In a fascinating turn of events in Hollywood, actress Donna K Benz, a Japanese-American hailing from Hawaii, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Tokyo. Her mission? To learn how to embody a Japanese woman for her role in the movie ‘The Challenge.’ This unique experience highlights not only Benz’s dedication to her craft but also her intriguing background as a second-generation American with a captivatingly ‘exotic’ appearance that defies easy categorization.
Donna K Benz, despite her Japanese heritage, doesn’t fit stereotypical Asian appearances. As described, she possesses a beautiful, dusky-skinned, and mysterious look, leading some to imagine her as a figure from a South Seas island rather than someone of Japanese descent. Her features – large, luminous brown eyes, long, straight black hair, full lips, and pronounced cheekbones – contribute to this unique and alluring persona. Interestingly, despite this exotic allure, Donna K Benz was leading a decidedly domestic life as a dentist’s wife and mother of two in the San Fernando Valley. Her roots, however, run deep into Japanese soil, with her family tracing back seven generations to Kyoto, the very setting for ‘The Challenge.’
Director John Frankenheimer’s decision to cast Donna K Benz alongside Scott Glenn and the legendary Toshiro Mifune came after he moved away from the idea of casting a native Japanese actress. The crucial factor was the need for a leading lady who could speak flawless English, a requirement that led him to bypass even Yoko Shimada, known for her role in ‘Shogun.’ This decision underscored the specific needs of the production and the unique qualities Donna K Benz brought to the table.
To prepare for her role, Donna K Benz spent four months in Japan, immersing herself in the culture of her ancestors. This wasn’t a simple homecoming; it was an intensive learning experience. For a woman educated at the University of Michigan and not fluent in Japanese, the task was significant. “I had to learn how modern Japanese women walk and talk,” Donna K Benz explained. “They have distinct mannerisms and body language different from ours. And I had to pick up some Japanese phrases for the film’s dialogue.”
Beyond language, Donna K Benz delved into the intricacies of Japanese etiquette. While she was familiar with chopsticks from childhood, mastering formal table manners was a new challenge. Perhaps the most physically demanding aspect was learning to wear a kimono and move with grace in the traditional garment. “Eight layers of clothes are worn under kimonos,” she noted. “They fit so tightly you can’t take large steps. They shuffle and mince along pigeon-toed.” Her experience highlighted the complex layers of tradition embedded in Japanese daily life.
During her time in Kyoto, Donna K Benz observed the fascinating contrast between traditional and modern Japanese women. She was struck by the number of women still wearing kimonos, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned, T-shirted modernists. This cultural duality became a central theme in ‘The Challenge,’ a film described as a sophisticated “chop-sockie” movie exploring the clash between ancient and contemporary Japanese cultures. Donna K Benz herself embodies this duality in the film, showcasing both traditional and modern styles.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Donna K Benz expressed regret that her parents hadn’t taught her Japanese as a child. Her mother, she revealed, had become ashamed of her Japanese heritage after Pearl Harbor and consciously westernized, even changing her name after divorcing Donna’s father and marrying a Jewish man named Benz. While Donna was raised with some Japanese traits like modesty and emotional restraint, the deeper cultural connection was absent for much of her early life. Her time in Japan for ‘The Challenge’ became a journey of reclaiming and understanding this heritage.
She also gained insights into Japanese society, particularly the role of women. “I also discovered how chauvinistic the Japanese men are,” Donna K Benz commented. “Japanese women are really second-class citizens.” This observation added another layer to her understanding of Japanese culture, contrasting the traditional grace she was learning with the societal realities faced by women.
Adding another dimension to her preparation, Donna K Benz immersed herself in martial arts. “While I was learning to be Japanese, I spent a great deal of time mastering some of the martial arts,” she stated. While not aiming for black belt proficiency, she became adept in taekwondo, tae kwan do, aikido, kenjutsu, and kendo. These skills were crucial for ‘The Challenge,’ a film that promised to be action-packed. “I used all of them in the picture which gets pretty rough in some places,” she added, highlighting her commitment to physical as well as cultural preparation.
An unexpected aspect of her time in Japan was the reaction to her appearance. “My biggest surprise in Japan was not seeing a single soul who looked like me,” Donna K Benz admitted. “Even in Tokyo and Kyoto people mistook me for Filipino, Polynesian or Eurasian. My skin is much darker than the average Japanese.” This experience underscored her truly unique look, even within her own ancestral homeland, and reinforced her identity as someone who transcends typical ethnic categories.
This unique appearance, however, became an asset in her acting career. Donna K Benz recounted playing diverse roles, from a black dancer in ‘Stir Crazy’ to a Chinese dragon lady in ‘Hart to Hart’ and a Hawaiian in ‘Hawaii-Five O.’ “Most of the parts I play call for Orientals, but I can play American Indians and dozens of other ethnic roles — I guess just about anything except for the idealized blonde, blue-eyed all-American girl.” Her career trajectory showcases her versatility and the industry’s recognition of her ability to embody a wide range of ethnicities, proving that her ‘exotic’ look was not a limitation but a passport to diverse and intriguing roles. Donna K Benz’s journey for ‘The Challenge’ is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and unique place in Hollywood as an actress who defies categorization and embraces the challenge of portraying diverse cultures.
