Ali Fumiko Whitney executive produces and portrays Riley in Worth the Wait, which is now streaming on Tubi. I had the chance to ask the actress about working with an entirely Asian and Asian American cast, resonating with the different storylines, her all-time favorite movie/TV relationships, and more.
Curtis (Sung Kang) has been busy raising his high school niece, Riley (Ali Fumiko Whitney) , who is in love with Blake (Ricky He). The teens inspire Curtis to give dating another chance while they navigate the realities of young romance.
What elements do you think are necessary for a perfect romantic comedy?
Ali Fumiko Whitney: For me, a perfect rom-com has to have relatable/likeable characters, a storyline with humor, and some sort of twist or conflict. While it may be cheesy, I always love a story with a happy ending! Also, I am biased, but anything set in NYC immediately makes a rom-com better for me!
Worth the Wait has an entirely Asian and Asian American cast, and everyone was absolutely amazing. What did it mean to you not only to have it be released during AAPI month, but also to be an executive producer on the project?
Thank you so much! This cast/creative team was an absolute dream to work with. Going to work every day was truly a joy, and I feel so grateful to be part of this film. To be part of an all Asian and Asian American cast meant so much to me, specifically in this genre. Growing up, I did not see people who looked like me playing the leads in romantic comedies. Having this cast in a multigenerational rom-com that released during AAPI month was incredibly special to me. I hope to continue being part of projects that amplify Asian talents and stories, as an actor and a producer.
What conversations did you have with Sung Kang and Ricky He regarding your story, and are there any specific details that you came up with that were not in the script?
Sung, Ricky, and I were able to spend time bonding off-set, which really helped me feel comfortable working on camera with the two of them. Ricky and I bonded right away, and he has become a friend for life. There were definitely some moments of improv throughout our storyline that made it into the final cut of the film. Sung was so supportive throughout the process, and he really treated me like a “daughter,” which made our final scene in the movie even more real/special.
Which love story did you find yourself resonating with the most while reading the script vs. watching?
When I first read the script, I resonated a lot with my character, Riley’s storyline. I definitely could relate to the idea of being a hopeless romantic high-schooler trying to make your first love last. However, while watching the film, I found myself resonating with Nathan and Teresa’s storyline. I think their love story is so important to the film, because so many people I know can relate to this idea of: how does love persevere through such severe loss? The actors, Osric Chau, Karena Ka-Yan Lam, and Kheng Hua Tan, do a beautiful job portraying the struggle of love, loss, and how to overcome it as a family.
What do you think is the value of having multiple interconnected love stories portrayed in one film?
I think what makes our film so relatable and unique is that it is a multigenerational rom-com. There is a storyline for everyone, and they all deal with the same themes of love and loss, but in different ways and different stages of life.
What makes you root for a relationship, and do you have a favorite trope?
I’m a sucker for love stories. Romantic comedies are without a doubt my favorite genre of film to watch! I always root for the underdog with a heart of gold and sense of humor!
Who are some of your all-time favorite movie and/or TV ships?
There are so many I love, but some of my top movie/TV ships are Andy Anderson and Benjamin Barry in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (I watch this movie at least once a quarter), Henry and Lucy in 50 First Dates, Lorelai and Luke in Gilmore Girls, and Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Smallville (just re-watched this series).