Hey everyone. This is the section for you as the visitor to interact with Archie himself. Many have had questions about him as well as other things, so if you have anything to ask, email Zach, and he'll send the answers to me to post. Enjoy. :)

    These Questions came back March 14, 1999

      1.) When were you born?
      December 14

      2.) Where were you born?
      I'm actually from Alexandria, VA. I've lived in suburbs all around the area growing up.

      3.) Where do you currently live now?
      I now live in Los Angeles, CA.

      4.) How did you first find out about the job for Power Rangers Lost Galaxy?
      The casting director called my agent to see me...

      5.) When did you learn that you got the job?
      I first learned I got the job in November...right before Thanksgiving! Something to be thankful for!

      6.) Who did you tell first when you got the job on Power Rangers?
      I think I told my mother and father first that I was going to be the new Blue Ranger.

      7.) Did you ever catch any episodes of Power Rangers before you got the job?
      I actually never saw an episode until I got the job- I can't believe I'd missed out for so long...

      8.) How do you and the other members of the cast get along?
      The cast is absolutely terrific- we spend alot of non-working time together. It's really become a little family away from home...

      9.) What are the hours like for you on an average day of filming?
      Our hours vary tremendously- sometimes a real short day is only a few hours,sometimes its sun-up till sun-down...

      10.) What do you like to do during your free time when you're away from the set?
      I like to travel, see new places. There are so many places that still need to be explored...I like to keep a journal about my travels.

      11.) Is Power Rangers your first acting job?
      No, Power Rangers isn't my first acting job- but it may very well be the most fun!

      12.) Were you always interested in acting?
      When I was very young I think I wanted to try acting, but then I outgrew it, thinking I'd go to Law School- then the acting bug bit me again- this time pretty hard.

      13.) So, what's it like on set in a given day for you and the others?
      We're always having a good time on the set (and off). It seems most of our time together is spent laughing or teasing each other.

    This set of questions were answered on March 17, 1999

      14.) Do you have any siblings?
      Yes, I have two younger sisters, Sarah and Sabrina. The still live in VA.

      15.) You said that Power Rangers isn't your first acting job. When did you first start in acting and what other acting jobs have you had?
      I've done a number of commercials, and guest spots on a lot of unsuccessful TV shows. That's usually the Hollywood way.

      16.) You also said that you like to travel. What, so far, has been your favorite or most memorable place to travel.
      I like to travel. The unfortunate aspect of my life now is that I can't do it as much. Of course when we're not hurtling our way through space... I backpacked by myself through Eastern Europe two years ago. I would say that was one of the most colorful, enriching experiences of my life (so far!) I highly recommend the experience...

      17.) What kind of music do you like or listen to the most?
      I love music. All kinds. I have CDs coming out of the walls at my place.

      18.) Do you have any pets?
      No, no pets. But I wish I had a puppy.

      19.) What person do you look up to the most?
      Who do I look up to the most? Gotta be my mom. How much can I say about this wonderful woman?

    Archie answered another set and these were posted May 13, 1999

      20.) If you could pick one song to describe your life, what would it be?
      The Dave Matthews Band with "The Best of What's Around" runs in strong contention for the song that most describes my life...

      21.) What would be your motto in life?
      "Great Achievement and Great Love Involve Great Risk."

      22.) What's the best thing about working on Power Rangers?
      The best thing about the show for me is the fact that we're albe to constantly try to improve our work, as actors, as people.

      23.) What would be the worst thing about working on the show if any?
      The worst thing may very well be having to watch the old work...(smile)

      24.) What's your favorite sport?
      I love soccer, but I play more tennis. It's easier to round up one person than ten.

      25.) What would you be doing if you weren't out making the universe safe for all mankind on Power Rangers?
      I'd probably be writing stories about people that did make the universe safe for all mankind...in some form or another.

      26.) How tall are you?
      5'10"

      27.) What's your favorite movie?
      Dead Poets Society

      28.) What's it like wearing that Ranger costume?
      It's complicated. Wearing the Ranger costume is a multi-part process, and involving yourself with it is a real committment...

      29.) Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses?
      Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise- I study the work of these actors and can't even imagine breathing the same air as them.

      30.) Just how much fan mail do you get in a day?
      The fan mail factor varies tremendously, but we take it all in stride, and try to get back to it as soon as possible.

      31.) What would it be like for you to meet your fans?
      It's very gratifying to meet fans. It's because of the fans that I still have a great job...THANK YOU!

      32.) What ambitions do you have in progressing in your martial arts training?
      Martial Arts training has been important to me more for the emotional and spiritual influences a discipline like this demands- I have so much admiration for the people that have mastered this art. You can see it in everything they do- not just fighting. It seems to be a way of life, a system of thought.

      33.) Any one particular style you'd like to learn?
      Not yet

      34.) What's it like seeing yourself as an action figure?
      You have no idea...

    Another set was sent and posted on July 1, 1999

      35.) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
      I would live anywhere that inspired me to be the best person I could be...be it an actor, statesman, lawyer, teacher, son, father, brother, friend, or the like. I don't know if that's in Guam or right here in my own backyard, but I'm always looking...

      36.) What has been your favorite episode of this season of Power Rangers so far?
      I guess I'm biased, but I did actually like the Blue Crush.

      37.) How did you get started in the acting business altogether? Because I've always been interested in acting, but I don't know what steps to take.
      If ever you've had an interest in acting, then just do it! Do theatre, do improvisational sketches with friends, do anything that keeps those performance muscles stretching. As far as the business end of it (an agent, etc.) it really depends on where you are. Are there any regional SAG offices in your area with franchised offices? SAG is the Screen Actors Guild, our primary union. I would check to see if you could locate an agency in your area. But the truth of the matter is, the journey will take different paths for everyone. The thing I know, however, is that if you really commit to your passion, then things have a way of falling into place...

      38.) Are there any details you can give on what's up for next season of PRLG?
      Honestly, your guess about the new season of Power Rangers is as good as mine. I haven't the slightest idea if the new Japanese footage can be incorporated to accommodate our current storyline.

      39.) How would you describe yourself?
      How would I describe myself? How much time do you have? (smile) I'm always trying to figure that out myself, and I still haven't gotten it, because it seems to change all the time...at once content and perpetually at unrest. So, complicated might be the best word.

      40.) What do you like best about your character on the show?
      What I like most about Kai is the fact that he stands for something. It gives me something to play when I can lock on to something as concrete as Kai's value system. Sometimes the characters you play as an actor are more nebulous, and I can appreciate the fact that he is adamant about what he cares about in life, because I do.

      41.) What first got you interested in becoming an actor?
      I must have some deeply rooted issues to resolve...

      42.) Are there any plans for you and the other actors to continue as rangers for the next incarnation of PR?
      I haven't the slightest...if not, and you make a site for the new ranger(s)-I'm sure it'll be something the new cast member(s) will just treasure.

      43.) How do you like doing the unmorphed fight scenes?
      I love the physical dynamic of the show. There is actually more to the show's message than beating up the bad guys. It's about redemption, and virtue, and other things that are communicated in the discipline of martial arts that aren't realized in many other facets of life. In that regard, I love being able to participate in the unmorphed fight scenes.

      44.) Are there any stunts that you would love to do yourself on the show?
      I do a good number of stunts myself- and have the bruises to prove it! But the really risky stuff they want me to stay away from.

      45.) Ever been hurt doing a stunt or a fight scene on the show?
      No- everything is carefully worked out, and any questions are worked through in advance.

      46.) What would have been the most memorable or best moment for you on the show this past season?
      I'm afraid the most memorable moments haven't been on film:) I love the cast- we're always teasing each other, and we've had quite a few laughs. Last week I stuck a plunger to Reggie's bald head before a take! That was good for a laugh- though I don't know how funny he found it.

      47.) Do you get recognized a lot now that you're on Power Rangers?
      I think my hair gets attention, and as a result I get recognized a fair amount- more than I would've thought. You'd think they'd never seen spiky hair...hmm...

      48.) Where was the first place you were recognized?
      I was at a cafe in Santa Monica with my friend and these kids kept playing hide and seek by our table. It turns out they were trying to ask for an autograph, but were too shy to ask- so my friend finally broke the ice with them.

      49.) What's it like watching yourself and your performance on television? Weird, different, interesting, fun?
      I can't stand watching myself on TV. I honestly don't know how other actors can do it. It's an absolute massacre for me to see myself. All that, and I'm sure you wonder why I continue to subject myself to it...I wish I could tell you. All I know is that I have to...

    Archie sent another set of answers on October 17, 1999

      50.) What was the very first job you ever had when you were around my age?
      My first job, ever- was at a toy store in Virginia. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I would spray customers with the silly string, and drive the remote-controlled cars between their legs. My first paycheck was for $73, and I thought I was RICH!

      51.) What would have to have been the worst job you ever had?
      Also in Virginia, I had the dubious honor one summer of being the resident ditch digger for less than minimum wage. I needed the money in high school, and that was the only job at the time...

      52.) What has been your's and the cast's reaction to Valerie's illness?
      As far as Valerie's illness...we couldn't be happier that she's back to her old self- she is such an amazing example of strength in character. I am so very happy to know her.

      53.) What nationality are you?
      My nationality is American. My ethnicity is Chinese...

      54.) What kind of clothes do you like to wear when you're away from the set?
      Clothes? I dress for comfort...Usually baggy clothes, flip flops and so forth. Not very Kai-like, I'm afraid.

      55.) What would you say is your best quality?
      My best quality? I think I'd have to say that I've always be fortunate enough to surround myself with good friends- gotta have those...

      56.) In the ep. "The Blue Crush" did you really know how to rollerblade or iceskate before this ep?
      Actually, yes. I can rollerblade. You actually need to in order to shoot that episode, to stay in camera frame, etc. It was so much fun...

      57.) What classes would have had to have been your favorite and most hated in school?
      My favorite class? Hmmm...maybe English Composition? I like to write stories. I must confess, however, that one semester in school I missed a Macroeconomics class so many times that I forgot I had it! I still have that recurring nightmare..

      58.) Since you mentioned before that you do some of your own stuntwork on the show, what is one stunt that you would probably absolutely not do?
      A stunt that I probably wouldn't do? I guess flipping a car isn't on the top of my list of things to do...

      59.) What is the hardest thing you have had to do on the show so far?
      The hardest thing to do on the show? Waking up at five in the morning everyday to go to work is definitely challenging. It takes a toll after awhile...

      60.) What do you look for in a girlfriend?
      Ahhh, the girlfriend question. I have to tell you that my favorite quality, hands down in a girl is when she can make me laugh. Forget about it...

      61.) Do you get to keep any of the props from the set? (ie. morphers, that sort of thing?)
      Any props? Can't say I really kept anything- plenty of pictures, though.


    Archie sent another set of answers on December 15, 1999

      62.) What's it like doing the voiceovers for the show?
      Doing voiceovers for the show is an extensive process. Because there is so much helmet head dialog, we have a lot to say in each episode, probably more than most other shows. It has been excellent conditioning, as you can imagine, though.

      63.) Have you ever watched or seen any of the Japanese Sentai shows that Power Rangers stemmed from?
      The Japanese footage I have seen is a bit different. We still incorporate the fundamental elements, obviously, however, I would say the American version is significantly toned down. We don't show any blood, or generally any facial contact, where as the Sentai footage is a bit more explicit.

      64.) How would you feel about getting to write or direct an episode of Power Rangers if you got the chance?
      If I had the chance to direct, it would certainly be an adventure, because the nature of this show is unique to most of television (probably all). However, getting to the otherside of the camera is ultimately where my interests lie...

      65.) How long does it usually take to film an entire episode?
      The time it takes to film an episode varies as much as the episode. Some, such as the first of the series, and the last, can take weeks because there are so many elements in the show that need to be incorporated. In the episode where Leo and Damon are left hanging, I believe it's called "Until Sunset"- the crew shot all the principal photography for that episode in one day...

      66.) How would you describe your time working on Power Rangers?
      My time with Power Rangers was positively one of the best things I've ever done. I can only be grateful for the opportunities I've had, both personally and professionally, as a result.

      67.) Do you like checking out "Power Rangers" and PR actor sites that fans have made for you and the other cast members on the net?
      The funniest thing about the fan sites- I only see them every so often, but the other day, a guy in his 20s came up to me on the street and said "You're Archie Kao. You have the coolest fan sites!"

      68.) Do you think it's odd that a show that's geared towards young children is being embraced by people in their teens and 20s?
      I think it's just terrific that older generations can enjoy the show. Obviously, the show is primarily geared to the younger ones, but there are always messages about humanity and redemption that we never outgrow...

      69.) How did you like working with last season's former cast from Power Rangers in Space?
      I really enjoyed working with the cast from "In Space". I know the company would like for us to participate in a few episodes next season, with "Lightspeed Rescue". Depending on our schedules, it might be fun to revisit.

      70.) How was it working with Melody Perkins as the newest member of the cast and team?
      Working with Melody was a blessing. She is a wonderful person to be around, and when you're on a set as much as we were, you need to enjoy the company you keep.

      71.) Favorite villain. Scorpius, Trakeena, or Captain Mutiny?
      My favorite villain? Hmmmm...they're all pretty bad, huh?

      72.) How do you enjoy your new role on "Once and Again"?
      "Once and Again" has been another great experience- though I've only done a few episodes. It is about as far from the Lost Galaxy as you can get.

      73.) How did you go about getting this new role and when were you hired for it?
      My agent helped me coordinate the schedule with Power Rangers, at the end of the season, with "Once and Again", because it got really crazy there for a while. Now that I'm done with Power Rangers it will give me more time to pursue other opportunities- this week, for instance, I'll be shooting a few days on "JAG"- a very tiny role, but I have to get my hair cut...

      In regard to Archie's answer to this question, a short while after answering this question, Archie turned down the role on "JAG" and there will be no appearance on the show and no haircut. He's still got the spiky hair. :)

      74.) "Once and Again" is quite a change from Power Rangers. What kind of genre would you love the most to work in? Comedy, drama, action, etc.?
      I think at this point I'd certainly like to do a good hour-long dramatic show. There are plenty of shows out there now that cater to the younger audiences in this genre (Felicity, Dawson's Creek, etc.)

      75.) Would you like to continue in television or move on into movies one day?
      I'd like to spend some more time in television, but eventually, of course, I'd love to have a movie career. I have yet to do one, but as the millennium approaches, the universe is full of opportunity...


    That's all for the moment. Keep sending more questions. :)


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