FAMILY BACKGROUND AND INSPIRATION

Tell me about your father Layne Tom Jr. Did his entertainment background, stories and perspectives provide an unique perspective of the entertainment industry - both good and bad for Asian Americans?

Back then when my dad was in the movies, it was a shame that the lead character, Charlie Chan was played by a Swedish actor. Chinese were not leads. That fact gave me more motivation to succeed in a Caucasian dominated industry-fitness and TV.

Did he help you get the proverbial "foot in the door?"

No, Dad's background provides for interesting interviews, but did not get my foot in the door. My big pushy feet did it on their own. I wish dad had some connections to get me into more projects. He is the last surviving son from Charlie Chan's series.

It was interesting that his work was in the US entertainment industry, not the Chinese entertainment industry - how did he get in with all the prejudices that existed at that time?

N/A don't know

Did he and/or yourself get to meet people such as Anna May Wong, Phillip Ahn, Keye Luke, Sessue Hayakawa, Sabu, etc.? If so, what funny, unique and/or fascinating stories did you hear and how (if any) did it affect your present perspective on the "biz?"

I met March Fong Yu, and have worked with many of the well-known Chinese stunt actors that you see in every film. I recently emceed the East Meets West JamFest event in Los Angeles and presented Tommy Chong (from Cheech and Chong) with a LifeTime achievement award for his accomplishments in the Asian community.

Which one of the movies does he remember the most and/or wants to forget from China Sky, Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise, Charlie Chan in Honolulu, Daughter of Shanghai, aka Daughter of the Orient, The Hurricane and Charlie Chan at the Olympics?

Dad loves Hurricane and Charlie Chan at the Olympics. We still tease him about the line; "It's the lady in the white fox fur!" Interestingly, there are certain times in the movie I just did, "Universal Soldier: The Return," with Jean Claude Van Damme, where I look just like my dad as a child.

Did he encourage you to enter the entertainment industry and what advice did he give to you.

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My parents wanted me to do what I wanted to do, be happy and successful.

Tell us how your mom, Marilynn - who you stated was a physical education teacher for 30 years, provided the needed guidance?

Mom was a big influence and still is. She used to make me do stretches and leg lifts as an infant while changing my diapers. She would play sports on TV in my baby room. Growing up, I used to hang out at the college she taught at and watch the college kids play volleyball, tennis and basketball. I guess it worked.

So what does your mom think about what you do? I understand that she has some reservations, but they must be extremely proud of you? What advise did she give to you?

Mom loves what I do, they both do. They are so proud of me and I am thankful for that. They can't believe that I am doing a cross between the both of their careers. Her reservations are because she is on the conservative side and I train on TV in front of 75 millions in a bikini. She understands the business and knows its part of the "package." Dad is more liberal; he helps me pick out my swimsuits. You'd think it would be the other way around?! Mom's advise still rings loud in my head to this day, and there have been so many pieces of useful advice: "As long as you know what's right, that's all that matters, don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Trust your gut reaction. Follow your heart. Don't think too much or over analyze. Stay optimistic even when things get rough, people are generally good. IF you are tired-sleep, don't push yourself. The most recent: have a private investigator get background checks on every man you date" The list goes on and on. That was great advice!

Do you have any other family member/relative that have provided you with inspiration?

My grandmother and parents are my main influences. I feel very different than the rest of my family. Just because they are family doesn't mean we hang out like friends everyday. The main thing I take from the family thing is that they are there for you unconditionally, family is first. Friends come and go but family is always there. I am lucky. I feel sorry for those who don't have that bond.