How does someone who graduated from the prestigious Brown University with a degree in mathematics and computer sciences with an IQ at genius level end up on a scifi show? Oh, did I fail to mention that he also once tutored students in organic chemistry?
That is the background of “Heroes” star Masi Oka who portrays Japanese office worker Hiro Nakamura in the new hit NBC television series. Oka’s character can literally bend space and time to his will.
After graduation he got a job with George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic developing some of the fantastic special effects software technology we scifi geeks get all a-flutter over when we watch a Lucas blockbuster. Oka had a hand in the Star Wars trilogy and “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Word has it that he still keeps one foot in the door with ILM as a technical director, just in case this acting thing doesn’t work our for him……highly unlikely with the reviews he is getting with Heroes.
Speaking of acting, he got some great training with that while doing a stint with the famous improv group The Groundlings.
Yeah! I’d say Masi is more than qualified for the part.
[Kudos to SoSF Fan Julian Moorhouse for the tip]
Seeing him in the most recent episode definately was a suprise and a different acting style that we had seen previously. Can’t say more because of the spoiler factor, but it was super rad.
Wow! Talk about a charmed career!
Kudos for Masi!
The character of Hiro definitely seems to be the most popular one on the various fora that I read. His blog on the NBC Heroes site is a fun read.
I’m sure that the popularity of Hiro is a tribute to Masi Oka’s acting ability.