The David Yip Interview

Born June 4, 1951 in Liverpool, David Yip is an accomplished actor and highly respected by his peers.

He trained at East 15 Acting School, London. Probably best known for playing the lead role, as Johnny Ho in the BBC drama The Chinese Detective (1981). He also played Michael Choi in Brookside (1981-1990).

Further guest appearances in Doctor Who (1979 Destiny of the Daleks) and Casualty, shadow more prestigious roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as his character Wu Han in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and CIA liaison agent Chuck Lee in the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill.

Speaking to David whilst filming his most recent character in Act of Grace he spoke about his acting career to date.

How do you choose which films/ projects to be involved in?

If I like the script. The writing has to be creative and I have to believe in the character. I have turned down many roles in what I perceive to be stereotypical triad films. Act of Grace wasn’t like that.

What attracted you to Act of Grace?
Basically meeting Alan and Noreen. I knew them anyway. I was in a play in Oxfordshire that they had come to see. We met and I read the script. I liked the character. He is powerful and liked the story.

What research did you carry out for the character?
My character is powerful. For characters such as this I look to powerful people. I’ve met Tony Blair and experienced the influence he has on a room with his presence. That’s what I pay attention to. The ora of a powerful person and how an entourage follows. I have been in the presence of ‘gangster’s’ in the past and the effect they have on entering a public place where they are known is so evident. Almost charismatic.
When at the Capital of Culture launch in the Echo Arena, I was privileged to meet Kenny Dalglish. In the presence of well known film and pop stars we were somewhat ‘starstruck’ as he is an iconic figure for me. It’s that presence that is important to replicate with this character, almost Tony Soprano.

What do you regard as the pinnacle of your career so far?
35 years in the business! It’s always an achievement to be acting. To act for so long and be paid (sometimes!) for something I love to do. I’ve been a Buddhist for the last 10 years and that is important to me.

What have you not achieved so far you wish to?
The wrap party after Indiana Jones was significant for me. Meeting Steven Spielberg. He was so humble with nothing grand about him. In this industry you never know what you’re doing so I’m happy to just be working.
In this country today, many ethnic backgrounds have moved forward and developed with the times. Chinese communities and immigrants have become very successful in business. The Chinese have great business acumen, but the communities do not seem to develop and move forward, becoming more integral. I would like to see that happen. Compared with Asian communities I would like to see more Chinese writers and directors.
I spend a lot of time when I can with my brother, Stephen, and do as much as I can for his charity K.I.N.D. Other than that I just like to each day as it comes.

What is your personal favorite film?
Godfather, Jonnie Darko, 7 Samurai

Express your preference?
Elvis or The Beatles - The Beatles
Bond or Dr Jones - Dr Jones
Harrison Ford or Roger Moore - Harrison
Favorite Dr Who - David Tennant
Bruce Lee or Jet Li - Bruce Lee
DeNiro or Pacino - De Niro
Red or Blue - Red

You were involved with The Inventor of Fireworks (by Benjamin Yeoh) in 2004 on BBC R3. Do you enjoy Radio work?
Yes, Radio is more for the love of it. The pay is lousy! But it opens up new challenges. I have to be more creative with my voice. Also in Radio there are obviously no limits to budget really, which can open up new avenues for writing opportunities.

What other jobs did you do before your acting career began?

Not many! As I said, I’ve been quite fortunate in that way. I’ve been acting for most of my adult life though I was shipping clerk for a short while at Edge Hill at which point I left and moved into thearte. Before that I had occasional work as a painter/decorator and some part time work in a factory.

Thanks to David for spending the time to speak to us

Picture features - David Yip and Ozzie Yue (Act of Grace)

First published in magazine issue - February 08