Maurissa Tancharoen

Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon is a rarity in Hollywood. Her resume includes being a television writer/producer, singer, and actress – and she excels in each facet of her career like nobody’s business. Her producing credits include “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and “DanceLife.” Her writing credits include “Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena,” “Dollhouse,” ‘Drop Dead Diva,” “Commentary! The Musical,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” and “Oliver Beene.” She was a member of the R&B girl band, “Pretty in Pink,” and her acting credits include shows like “King of the Hill,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” and “Dollhouse.” Currently, she works with her husband, Jed Whedon, (brother of famous writer/producer, Joss Whedon) as a writer/producer.

Asiance had the chance to catch up with the Thai-American Angeleno to get her thoughts about working in Hollywood, working with Jed, and her new and exciting projects. Asiance: There is no doubt you’re definitely talented and you know how to multitask so well. You’re a writer, a singer, an actress, and a producer. Which did you become interested in first, and why?

Maurissa: When I was six years old, I was obsessed with “The Wizard of Oz.” It would be on constant repeat in our living room by my request (or some pouting ensued). I would stand in front of the television holding a stuffed animal in a basket and act out the film in its entirety as Dorothy, and sometimes break character to take a stab at The Lollipop Guild. But I always preferred being the protagonist.

Soon enough I was taking dance, piano, acting, singing lessons, etc. Clearly, I was much busier as a child than I am now! So I guess it’s safe to say “performing” is my first love. I still enjoy it very much and take any opportunity to do so no matter how ridiculous the result. I mean, have you seen our YouTube Channel?

Asiance: Out of all the television shows you’ve had the chance to write and/or produce, which is your favorite?

Maurissa: On every project I’ve worked on, I’ve had the invaluable privilege of working with talented people I’ve always admired, but “Dollhouse” was a special experience. It was my first television job writing with my husband, Jed, as a team, and we were given the chance to participate in every aspect of production and really dig our hands in. We learned a great deal working on “Dollhouse,” and made some so-so friends while we were at it. Asiance: Working with a multitude of people in the entertainment industry, who has been inspirational to work with?

Maurissa: David Milch is one of those geniuses whose brilliance is beyond comprehension. Sometimes literally beyond comprehension. When having a conversation with him, it’s good to have a dictionary handy. Despite his intimidating brain, he was always so kind to me and took a genuine interest in what I wanted to do with my life when I was working as a PA at Steven Bochco Productions. He read my plays I wrote in college, gave me notes, and encouraged me to keep going. “This writing. It’s the right thing for you to do,” he said. I’ll always be grateful for that. Whenever I feel like I don’t know what the hell I’m doing on the page or in my life in general and I’m itching to give up, I remember something David said during his lecture series on writing years ago, “Any animal minus action is sad.” Ain’t that the truth?

Asiance: What has been the most difficult thing you had to deal with while working in the entertainment industry? How did you overcome that difficulty?

Maurissa: Stress. I haven’t been able overcome it yet. I keep saying I’m going to learn how to meditate but even the prospect of doing that stresses me out. It’s a problem that probably has nothing to do with the entertainment industry and everything to do with the fact that I’m a crazy person.

Asiance: In “Commentary! The Musical,” you sing a song in which you joke about the lack of Asians in television shows and movies. What are your thoughts about the current presence of (or lack of) Asians and Asian Americans in mainstream American entertainment?

Maurissa: I think the situation is improving. It seems like there is more of an Asian presence on screen now than there was just a few years ago. But so we’re clear, it’s totally because of my song [from “Commentary! The Musical.”] And on a separate note, my husband’s upset about how few Caucasians he sees in Korean soap operas.

Asiance: Jed and you write/work together as husband and wife. What’s your relationship like on a professional level? Do you find yourselves making a lot of compromises when working together?

Maurissa: People find us strange because we work together and still actually like each other. It’s pretty cool; we do function really well together creatively. My weaknesses are his strengths and vice versa. Sure we have our spats over whose ideas are better, but ultimately we go with “what works best for the story,” aka “my ideas.”

Asiance: What projects are you currently working on? In the near future?

Maurissa: We’re currently writing on “Spartacus: Gods ff The Arena” on Starz, and we try to use our spare time to focus on our own original projects. We have a pilot and feature we’re really excited about so we’re hoping to make something happen with either or both of those in 2011. Ya never know. And of course, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Always “Dr. Horrible.”

Asiance: This is off topic, but have you ever been to Thailand? Do you have relatives living there? What do they think of your career success and of the shows you’ve written/produced for?

Maurissa: I need to go back to Thailand! I haven’t been in years, it’s terrible. Jed and I were supposed to go this past Christmas while my dad is out there working on a feature, but we’d only be able to go for a few weeks and that just isn’t enough. It’d be nice to spend a substantial amount of time there. Maybe I’d come back with the ability to speak more Thai. I can understand Thai but forming proper sentences is difficult for me. We’re definitely making the trip next year! I’m dying to see all my relatives again.

Asiance: Any advice you’d like to give to those who aspire to be writers, producers, singers, and/or actors?

Maurissa: As long as your pursuit is for the love of it, then you’re doing it right. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.