'Grey's Anatomy' Newcomer Alex Landi Happy To Play Gay In Medical Drama
Grey's Anatomy actor Alex Landi has no regrets playing an Asian gay character in the ABC's medical drama. In fact, he is honored to represent the two marginalized sectors in the entertainment industry.
Landi has been cast in Grey's Anatomy Season 15 as Dr. Nico Kim, the series first-ever Asian male gay surgeon. So far, Dr. Kim shows interest to shy intern Dr. Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli). The two have created the first same-sex storyline between two male doctors in Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital.
In an interview on Apple Music's Beats 1 recently, Landi admitted that he is grateful to portray the first openly gay male character in Grey's. He said his goal to represent both the Asian and the LGBTQ communities and get of rid of stereotype in these sectors of the society.
"Asians are represented, I think, by less than 3 percent in entertainment, LGBTQ being less than 1 percent, so for them to combine both of those categories into one role is super special ... I want to take these two categories and make everyone look strong," Landi said.
The half Korean and half Italian actor was also asked about the most challenging part of his role. He admitted that he fears to make mistake in portraying his role. Landi said he wants to do justice to his character and hope that he will be accepted by everyone.
Dr. Kim is not the first gay or surgeon, who have Asian descent, in the show though. Of course, there was Dr. Cristina Yang, which was played by actress Sandra Oh, and same-sex couple Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw).
In a previous interview, Landi admitted that he is a big fan of Oh who also have Korean descent. He thanked the Canadian actress for her contribution in the industry and for paving the way for other artists who have foreign descent like him to be recognized in Grey's.
Callie and Robbins are the first gay couple in the show. Viewers have learned to love the characters. The two, however, have already left the show. Ramirez exited after Season 12 while Capshaw bowed out in Season 14 finale.
Landi said Callie and Arizona's relationship had made a milestone effort in representing the LGBTQ community. Overall, he said Grey's has been instrumental in promoting diversity on television.
Alex Landi then teased on what fans could expect in Dr. Kim and Schmitt's relationship this season. He finds the relationship of his character and Schmitt as perfect. He said the dynamic between the shy intern and suave attendee is such fun to watch.
"I'm really excited to dive just as deep as they [Callie and Arizona] did, and I know that this is the best show to do that on," Landi said.
Grey's Anatomy Season 15 has already on its winter break. It is expected to return on television screens in January 2019.
