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From Rufio to Zuko: Fire Nation Edition
by Dante Basco
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
I recently finished watching all three seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender. My favorite (of course) was Uncle Iroh, the tea master, but Zuko came in a close second. And color me surprised when I discovered that the voice actor that lent Zuko his signature angsty rasp was none other than Dante Basco, the same Dante Basco who played Rufio in Steven Spielberg's Hook.
I don't know too much about the entertainment industry, but I do know how rare it is for Asian American actors and stories to make it on-screen—and how it has been slowly (but surely) changing with box-office hits like Shang-Chi, Crazy Rich Asians, and Minari. Basco's autobiography FROM RUFIO TO ZUKO was illuminating. Considered a legend in Asian American entertainment and a pioneer in the industry, Basco struggled against casting's white default, only achieving his success with immense talent, his family's support, and a million-in-one chance. Yet, as he reveals, success wasn't necessarily all golden. Landing a role meant another person of color didn't land that role (including his own brothers). Being a child actor meant he never got the quintessential "childhood" experience. Working with big names meant that he was exposed to the cutthroat nature of entertainment early on.
Despite the challenges, it is evident that he loves his work because of his love of art as he recollects moments of mentorship or creation. This book is a clear celebration of his achievements, the voice behind the voices and characters. Basco is, first and foremost, before Rufio or Zuko, an artist.
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_DG2bP7Ac/
I don't know too much about the entertainment industry, but I do know how rare it is for Asian American actors and stories to make it on-screen—and how it has been slowly (but surely) changing with box-office hits like Shang-Chi, Crazy Rich Asians, and Minari. Basco's autobiography FROM RUFIO TO ZUKO was illuminating. Considered a legend in Asian American entertainment and a pioneer in the industry, Basco struggled against casting's white default, only achieving his success with immense talent, his family's support, and a million-in-one chance. Yet, as he reveals, success wasn't necessarily all golden. Landing a role meant another person of color didn't land that role (including his own brothers). Being a child actor meant he never got the quintessential "childhood" experience. Working with big names meant that he was exposed to the cutthroat nature of entertainment early on.
Despite the challenges, it is evident that he loves his work because of his love of art as he recollects moments of mentorship or creation. This book is a clear celebration of his achievements, the voice behind the voices and characters. Basco is, first and foremost, before Rufio or Zuko, an artist.
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_DG2bP7Ac/