Hiroyuki Sanada is a new character in the ABC series Lost, which debuted the first episode of its sixth and final season on February 2. 2010. In Lost, Hiroyuki Sanada portrays Dogan, a temple master, doctor and man of mystery on the island. Recently Mr. Sanada took time to speak on the phone about his experience on the hit series, Lost, and his acting career.
In addition to being in the epic final season of Lost, actor Hiroyuki Sanada has appeared in “The Last Samurai” with Tom Cruise, Danny Boyle’s “Sunshine”, “Speed Racer” and “Rush Hour 3.” He will also be seen starring alongside Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney in the James Ivory film “City of Your Final Destination” which is coming out the end of March, 2010.
Hiroyuki Sanada Interview Questions and Answers
Question: Can you talk about your character on Lost?
Hiroyuki Sanada: Dogan is temple master and MD doctor who has a mission for saving the island. Somehow he came to the island from Japan. He has a mission and is working so hard for the people of the island. Dogan has dignity but he also has weakness and vulnerability because of his past . He is both strong and weak. He is a mysterious character, something of a big master.
Question: You have a new movie coming out. Can you talk about that?
Hiroyuki Sanada: Yes, 'City of Your Final Destination,' with Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney. It is a great film It was shot in Argentina two years ago and is coming out this March. I am very happy.
Question: What was it like working with Anthony Hopkins?
Hiroyuki Sanada: I watched his films for such a long time it was like a dream working with him – and he helped me a lot.
Question: What was it like on the set of Lost?
Hiroyuki Sanada: A week or five days before shooting we receive the script, but we don't know the future. To prepare, I spent a whole month watching 120 episodes. It was good watching.. I was surprised and excited. There was a lot of history to the story. The cast spent a long time together, but I was a novice, beginner. I knew some crew from 'The Last Samurai.' That made me feel good.
We filmed in Hawaii which was good for me because a lot of the crew can speak Japanese. Many of them marry Japanese wives and a lot of people there speak Japanese.
'Lost' is so popular in the US, so doing this show was good for my career in the world market. The quality is so good, it is like a movie. The quality is great, the scripts, music, lighting and everything is great. TV is usually rushed, with one camera. Lost was shot more like a movie, with three cameras and many repeats. We cannot do this in Japan, so I am very happy to do this.
Question: You are on the way to Japan. What will you be doing there?
Hiroyuki Sanada: I am going to Japan for promotion of Lost, which is very popular in Japan. It is a big event with press in Japan. In Japan the show is done with subtitles. They already released the season five dvd box, so this is very good timing.
Question: What been some of your career highlights been?
Hiroyuki Sanada: I started out as a child actor at the age of five. When I was 13, I started to train for acting, with martial arts, singing and dancing. Later I went to London for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. I was the only Asian there and it was a wonderful experience. It changed my life. Then I moved to L.A. 'The Last Samurai' was a big experience for me.
Question: What have been your influences as an actor?
Hiroyuki Sanada: I grew up in Tokyo and watched lots of American films. I loved John Wayne, Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando. They were so tough, and they did everything. That is why I took all those classes, because I thought you had to do everything to be an actor. John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Anthony Hopkins are actors that influenced me.
Question: What projects are in your future?
Hiroyuki Sanada: I am preparing for film to be directed by Peter Medak a small independent film, 'Fallen Moon'. I am just waiting for good news about when it starts.
Lost airs on ABC on Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM ET.
