In the fascinating world of Hollywood, actors often immerse themselves in diverse roles, but Donna Kei Benz’s experience for the movie ‘The Challenge’ took cultural immersion to a whole new level. Imagine teaching a Japanese-American actress about Japanese culture in Tokyo – a truly unique scenario.
Donna Benz, a second-generation American hailing from Hawaii, defies conventional Asian stereotypes. Her exotic beauty is captivating and somewhat enigmatic. With her dusky skin, large, luminous brown eyes, and a cascade of long, straight black hair, she possesses an allure that could easily be imagined gracing a South Seas island.
However, Donna’s reality is grounded in suburban life in the San Fernando Valley. She is a dentist’s wife and a mother of two, and interestingly, a full-blooded Japanese woman with family roots tracing back seven generations to Kyoto, the very city where ‘The Challenge’ was set.
Director John Frankenheimer cast Donna Benz alongside Scott Glenn and Toshiro Mifune, moving away from the initial idea of casting a native Japanese actress. The crucial requirement was flawless English, leading him to choose Donna over Yoko Shimada, known for her role in ‘Shogun,’ who, despite her beauty, didn’t fit the English-speaking requirement.
To prepare for her role, Donna Benz spent four months in Japan, immersing herself in the culture of her ancestors. This wasn’t a simple task for someone who had attended the University of Michigan and didn’t speak Japanese. “I had to learn how modern Japanese women walk and talk,” Donna explained. “Their mannerisms and body language are distinctly different from ours. And I needed to pick up some Japanese phrases for the film’s dialogue.”
Beyond language, Donna delved into the nuances of Japanese etiquette. “I’ve known how to use chopsticks since childhood, but formal table etiquette was new. The most challenging aspect was learning to wear a kimono and move gracefully as a Japanese woman.” She described the restrictive nature of the traditional garment: “Eight layers of clothing are worn under kimonos. They are fitted so tightly that you can’t take large steps. You end up shuffling and mincing along pigeon-toed.”
Donna was surprised to witness the prevalence of traditional kimonos in Kyoto, observing a striking contrast between women in traditional attire and those embracing modern Western clothing like jeans and T-shirts. This cultural duality is reflected in ‘The Challenge,’ a sophisticated action film exploring the intersection of ancient and contemporary Japanese cultures, in which Donna Benz embodies both styles.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Donna Benz expressed a tinge of regret that her parents hadn’t taught her Japanese as a child. “After Pearl Harbor, my mother was ashamed of her Japanese heritage and became as westernized as possible,” she revealed. “She even changed her name. After divorcing my father, she married a Jewish man named Benz.” Despite the lack of linguistic connection, some Japanese values were instilled in her. “I was taught modesty and to suppress my emotions, which is a Japanese trait. But that was the extent of Japanese influence in my life for 18 years.”
Her time in Japan was transformative, as Donna consciously worked to shed her American instincts. She also gained insights into gender dynamics in Japan, noting, “I also discovered how chauvinistic Japanese men are. Japanese women are truly second-class citizens.”
Adding another layer to her preparation, Donna Benz dedicated time to mastering martial arts. “I’m not a black belt or anything, but I can handle myself with taekwondo, tae kuan do, aikido, kenjutsu, and kendo. I utilized all of them in the movie, which gets quite intense in parts.”
An unexpected personal discovery awaited Donna in Japan. “My biggest surprise in Japan was not seeing anyone who looked like me. Even in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, people mistook me for Filipino, Polynesian, or Eurasian. My skin tone is much darker than that of the average Japanese person.”
This unique appearance, however, has been an asset to Donna Benz’s acting career. “My appearance enhances my acting career,” she acknowledged. “I’ve played a black dancer in ‘Stir Crazy,’ a Chinese dragon lady in ‘Hart to Hart,’ and a Hawaiian in an episode of ‘Hawaii Five-O.'” Her diverse look allows her to transcend typical Hollywood casting, “Most of the roles I play call for Orientals, but I can portray American Indians and numerous other ethnic roles – practically anything except the stereotypical blonde, blue-eyed all-American girl.”
Donna Benz’s journey highlights not only her dedication to her craft but also the fascinating interplay of identity, culture, and performance in Hollywood. Her experience in ‘The Challenge’ underscores the rich tapestry of stories and backgrounds that make up the world of cinema.
