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Kal Penn Recalls Auditioning Against Actor in Brownface
13 Feb
Summary
- Kal Penn detailed a shocking audition experience for Van Wilder.
- An actor appeared in brownface for a role meant for an Indian American.
- Penn's memoir, 'You Can't Be Serious,' recounts this surprising event.
Kal Penn, known for his role in the Harold & Kumar franchise, recently recalled a surprising audition for the 2002 film Van Wilder. While speaking on the Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know podcast, Penn discussed an experience detailed in his 2021 memoir, 'You Can't Be Serious.'
Penn expected to audition against another actor of Indian heritage for the role of Taj, a character who shared that background. However, at the final audition, he encountered a white actor who had applied brownface. Penn described the situation as shocking but noted the actor's apparent desperation.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Penn did not express animosity towards the actor. He even looked him up for his book and had brief interactions with him afterward without mentioning the brownface incident. The experience, however, reportedly solidified Penn's resolve and contributed to his casting in subsequent major roles.
