Hey. I’m Keiko Agena. You probably know me from Gilmore Girls. I played Rory’s best friend, Lane Kim.

These days I am obsessed with many things. Most often I obsess over improv. These are my teams and some of my best friends.

When I’m not doing improv, I’m probably with this dude. http://www.shinkawasaki.com/ (Shin Kawasaki/Life Partner/Cool Cat)

For other stuff I am obsessed with (including Puppet Projects) check out: www.keikoagena.com

Victoria's helping me get started, AMA!

https://twitter.com/KeikoAgena/status/568152643412955136

UPDATE: Thanks for all of the questions! I am off to my rehearsal now. Hope you have a wonderful Wed Night.

Comments: 571 • Responses: 103  • Date: 

abihoney262 karma

Gilmore Girls Movie?

Keiko_Agena358 karma

If Amy wrote it - of course.

She's brilliant.

Filthy-McNasty226 karma

Did Sebastian Bach realize he was filming a TV show?

Keiko_Agena245 karma

No.

He is amazing to work with, though.

He had so much energy. When we would film anything band-related, he would always get the extras to have a good time!

courtiebabe420221 karma

Where is Mr. Kim??? We are dying to know!

Keiko_Agena324 karma

Oh yes, that's one of the great mysteries of the series. Even I don't know.

jeanalexander187 karma

Mrs. Kim was one of my favorite characters, my favorite scene of hers was when there was a second wedding for her own mother and as soon as she left she turned and yelled, "GO!" What was Emily Kuroda like offscreen?

Keiko_Agena250 karma

Oh! Emily is the sweetest person you will ever meet. She is also a complete computer nerd. I think people would be surprised by that. She's always got the most cutting-edge technological gadgets.

Keiko_Agena177 karma

I think the only thing Emily and her character have in common would be an intense work ethic.

Twistofmusic177 karma

So, the biggest question of all: Were you personally a Rory/Dean, Rory/Logan, or Rory/Jess fan?

Keiko_Agena463 karma

Ummm.... I think I'd have to go Jess. Although I love Logan for the wrong reasons. I've been watching THE GOOD WIFE for so long now that I think he's incredible. So I think that's kinda spilled over to my Logan-love. Dean, I think I have more of a fondness for the actor. He started off so well, and then it got weird, didn't it?

mbolitar153 karma

Have you noticed an uptick in interest in the show since it premiered on Netflix?

Keiko_Agena213 karma

Yeah! I think I get recognized a bit more since then.

Topherhov150 karma

Amy writes VERY word-y scripts... memorize or Cue Cards? Do you remember any monologues or lines that are stuck in you head?

Keiko_Agena311 karma

Hahahaha! HAHAHA!

No cue cards! Absolutely not! Yes, the scripts were daunting, and we had to be word perfect. I still have nightmares about it.

osasunista135 karma

I always imagined Mrs Kim knew about Lane's secret closet of awesomeness. Do you think she went up there and punked out while Lane was at school?

Keiko_Agena175 karma

In my dreams, she did.

Tropps129 karma

What is your favorite Edward Herrmann story or memory?

Keiko_Agena234 karma

I think seeing him at all the table reads? He was so charming, and such a gentleman, on and off screen. That kind of charisma is just infectious.

inevitablescape120 karma

What was your favorite scene to film in Gilmore Girls?

Keiko_Agena238 karma

One of my favorites was when I got kicked out of the house, when Mrs. Kim found all of my hidden items... I loved it because Emily Kuroda is such an amazing actress.

Erikabuis110 karma

Jinx back, double pinky, round the side, double pinky, jinx back?

Keiko_Agena100 karma

I see what you did there.

Photogal26109 karma

Is Melissa McCarthy as adorably fun and charming in real life as she seems?

Keiko_Agena211 karma

I am a HUGE Melissa McCarthy fan. I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear good things happen to her, because she's one of those people you cheer for when good things happen to them.

johncabrera106 karma

You're from Hawaii... have you ever been to the top of Mt. Haleakala?

Keiko_Agena101 karma

JOHN! hey dude... sorry... Victoria was helping me. Now it's just me. Btw, H+ is incredible.

johncabrera61 karma

Aww, thanks!........ Haleakala, though.

Keiko_Agena60 karma

I don't think so... I only went to Maui for a bit. Did you?

johncabrera47 karma

Yeah. Not to the tippy top, but pretty high up. It's really cool. Very desolate and creepy the higher you get.

Keiko_Agena52 karma

Shin and I are going to the Big Island this year. It's always good to get over there. My cousin is graduating Nursing School from a school there, so we are going to celebrate.

totesadorbz96 karma

What is your favorite episode of Gilmore Girls?

Keiko_Agena188 karma

You know what? I think maybe the pilot.

We had to shoot the Rory & Dean scene 3 times, because they cast it twice before they found Jared.

That whole experience of filming in Canada was one to remember.

lucyness95 karma

Do you still keep in contact with any of the Gilmore girls cast?

Keiko_Agena196 karma

I keep in touch with Emily a lot. She's actually in a new show, called "Old People Play," it's a play, it's not a show-show, that my husband wrote the music for, it's a musical. They're going to perform it in March. And also some of my band members, too. I'm actually hoping they show up here somewhere.

I told them, I think they're going to show up!

johncabrera240 karma

I'm here... I think Todd is here too. :)

Keiko_Agena145 karma

Love you Todd!! Love you John!!

Erikabuis92 karma

What was it like working with Lauren?!

Keiko_Agena197 karma

Lauren is intimdating, in the best way.

She is so smart that she makes it look too easy.

esskayy85 karma

If you could swap roles with anyone on Gilmore Girls, who would it be?

Keiko_Agena289 karma

I have a love affair with Kirk's character. I adore him, Sean, so much, but his story on Gilmore Girls is one of my favorites, because he started as a one-time character, and he built that into being a series regular, and one of my favorite things that I ever saw him do was play Jesus in one of the later episodes. I just thought as a character, he had a wonderful, funny story arc.

Senor_Tucan77 karma

I've been binge watching Gilmore Girls for the past month or so, and I can't believe I've never seen it before.

Did Mrs. Kim scare you on set as much as she scares me through the tv?

Keiko_Agena82 karma

No, in fact, I was so glad when I met her for the first time. I think I was afraid that she was gonna be too - girly? I don't know what the word is. So I was relieved when I first met her and saw the kind of character she was going to do. It relieved me.

BludMuffin77 karma

Hi Keiko! Thanks for doing this AMA.

I read that you were significantly older than Lane when you were playing her (you were 27? she was supposed to be 16). What were the challenges and/or advantages to playing a character so much younger than yourself?

Keiko_Agena124 karma

Well, the biggest advantage is that I actually got the role. I think that if I was focused on the role, I probably wouldn't have got it. Because I thought she was so much younger than me, I was relaxed because I didn't think I was going to get the part - which is probably the only reason I got the part. I probably would've been too nervous if I thought there was a high chance of it for me. And the biggest disadvantage is that I tried to keep my age a secret, and I wish I hadn't. I think it's weird to not be honest about your age.

halaverty73 karma

Do you listen to any of the bands you obsessed over in the show?

Keiko_Agena122 karma

I listened to them after the fact. Amy and Dan, who were the creators of the show, and Helen Pai (whom my character is based off of) are total music nerds, and it was such an education to get to know what they knew. Nico I totally dug, after mentioning her so much on the show!

MrDrSpock71 karma

If I was out on the road, feeling lonely and so could, what should I do?

Keiko_Agena125 karma

call my name.

Charlotte3161 karma

Hiiiii, i'm an italian fan! Gilmore girls, was my favorite program! Are You and Alexis Bledel still friend?

Keiko_Agena122 karma

I adore Alexis, but I haven't seen her for a while.

Lipdoo58 karma

Hi Keiko! I loved that Lane followed her passion as a drummer. Are you still playing the drums?

Keiko_Agena112 karma

I do still play drums sometimes. I actually play occasionally at my husband's jam sessions. Which is called Midtones.

McSquizzyyy54 karma

How awesome is Sebastian Bach in real life?

Keiko_Agena91 karma

Truly, truly awesome. I've never seen anyone have so much energy first thing in the morning. You could never have down spirits around Sebastian.

dutchessgummybunz53 karma

Hi! I am a HUGE Gilmore Girls fan, and I always loved your character and her taste in music. My question is, who is your real life favorite band? Thanks! You're amazing!

Keiko_Agena122 karma

Honestly, my actual taste in music is pretty bad, I think. I don't want to burst the bubble of the Lane-love. Honestly, I only had like 4 CDs when I was in college, and one of them was the soundtrack to GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM - that's how much I don't know about music.

dutchessgummybunz33 karma

Hahahahaha. Nah, you aren't ruining anything! I don't think there's such a thing as "bad taste in music," because if you like it, it's good. Ya know?

Btw, I definitely fangirl squealed a little because you answered my question.

halaverty19 karma

Right though?? Squealed and called my mom

courtiebabe42015 karma

Alright gotta know - Did you really like wearing the traditional Korean garb for the wedding?

Keiko_Agena60 karma

I did. Obviously not as much as Zach's character did, but I did enjoy it.

mingmingcherry52 karma

TY again for the AMA. Any chance you can get on How to get away with Murder with Liza?

Keiko_Agena86 karma

Haha! Yeah, well, I would love to. Someone call Shonda!

WhaddyaknowJoe50 karma

Did you, Lauren and Alexis actually eat any all the wonderful junk food in front of you in so many scenes? :)

Keiko_Agena95 karma

YES! Although I think the description of what the Gilmores ate is totally misleading. It's so unfair. Because, you know, we're actresses, so that does not compute. Never believe it when they have characters that eat crazy amounts of junk food like that!

Ned_Shimmelfinney50 karma

Have you already been on the Gilmore Guys podcast (I haven't listened to every episode yet)? If not, would you consider it?

On a related note, are you cool with all the Gilmore Girls questions you keep getting?

Keiko_Agena74 karma

Well, this is super-secret, so I shouldn't announce it, but in the summer: yes. I think it's in the summer.

Of course!

halaverty44 karma

First of all, I’m the biggest fan in the world!! Anyway, question! Did you like Lane’s story or do you wish it ended (or progressed) differently??

Keiko_Agena102 karma

I wish we knew that that was going to be our last season. I guess that is a regret. I don't know, specifically, what I would want differently. But it would've been nice to know.

japinthegap42 karma

Are you watching Fresh Off the Boat and any chance of a guest appearance? How do you feel about the Angry Little Asian Girl/Angry Asian Man infighting going on now?

PS i see you at TNC sometimes but i'm always scared to say hi! huge gilmore girls fan. also, i grew up seventh day adventist so i TOTALLY relate to lane, except my crazy church/relatives were japanese instead of korean!

Keiko_Agena70 karma

First off, I love FRESH OFF THE BOAT. I am fully in support of it. And yes. Have someone write me in as a cousin, or something, let's make that happen. ;)

As far as the ALAG / AAM debate that is going on right now, it's difficult. I know both of them, and I support both of them. I do think it's challenging to lay claim on the title of "angry." I think that people should be able to use that word, without anyone laying claim to it. I think we're all smart enough to understand that they are different entities.

Well, definitely say hi at TNC! which is the Tuesday Night project. I'll put up a link on my website later for it. But to be totally honest - if I'm weird, forgive me. I always get super nervous when people say they know me. I feel like I don't want to disappoint people, so I get a little weird.

mysticalscorpion41 karma

Did you know how to drum before gilmore girls or did you have to learn on set?

Keiko_Agena79 karma

They gave me lessons. It was the absolute best.

aeh698641 karma

Huge fan of you and Gilmore Girls! I was wondering how you felt about Lane's story arch and if you felt like your character was given enough opportunities to grow and develop? I ask this as another Asian woman who is worried about the lack of representation of strong, confident, powerful Asian women on TV.

Keiko_Agena76 karma

I have heard comments about people not loving the fact that Lane ends up married and with kids at such a young age. I do wonder, if we were to catch up later with Lane in life, if she would have followed more of a musical dream. In my head, I hope so, but perhaps that is something still up in the air. As far as representation, I agree, hopefully 2015 will bring a lot more Asian and Asian-American role models to the screen.

medkint40 karma

Why is it that Sean Gunn's character "Kirk" could do such awful things on Gilmore Girls and still seem likeable? He befriended old women to get into their wills, he sold merchandise when a guy was on his deathbed, it is even implied that he got into a fight with a bunch of school children. Was it easy to do scenes with him while keeping a straight face?

Keiko_Agena62 karma

ahah! Good question. That's a credit to Sean. I can't dislike the guy. No matter what he does. Kirk is my favorite character. The fact that he started off the series as a one off person and became a series regular is my favorite story. When he plays Jesus in one of the later episodes, he kills me.

funnymann335 karma

As a fan of yours, if I run into you on the street, what's the best thing I could say if I wanted to talk to you?

Keiko_Agena127 karma

"Hi. You look familiar, do you go to USC?" I'll be flattered, say "no, you probably know me from Gilmore Gilrs" and then we can take a pic together.

Doggy_Swami33 karma

As an actress (especially one that has worked in Hollywood), you get to influence many people's lives...people you don't even know and probably will never meet. How does it feel when your work touches other people's hearts so deeply?

In my case, Gilmore Girls has helped me going through some hard moments. It's a show that allows you to forget about your problems for 40 minutes and feel good about life.

Keiko_Agena40 karma

well, to be honest... it's hard to make that compute in my brain. I mean, I know it's true because I feel that way about shows/people that I am a fan of... but I can't make that transition to thinking of myself in that way. BUT I am VERY glad that they show could help you out. That is a special thing.

Topherhov31 karma

Love your Gilmore work, discovered it on Netflix and watched all 7 seasons, in the process of watching them all again with my Wife and Daughter. the Mysteries... Mr Kim? Dave's Quick exit? what are you working on now? And the Generic question everyone wants to know....Movie? Netflix added season? any talks with anyone attached to the show? rumor? speculation?

Keiko_Agena52 karma

I don't know of any plans for a movie or anything happening, but I adore and totally appreciate all of the interest in it. To think that people are still interested and have so much appreciation after it ended - means a lot.

ElainesLittleKicks29 karma

Did you know Alexis was getting married before it happened? Is she a really private person in real life?

Keiko_Agena42 karma

I didn't know and yes, she is a very private person.

Photogal2628 karma

What was it like working with the amazing Carole King??

Keiko_Agena60 karma

She was SO sweet.

First of all, she introduced herself as "Carole" and we were all like "...we know."

But she was just the most humble, gracious, beautiful soul. I do remember that when were filming, Melissa McCarthy just showed up, awestruck, with 3 of her favorite vinyls for Carole to sign, and of course she did.

Sara_Sorta27 karma

Hi Keiko! Thank you so much for taking time to do this AMA. Thank you for sharing your current projects. I love that you're into improv now, but I'm sad because it's all in LA. Are there any plans to do an improv tour?

Keiko_Agena27 karma

Possibly, we're looking into it this year. But one thing - eventually, WILD CAUGHT is going to start a site that will record shows and post them of different improv teams around LA, and also people from out of town can submit improv to the site. So that's something this year we're hoping to have happen.

mingmingcherry27 karma

Do you have a favorite episode of Gilmore Girls?

Keiko_Agena57 karma

Let's see... I said the pilot, and the other one... I think Lane's wedding was one of my favorites. And it was so sad to me (sad in a good way) when Lauren gave her speech of not being able to get married. I thought that was just touching and sad.

RavenNL26 karma

What are your thoughts about these internet rumors about a Gilmore girls movie or Netflix season? Do you think that the creators would want to do it in the 'hopefully' near future 😁

Keiko_Agena59 karma

I don't know. I mean, I think as a fan of the show, I also would love to see a kind of ending to it? Because I know we were a little bit up in the air. I wonder if the movie would satisfy that. Maybe?

ScoobyGangRelic24 karma

Hi Keiko, Will you be at the ATX festival in Austin for the Gilmore Girls reunion?

Keiko_Agena37 karma

That is a question mark. I'm still figuring it out.

Photogal2624 karma

Thanks for answering SO many questions! You are so cool. When did you realize just how loved GG was ... while the show was airing or moreso after the fact? I mean, the fanbase is amazingly strong even after all these years.

Keiko_Agena36 karma

Right from the start. I remember reading the pilot script and thinking, "wow... whoever gets this part is going to be so lucky. This is really great!" It is kind of incredible though... now having this new audience through Netflix.

sapn51923 karma

Hi Keiko! Did you take anything from set when Gilmore girls ended?

Keiko_Agena41 karma

Yes. I took my red shoes, that the wonderful Valerie Campbell gave to me, they were my favorite shoes. And my sweater. I did not get my glasses, because I didn't know if we were going to come back for another season.

sapn51923 karma

Do you have a theory about what Mr. Kim was off doing?

Keiko_Agena47 karma

It changed over the years... At first I thought he was away on a business trip. But then he didn't come to the wedding. so... Just a big question mark there. Maybe he was on a Christian Mission.

MrsTraciGraci23 karma

How was it working on Shameless? I thought you were amazing!! Is Emmy as sweet in real life as she seems during her interviews?

Keiko_Agena35 karma

Thank you. I am so impressed with Emmy and all of the cast on that show. I mean... wow. Everyone on that show has got their sh*t together. Very professional. They are like a real family, though. You can tell they take care of each other.

InfamousBLT21 karma

What was it like working on the set of Gilmore Girls? Everyone on the show seems so chill...are they all really chill on set too? Or were some of them bigger handfuls to deal with?

Keiko_Agena37 karma

It was an intense show to work on I think because everyone wanted to do well. I feel fortunate that I got to spend so many years on it.

HurleyDavidson21 karma

How did getting your husband to play guitar for the band (behind the scenes) come about?

Keiko_Agena33 karma

Oh! I think that Helen Pai's husband played guitar for the band behind the scenes. Not my actual husband.

xnunavut20 karma

So... Lane with or without glasses? I'm asking the important questions, I know. Seriously though, thanks for doing this AMA!

Keiko_Agena30 karma

glasses.

C_Labmusic20 karma

Hi. I was wondering what your favorite thing to do on the first Friday of every month is?

Keiko_Agena21 karma

Oh, it's Midtones! The first Friday is reserved for Midtones! Check out http://www.shinkawasaki.com/

Erikabuis19 karma

Any chance you know those last 4 words ASP had up her sleeve?

Keiko_Agena25 karma

Oh, I wish! No. I wonder if they would still be the same now, though, because she wasn't there for the last season...

oywiththepoodles51319 karma

Thanks for doing this AMA! I literally just created a reddit account to be involved, haha. First, I so appreciated and loved your character on GG. Lane was my favorite, tied with Babette, haha. So, can you give us two truths and a lie about yourself?

Keiko_Agena17 karma

aw! That is awesome to hear. (and yes... I joined reddit to be involved in this too) Let's see: I used to ride a motorcycle, I can't stand Starbucks coffee, I got married in a helicopter

SavannahRidout18 karma

Were you invited/are you going to the reunion in June?

Keiko_Agena20 karma

Oh! I'm not sure if I am or not.

vajapocalypse18 karma

So everyone keeps asking you about Gilmore Girls. I'm kind of curious what you've been up to since then? Hows life?

I do have a fan question though, do you still talk to alexis bledel? XD

Keiko_Agena45 karma

I haven't talked to Alexis for a while. But as far as my life... it's great! I have gotten to do some fun stuff... worked on Transformers and hang out with Frances McDormand for a few weeks. I love my husband. I love my life. I get to perform live a bunch. No complaints.

courtiebabe42018 karma

What was it like watching Lauren/Lorelei sing "I Will Always Love You"? Did you cry as much as I always do?

And did you guys as a crew/cast do karaoke after filming that scene?

Keiko_Agena25 karma

Ohhh yeah I did. I feel like people can relate to that moment. And no, we were so exhausted by the end of those days, it was a rush to packup.

absolutelybatty17 karma

What is your dream role that you'd like to play?

Keiko_Agena43 karma

I'd love to do anything that is totally dependent on improv. I love Christopher Guest, I love Will Forte, he has a new show coming out that I am so excited to see, called "Last Man on Earth." I'd love work on SILICON VALLEY, it's a great show, or anything with Mike Judge, or anything with Shonda Rhimes also - I got to work with her a little bit and she is just as incredible as everybody says.

Osugoat17 karma

Keiko! First of all, thank you so much for doing this AMA.

I've always loved Gilmore Girls, and I have to know, is there any aspect of Stars Hollow that you would like to experience in real life?

Keiko_Agena35 karma

Yes. I love all the holidays. They celebrated everything. Also, I would like a place where everyone knew each other.

mbolitar17 karma

Did you think the last season did the show justice? I always thought it was underrated...

Keiko_Agena31 karma

So many people worked so hard to make that last season great. I am sure we missed Amy and Dan. They are incredible. But that just goes to show how hard any of it is.

xnunavut16 karma

We all obviously love Gilmore Girls. What are some of your favourite TV shows?

Keiko_Agena17 karma

I wrote some earlier... but let's see... I also like Jane the Virgin, Key and Peele, How to get Away with Murder, The Kroll Show, Face Off, SNL...

liamchoi16 karma

do you believe that fungus is the downfall of the roman empire?

Keiko_Agena17 karma

ahahahah!! WILL Choi. Yes. How can it not be.

mysticalscorpion16 karma

  1. How did you get the part of Lane?
  2. Any really funny stories from the set?
  3. Do you still talk to any of the cast?

Keiko_Agena22 karma

I talk to Emily and Sean and John C. and Todd and definitely Valerie from Wardrobe who is an incredible sorbet maker... yes... that's a thing

steveZISSOU2215 karma

Favorite kind of pizza? Someone here has to hit the hard hitting questions

Keiko_Agena26 karma

Back when I ate meat... Pepperoni. or Hawaiian! (I know.. it's not really "Hawaiian") But now... Margherita. ooh... or any kind of fancy cheese pizza... goat cheese or somethin.

NorbitGorbit15 karma

what was the food generally like on set and what was the weirdest food you saw a co-star or crew eat?

Keiko_Agena23 karma

Well, foods on-set are generally the same. There's always fish, and mashed potatoes, and salad. But sometimes, they would make their own BBQ, which was pretty special.

Hmmm. The weirdest food... I dunno.

keithpr15 karma

Thank you for your work in "Lil Tokyo Reporter." Did you seek out a role in that film? And are you on the lookout for other films or shows that explore our Asian American history/culture?

Keiko_Agena23 karma

Thanks!

I loved working with the people on that film. I think it's important to highlight Asian-American history and culture as much as we can.

monsieurxander14 karma

I recently watched your episode of Scandal... What's been your favorite guest-starring role?

Keiko_Agena24 karma

Well, it's pilot season so who knows?

babyjeezits14 karma

I was so excited to see you on Scandal, any chance you'll be doing another tv show soon?

Keiko_Agena14 karma

Oh, I don't know! I hope so.

metaphoricalgoldstar13 karma

Hi Keiko! Lane was always my favorite character on the show, and I watched it from the day the pilot aired. I don't really have any questions for you, I just wanted to say you played the character well and you're awesome. Though I guess I do have to wonder - did you cry when Adam Brody left the show? I feel like I'd cry if I didn't get to kiss him and get paid for it anymore.

Keiko_Agena15 karma

aw Thanks! and yes... I was sad when he left. It made sense though. He was/is too talented just to stay as a recurring character. His move to the OC was a good one. I wish him the best.

Photogal2613 karma

Do you have any random facts/quips/tidbits/anecdotes about Lauren as an actor? She seems so Lorelai-ish is real life. (FYI, you are pretty darn amazing for staying on for so long and answering sooo many questions, thank you!!)

Keiko_Agena18 karma

Lauren is as smart as Lorelai! Which is saying a lot. She has such a unique rhythm that I can't imagine the show with anyone else now. (I wasn't sure how long to go... so I figure I'll stay on until I have to leave for my rehearsal)

Photogal2612 karma

All the Hep Alien band members had such great chemistry and their scenes are so fun to watch! Did you guys all click right away?

Keiko_Agena14 karma

They were always fun shoot days! I looked forward to those.

dis_connecting11 karma

Which one of Lane's fake korean boyfriends was your favorite?

Keiko_Agena15 karma

Eddie Shin! (Henry) Who, by the way, is an excellent improvisor. I love to see his group perform. They have a regular spot at Playhouse West.

TheTrueFlexKavana10 karma

Would you have been supportive of a Lane Kim spin-off? If so, how would you imagine it playing out?

Keiko_Agena20 karma

Sure! How would I imagine it playing out? Haha, let's see: let's have it be like a cross between Lane Kim owning her own music store, and her kind of trying to find her own voice as a musician, a la John Cusack in HIGH FIDELITY.

Pandabear81110 karma

How was Mrs. Kim in real life? Also was there any memorable/funny moments during filming?

Keiko_Agena14 karma

Mrs. Kim is a doll. And funny moments... I'm sure as soon as I hang up, I'm gonna remember a ton of great anecdotes.

xjules10 karma

If the characters from Gilmore Girls could be written into any show, what current tv show would make for the most interesting crossover episode?

Keiko_Agena21 karma

How about the Mindy Project. I can't get enough of that show. Plus Mindy loves Romantic Comedies... There must be something there?

The_Second_Scooter8 karma

Just watched Gilmore Girls with my girlfriend, for the first time. I loved your scenes and really enjoyed the dynamic your character brought.

Do you feel your role and relationship with others (Ms. Kim particularly) showed a significant dynamic of Asian culture, or was it mostly just for laughs (like: haha look at the controlling Asian mom).

Furthermore, how did you maintain your youth despite being older than most of your "peers" on the show?

Keiko_Agena18 karma

Well, first off, I think that it was a mixture of both? Because Mrs. Kim was based off of Helen's mom, I think there kernels of truth, because Helen's parents were Seventh Day Adventists, but of course, for the show, everything was pursued to the extreme.

As far as being older than other people - it was a bit strange, because I kept my age a secret for a couple of years. But I think it's usually easier to play younger rather than older.

mrmist0ffelees6 karma

Did you really dye your hair purple?

Keiko_Agena11 karma

No, it was a wig!

b00chmagoo5 karma

Hilarious for this to come up for me right now - I've been on a Gilmore Girls binge for the last week! Do you still keep in touch with the cast?

Keiko_Agena9 karma

Mostly Emily Kuroda. Oh... here is the link to a musical she is doing! My husband wrote the music. They have an indiegogo campaign going. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/old-people-play-a-workshop-production

Five1004 karma

From Tracey: What is your favorite band??

Keiko_Agena11 karma

I don't have a favorite band, but I do sing Dixie Chicks and Billy Joel at Karaoke.

maqqda4 karma

Hello! I'm the biggest ever Gilmore girls fan, I must have seen every series at least 4 times! Do you have any funny on set stories about the cast, and who were your closest friends from the cast? Personally I'm glad the series ended when it did, but when you got the call to say it was cancelled how did you feel, sad? relieved? it must have been a big part of your life

Keiko_Agena6 karma

wow! That is a lot of viewings. I see Emily Kuroda a lot. Oh, and also Valerie Campbell who was one of the wardrobe people on the show.

catsxmaru4 karma

Do you feel that your role on the show helped Asian American become more visible in television?

Thoughts on the new tv series Fresh of the Boat?

Keiko_Agena6 karma

Perhaps. I know I have been told by others that it meant a lot to them to see my character on the screen. I never thought of it that way at the time... but in retrospect I can see that. As far as Fresh off the Boat, I love it! I am fully behind it. I hope that it has a great season.

MissRoot3 karma

What was your favourite Lane quote?

Keiko_Agena8 karma

Probably something to do with Rory. I just remember a lot of quotes about Rory.

Photogal263 karma

Who were some of your favorite guest stars on GG?

Keiko_Agena8 karma

Carole King was definitely one of the best!

Keiko_Agena16 karma

oh! and of course... Nick Offerman

Doggy_Swami3 karma

Did any of the Gilmore references make you discover a new favourite singer/book/film? Did you check out Sam Phillips' discography while on the show?

Keiko_Agena4 karma

Almost all the musical references were new to me! Sorry to say. (Oh... by the way... sorry to use this response to do this BUT, Happy Birthday GRACE JO! She just called me. She's my best friend and it's her birthday. It's sort of music related... no? ok. Maybe that's a stretch)

MissRoot3 karma

What was your reaction when you found out Lane and Zach were endgame? If you had to choose between Zach or Dave who would you pick?

Keiko_Agena7 karma

It's tough, because I adored Dave and he left to go be on THE O.C.. I think we had a sweet little romance because it was Lane's first. But Todd is such a great guy to get to develop something with, and I always thought it was such a fun (and funny) way for them to end up together.

I don't know? It is weird how life imitates art, because on the show, I got married to my roommate that was a guitar player, and then unbeknownst to any of the writers, I eloped with my roommate who was also a guitar player. We've been married for 9 years now, but it's weird because it happened at almost a similar time.

Keiko_Agena6 karma

Other stuff like that would happen too - where Kirk's cat was kinda crazy, and then in real life, Sean's cat was kinda crazy too. There were other things that ended up being the same on the show.

gracefullyhaley3 karma

Hey, Keiko! I've been a Gilmore Girls fan for many years! It has helped me connect to my mom a lot! If it were up to you, what would you have named Kwan and Steve? Also, do you wish Lane had gone to college like Rory had? Thanks for doing this! I enjoyed watching Lane marry Zach! :)

Keiko_Agena3 karma

hmm. yeah, maybe. I would have liked for Lane to have the college experience. As far as names... Tanner and Bo.

theworkingcell2 karma

Do you think Lane was jealous of Rory and Paris's friendship? Especially when Paris said she considered Rory to be her best friend. I think Rory and Lane should be best friends always!!

Keiko_Agena3 karma

Hahaha! I think they played around with jealousy in kind of the early seasons, maybe in 1? But I think at a certain point, Lane and Rory knew what they had for each other, and I think that's one of those easy things to fall back on. It's true in my life - there are some people you don't talk to for a long time, but you'd never not feel closet to them.

-Babo97-2 karma

How are you?

Keiko_Agena3 karma

good. :)

Photogal261 karma

What are some of your favorite tv shows to watch?

Keiko_Agena3 karma

I love... The Good Wife, Monk, Any Cooking competition show... I mean... ANY, Mindy, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Parks and Rec...

Keiko_Agena2 karma

oh! and Fresh off the Boat!

amp31 karma

First of all, thanks for doing this AMA! I love Gilmore Girls so this is awesome. I think it is really cool that you've gotten into improv. Did you or the cast improv much in the show? What led you to getting involved in improv groups? And of course, the obligatory ask, when is the Gilmore girls movie?

Keiko_Agena2 karma

no! ahaha... absolutely NO improvising with the Gilmore Girls scripts. They had to be word perfect. (of course, they were written so well) As far as improv, I've always been fascinated. I LOVE watching a great improv show. There isn't anything better.

cs2261 karma

Did everyone get along on the show gilmore girls ?

Keiko_Agena2 karma

Well, it was a huge cast, so there were probably "yes"es and "no"s but everybody respected each other...

nanyanwu1 karma

What are your favorite hobbies?

Keiko_Agena2 karma

Let's see: rollerblading, I haven't done it in a long time, but let's say rollerblading... besides improv, being a superfan of MONK, I love MONK, and celebrating Groundhog Day with my best girlfriends.

[deleted]1 karma

[deleted]

Keiko_Agena4 karma

LIZA! I think she is one of the most talented actresses I've ever met.