Go Away With … Ali Fumiko Whitney

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
July 2, 2024

Ali Fumiko Whitney said that starring opposite Harry Connick Jr. in the Netflix film “Find Me Falling” – out July 19 – was a dreamy experience. “We filmed in Cyprus and I spent most of my time in both the capital city, Nicosia, as well as the city of Pafos,” the actress said. “Both were absolutely stunning! I made sure to explore as much of Cyprus as possible on my days off. I spent a lot of time exploring the beaches of Pafos, as well as the mountains. Omodos – located in the Troödos Mountains of Cyprus – was the favorite village I visited.” Based out of New York City, she stays in touch with fans on Instagram (username @alifumikowhitney).

Q: How does it differ working on location vs. working on set?
A: Working on location lends itself to the storytelling we do as actors. While working on a set is nice [because] you can control your environment, being on location is sometimes integral to the storyline. My first film, “The Road Dance,” was a WWI period piece that we shot on the Isle of Lewis. Being able to film on location outside in unpredictable weather made our jobs a lot easier to get into character. It proved to be more difficult at times to capture certain scenes when it would rain uncontrollably, but overall it made it really exciting and realistic.

Q: I’ve heard multi-racial people say that they are not part this and part that, but 100 percent of each of their backgrounds. Do you feel you are 100 percent Japanese, 100 percent Scottish and 100 percent English?
A: I actually have always felt the opposite of this sentiment. I feel that being multi-racial has always made me feel like I am not fully part of an ethnic community. It used to make me sad that I was not fully one ethnicity, because I never was able to belong or claim one as my own. However, I now feel there is a power in being mixed, because it allows me to enjoy being part of many different communities.

Q: Obviously you’re beautiful. But has there been a time when your looks hindered your career?
A: Wow! Firstly, thank you so much for that compliment! I have been told in the past that I would never be called in for a white family or a fully Asian family since I do not pass as fully white nor fully Asian. At times, I can feel trapped in a mixed ethnicity box, which can be incredibly frustrating. I hope we continue to see more mixed ethnicity actors portraying leading roles that have nothing to do with ethnicity, but rather just the content of their character.

Q: Do you have any upcoming summer trips planned?
A: Every summer, my family and I go to Park City to enjoy some time in the mountains. It is one of my favorite places in the world and probably where I feel most at peace. I also hope to travel back to Cyprus for the premiere of “Find Me Falling” in July, so fingers crossed we can make it happen!

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: At the moment, Italy. There is so much to explore – the history of Rome specifically, but really all of Italy is incredible. Not to mention, the food is to die for!

Q: What childhood trip stands out?
A: I went to Europe – London, Paris, Rome – when I was 8 or 9 years old with my family, [including my grandparents]. My mom’s parents had never left America before and it was my first time out of the country as well. It was really special to share that experience with them. Now that my grandpa is no longer with us, I cherish those memories and photos dearly.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: When traveling to a foreign country, I think it is important to do research and learn about their customs. I also always bring medicine for emergencies, as well as sleeping aids to help adjust to the time differences.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Manasquan, New Jersey, in the Jersey Shore is a really cute beach town I have grown up going to and it is a quick train ride or drive from New York City. [Also, the] Catskills or anywhere in upstate New York that has hiking.

Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: I have always spent Christmas at home in New York with my family, but we recently started a tradition of going skiing for New Year’s Eve in Park City. I have 12 cousins on my dad’s side and we all get together for a giant ski trip as a family. It is so much fun!

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I can conversationally speak Spanish, which has helped me a lot while traveling. I am trying to learn Japanese so I can visit my family in Fukuoka and be able to converse with them.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Rome.

Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: My best vacation memory is probably going to Mallorca with my family last summer and having lunch on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. My worst vacation memory is actually from that same trip when I suffered from some sea sickness and was sick for a whole day. Luckily, the rest of the trip was incredible and now I can look back and laugh at being on shore with a walkie-talkie while my family was out to sea.

© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
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