Casting director Angelique Midthunder uplifts Indigenous talent

For mixed-Asian adoptees like myself, National Adoption Day is a day for reflection on the complex family dynamics of adoption in general, but also the unique circumstances we experience, such as the struggle to embrace multiple cultural identities, racial perception, and societal expectations. When I look at my personal journey of challenges and successes as a mixed-Asian, autistic adoptee, I see how my adoption and disability together have shaped the decisions I’ve made for myself and in my career. In an effort to highlight the experiences of the mixed-Asian adoptee community and uplift our voices, I’m honored to chat with another mixed-Asian adoptee and fellow entertainment industry professional.

Award-winning CSA casting director Angelique Midthunder started working in the entertainment industry in front of the camera before moving into the world of casting. She’s known for specializing in casting Indigenous content and discovering new Indigenous talent. She was nominated for an Emmy for her work on Georgia O’Keeffe and in addition to multiple other nominations, won an Artios award for her groundbreaking casting on FX’s Reservation Dogs. She is of mixed Thai, Chinese and British American heritage, and splits her time between her home in Santa Fe, and her office in Los Angeles.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Tal Anderson: Welcome Angelique! I’m so excited to meet you and to find out that we have adoption and mixed-Asian heritage in common. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you’re currently working on?
Angelique Midthunder: I’ve been working as a casting director for film and television for over 25 years. Right now, I’m casting a new television series for FX called The Sensitive Kind starring Ethan Hawke.

TA: Without adoption, my life would have been very different, but my adoptive family has supported my disability and dreams, and that has made a difference in the choices I’ve been able to make, and the outcomes I’ve experienced in my career. What elements about being an adoptee have influenced who you have become both personally and professionally?
AM: I think that because of who I am genetically, I’m a hardworking and focused person, and that has helped me tremendously in my career which is extremely competitive. As an adoptee, I obviously have opportunities that I never would have if I hadn’t been adopted.

I was born in Thailand during the Vietnam War. My “real parents,” (the people who adopted me and raised me), were neighbors to my biological mother. Through friendship and conversation, they decided that I would be adopted and raised in America. I don’t know that I ever would have made it to “Hollywood” from Bangkok otherwise! As an adult, I’ve come full circle and Thailand has my heart. I have spoken to many people of the mixed-Asian diaspora who have experienced the same thing that I do—a calling home to the motherland. I now travel to Thailand as often as possible and the real work that I am passionate about is in helping the animals. Elephant Nature Park and Soi Dog Foundation are what inspire me most in life these days! 

TA: I struggle with people attaching their personal observations to my identity, often in ways that have been difficult to overcome. For instance, more than once in the entertainment industry, people have dismissed my Asian heritage because they felt I looked “white.” Have you struggled with feelings of not being Asian “enough,” or have you ever been put in the position of having to defend your heritage, or to explain or prove that you’re Asian?
AM: It certainly can be confusing growing up mixed-race and people outside of an ethnic group sometimes don’t understand our identity issues. But what I’ve learned is that we are who we shape ourselves to be. I embrace all aspects of my heritage wholeheartedly and pay homage to all of them as best I can. I am American, I am Thai, I am me! An event that really touched my heart was at an Asian American Girl Club dance party. Everyone went around and introduced themselves and when it was my turn, I introduced myself as a Hapa and said, “I’m only half Asian,” and one of the women said, “Half Asian is still Asian.” And even better yet, when introductions got to my daughter and she said she was only a quarter Asian they said, “Quarter Asian is still Asian,” and were very warm and accepting. So why would we not accept ourselves when others accept us? And if others don’t accept us—who cares. We proudly accept ourselves and that’s all that matters!

TA: Sometimes people make quick judgments based on what they want to believe. Have you had experience with assumptions, especially once you married, and your name changed? I’m curious if people assume you are indigenous to North America because of your work, or name?
AM: Yes, people can be quick to make assumptions but it only hurts them not to educate themselves before making a judgment about someone. I do get a lot of misunderstandings since I am married to a Native American man, and my last name sounds Native American. People typically assume that I am indigenous to North America or even worse, I have been accused of pretending to be Native American. But I have always been open about who I am and happy to do so. I hope that it inspires others who are mixed-race or adopted to be proud of who they are.

TA: My adoptive mom is half Japanese, Irish, and Cherokee, and my dad is of Western European heritage, so I’ve been raised in a multicultural environment. I was aware of my birth heritage in general, but recently found out that I was 50 percent Korean. Like you mentioned before, this has made me want to become more informed about Korean culture. How do you navigate the many facets of your identity, and do you think it’s been a positive element in your life?
AM: All positive! When I was younger, it was confusing. I grew up in the American South and literally everyone there was pretty much “Black” or “white” at the time, but the more I explore life, and the world, the more I embrace all of the cultures that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of. The most interesting thing to me is that as I participate in multiple cultures and study and practice multiple religions, the thing I learn more and more is that there are more similarities than differences! 

TA: I easily accept different cultures, identities, and definitions of belonging, especially food. I can eat almost anything! Do you think your mixed-ethnicity adoption has made you more accepting of cultural diversity?
AM: Absolutely! And in my line of work, it helps me to be understanding and supportive of people who are legitimately trying to reconnect with their biological heritage. I fully embrace the American culture that I was raised in, love and enjoy reconnecting with my Thai-Chinese cultures and heritage, and I also wholeheartedly embrace my husband’s family and Indigenous culture. The more I grow, the more of a blessing it all feels like.

TA: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat. It was so nice to meet you, but before we go, is there anything else you’d like to say today on National Adoption Day?
AM: The main understanding that my parents instilled in me growing up is that I was wanted. I was chosen. I have never had it in my head that I was rejected by my birth mother. What I have always embraced is that my adoptive parents WANTED me—which can’t always be said for people who are not adoptees. So I have always seen it as a blessing and never a rejection.

Being mixed-Asian and my lifelong connection to the cultural backgrounds of my adoptive family, enables me to celebrate and blend many traditions and perspectives. This has enriched my view of the world, and of myself, and it has helped me embrace my disability as another facet of who I am. It has also strengthened my self-advocacy as well as my ability to advocate for a more inclusive community.

Listening to Midthunder’s stories about her identity, how she carries it with pride, and how it has shaped her life, has been inspirational. It was a pleasure connecting with someone working in the same industry, and a joy to discover how embracing her identities has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the world around her, inspiring others to embrace themselves.