indieactivity: You’ve had an incredible journey from your beginnings in martial arts to now working in Hollywood and acting in ‘Boneyard’ alongside Mel Gibson and 50 Cent. Could you share how you first got started in martial arts and how it led you to where you are today in the entertainment industry?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): I first got started a couple years ago when Phil Tan introduced me to martial arts. Since then martial arts has played a big part in my journey throughout the entertainment industry. Martial arts has taught me patience, strength, and the importance of consistency. Martial arts lead me to stunts and influenced my dream to become an action actor.
Moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood is a significant step. What inspired you to make this move, and how has your journey been so far?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): Moving to Los Angeles was definitely a really big step and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my mom. My mom inspires me in so many ways and she was definitely a contributing factor to inspiring me to move to La. My journey has definitely had a lot of unpredictable twists, turns, and bumps; but I have a great support system and with them I overcome anything.
Lewis Tan has been a martial arts mentor and source of inspiration for you. Can you elaborate on how he has influenced your Hollywood journey and your commitment to your craft?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): Lewis’s commitment to his craft and martial art is a huge inspiration to me in many ways. Lewis inspires me to always give 110% whenever I am training. To never become discouraged and to stay consistent. If you stay consistent with your craft everything else will fall into place with time.
You’ve had the opportunity to work in both acting and martial arts. How do these two aspects of your career complement each other, and do you have a preference between them?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): When you are in the action side of the entertainment industry martial arts and acting are very complimentary. As for my preference, I don’t have one. I love martial arts and I love acting. I want to tell a story through action.
Could you tell us about your experience walking for New York Fashion Week and Vancouver Fashion Week? How did these experiences contribute to your growth as an artist?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): New York Fashion Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It’s so chaotic and there is so much going on but it’s so much fun. I love fashion and I always love to see all the people that NYFW pulls in from everywhere. It’s a collection of people who all have a passion for fashion and I love that. For Vancouver Fashion week, I had the honor to host as master of ceremonies. That was such a fun experience and I got to meet so many amazing talented people. As for growing as an artist there is no correct or incorrect way to grow. It’s not one dimensional either. i believe you can grow as an artist in many ways, and growing your passion is growth in my eyes. Everyone should always be growing, adapting, and changing.
What kind of roles or genres in acting do you find most exciting and challenging, and why?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): I think that the most exciting role for me would be an action thriller. Thrillers require excellent storytelling. Revealing the storyline bit by bit while keeping the audience on the edge of their seat. Plus obviously it would have action which I love. At the end of the day I am a storyteller who really enjoys action.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals, and where do you see yourself in the next few years in the entertainment industry?
Hawaii McLaughlin (HM): In the next few years I see myself on the big screen.
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