers get. Sometimes even more.

TLI: May I thank you very much for your answers, and is there something you really have to share with the audience?
First, thank you for watching! Second, my official website is at williammapother.com, my blog at williammapother.blogspot.com, and you can send me questions directly at the bulletin board on thefuselage.com. Thank you!