Randall Park stars in The Residence, a DC-based Netflix murder-mystery series beginning March 20. Here, the versatile actor talks about White House dinners and Genghis Khan. 
Randall Park stars in the new DC-based Netflix series The Residence this month.
If you could go undercover anywhere in DC for a day, where would it be?
The West Wing
You’re hosting a dinner at the White House. Which three guests are at your table?
Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama and Papa Smurf.
If you could interrogate any historical figure, who would it be and why?
I’m obsessed with anything related to Genghis Khan and ancient Mongolia. But instead of interrogating him, I’d be interested in the more benign questions like, What are your hobbies? Are you a morning or evening person? Do you believe that men and women can truly be friends?
You just ran the NYC Marathon—harder than Hollywood or easier?
That marathon was a breeze. Like a really harsh, physically painful breeze. Hollywood is equally difficult, but it pays better.
What film or TV show shaped your sense of humor—and how?
It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. Growing up I was obsessed with sitcoms, and this one blew my mind. It continues to inspire me to this day.
What’s one thing Hollywood still gets wrong about Asian American stories?
Asian American stories, like Asian American people, are not monolithic. Our stories are as different from each other as they are from any other people’s stories. Some will connect with wide audiences; some are more niche. But they deserve to be told because, as it’s been proven time and again, when the alchemy is right, Asian American stories can shift culture and be very profitable.
What would you tell 21-year-old Randall Park about his future?
I would tell him that everything he is going through—feeling lost, being broke and heartache—is exactly what he needs. So go through it all. Feel all the feelings. Everything is going to turn out great.
Photography by: COURTESY OF STORM SANTOS
