AmpedAsia.com: What is your ethnicity, and have you ever been back to the homeland?
Natasha: My Korean father did his best to raise me, along with my two sisters. I do know that I am part Korean.. The truth of the matter is, I don’t know who and what my birth mother’s nationality is. Much of my family’s past has been shrouded in secrecy. I was once told that a strange woman was our mother. At a very young age, she came into our home and ruled with an iron fist. As I entered my teenage years, I discovered that this lady was not my real mother. They divorced immediately after the discovery. Finding out my true heritage is a difficult process. My father is very private. There are certain things that he doesn’t want to discuss. So, to push the issue can create problems. My father is not the only one in the family that becomes uneasy when I question the true identity of my mother.
Yes, I did visit the ‘homeland’ when I was a kid.
AmpedAsia.com: How did you like it?
Natasha: I was in the third grade, so I don’t remember much.
AmpedAsia.com: Where do you live now?
Natasha: I recently moved back to southern California. I moved back after living in New York for the past couple years.
AmpedAsia.com: What made you decide to enter the entertainment industry, and how did you do it?
Natasha: I love being creative and entertaining. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to get into when I was in school. But I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera. I was a broadcast major in college. I guess being an anchorwoman wasn’t my calling. After taking a theatre class, I knew I wanted to act. I started to pay attention more to movies. I became really impressed by the actors that could make me forget that they were just playing a character. I wondered if I could do the same. Could I skillfully take on the identity of another person...to the point that even a close friend would forget that it's me? Or would they just see me acting a part? Like playing piano, acting just comes naturally to some. For the rest it really is a fun art to learn. Even with modeling, you need to delve into a character that the photographer or creative director wants you to become. That’s what modeling has been for me….playing a role. I started modeling during my senior year in high school. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on so many cool projects! I was the first Asian model to grace the set of The Price Is right. I’ve booked many commercials and campaigns. I also star in my very own video game called ‘Scarlet Angel’, where I fight villains as a freelance mercenary. I’ve also been animated as other characters in several video games for xbox and play station. Along with the video games, I star in a regular comic strip based on my everyday life. I’ve had the opportunity to be on the cover and featured in a number of major publications around the world.
I was the host of a syndicated show called Octane TV. I’ve appeared in small cameos in several movies such as The Run Down, Cradle to the Grave, Rush Hour 2 and V.I.P. I recently finished filming a lead role in an upcoming movie called ‘Thunder Over Reno’. This action-romantic adventure, billed as the “World’s Fastest Love Story!” …soon to be released in major theatres. I booked a little role in Tarantino’s upcoming film, “Hell Ride”. There’s also a web television show that I am part of that is currently in development. I have a lot of other film projects that I am working on right now, so the best place to get the latest information would be on my website at NatashaYi.com.
AmpedAsia.com: What are the pros and cons of being a model/actress?
Natasha: Pros… you get a lot of free stuff…. Just kidding…well, not really…lol.. Actually, my career has allowed me to meet and talk with a lot of people. We talk about everything from fashion to spirituality. Without my career I may have never met these people.
A con would be to hear people who criticize what you do. I don’t think anyone has a right to criticize anyone. Personally, I don’t find anything more ugly than people that pass judgment on others, especially if you have not walked in their shoes.
AmpedAsia.com: You've had roles in movies such as Rush Hour 2 and Cradle to the Grave. Did you ever get to know any of the big name guys, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, or another other main actor?
Natasha: While I was on set, I had a chance to hang out with all the actors. I have to say that every one has been very nice and down to earth.
AmpedAsia.com: Should we expect to see you in a big role on the big screen sometime soon?
Natasha: Yes! Yes! Yes!!!! I have several projects in the works right now. The best place to get the latest information on my career would be my website, www.NatashaYi.com.
