Outfit by Vivienne Westwood
DA MAN: Speaking of going into showbiz, have you ever struggled with the stereotypical “wanting to step out of your parents’ shadow” problem?
Brandon Lee: I don’t think so at all. I’m a completely different person with a completely different mindset and a completely different set of skills.
DA MAN: On the flip side, some projects—like the Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer campaign we touched on earlier—fully embrace the “sons of famous people” angle. What do you think about this phenomenon?
Brandon Lee: I think just because your parents are “famous” or “celebrities,” it doesn’t make you cool or interesting. All of the people I’ve met on these jobs are interesting because they are who they are … not because of their parents.
DA MAN: All that being said, are there any important lessons about the entertainment business that you’ve gleaned from your parents’ careers? Or perhaps in fashion?
Brandon Lee: Honestly, the only one is just to be myself.
DA MAN: By the way, what was it that first made you look into modeling?
Brandon Lee: I love fashion. It’s a great outlet to express yourself. Modeling is just another form of acting …
DA MAN: Models often have to do crazy things in front of the camera—sometimes risky, sometimes risqué. How far do you think are you prepared to go for a photo shoot?
Brandon Lee: It really depends. I’ll do anything if it feels right. I’ll never do anything if I feel like I’m faking it.
DA MAN: What are your current long term plans? Career-wise, that is…
Brandon Lee: I’ve been studying to become an actor for years, and I’m working now on making that a reality.
Outfit by Vivienne Westwood
DA MAN: On to more personal stuff, what makes you the most happy?
Brandon Lee: Pyper America Smith!
DA MAN: What, would you say, is the most boring part of your life and/or career?
Brandon Lee: The most boring time is the flights. I can’t really sleep on long flights, so I end up just walking around. People hate it. [Laughs]
DA MAN: And what would be your go to remedy for boredom?
Brandon Lee: Film. When I’m bored I just try to re-watch a film and try to pick things out I haven’t seen before.
DA MAN: What or who is your number one source of inspiration?
Brandon Lee: My friends. I love seeing my friends succeed. All it does is make me want to get off my ass and work harder.
DA MAN: Have you ever wanted to change something about yourself? If so, what would it be, and if not, why?
Brandon Lee: No way, man. I was born Brandon Thomas Lee. If I changed anything, I wouldn’t be me anymore, and that would suck because I really do like me a lot.
DA MAN: What do you think is your number one distinguishing characteristic?
Brandon Lee: Probably my facial expressions. They’re always so dramatic.
DA MAN: On a related not, what would be your greatest and most distinguishing achievement so far?
Brandon Lee: The first musical I ever did. It changed my life. I fell in love with preforming. And it’s just been amazing from there.
DA MAN: Are there any current trends that are immensely popular that you simply don’t see what all the fuss is about?
Brandon Lee: Long T-shirts.
DA MAN: What can somebody do to gain your respect?
Brandon Lee: Be yourself, don’t lie to me and be loyal.
DA MAN: If you could sum up your life in a single phrase, motto or popular quote, what would it be?
Brandon Lee: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and unconventional.
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