Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (鈴木 大拙 貞太郎 Suzuki Daisetz Teitarō , October 18, 1870 – July 12, 1966) was a Japanese author of books and essays on Buddhism, Zen and Shin that were instrumental in spreading interest in both Zen and Shin (and Far Eastern philosophy in general) to the West. Suzuki was also a prolific translator of Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit literature. Suzuki spent several lengthy stretches teaching or lecturing at Western universities, and devoted many years to a professorship at Otani University, a Japanese Buddhist school.

D. T. Suzuki was born Teitarō Suzuki in Honda-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, the fourth son of physician Ryojun Suzuki. The Buddhist name Daisetsu, meaning "Great Humility", the kanji of which can also mean "Greatly Clumsy", was given to him by his Zen master Soen Shaku. Although his birthplace no longer exists, a humble monument marks its location (a tree with a rock at its base). The samurai class into which Suzuki was born declined with the fall of feudalism, which forced Suzuki's mother, a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist, to raise him in impoverished circumstances after his father died. When he became old enough to reflect on his fate in being born into this situation, he began to look for answers in various forms of religion. His naturally sharp and philosophical intellect found difficulty in accepting some of the cosmologies to which he was exposed.

Sasha Roiz (born October 21, 1973) is an Israeli-Canadian actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Sam Adama in the science fiction television series Caprica. As of 2011, he currently has a regular role in the American dark fantasy television series, Grimm.

Roiz was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to Russian Jewish parents. The family moved to Montreal, Canada in 1980. Roiz studied history before joining a theatre school in Montreal. He later graduated from Guildford School of Acting in England.

He has appeared in a number of popular television dramas, including CSI: Miami, House, NCIS, The Mentalist, Lie To Me, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Roiz has joined Warehouse 13 as a recurring character named Marcus Diamond.

In 2008, he landed the role of Sam Adama on Caprica, a spin-off of Battlestar Galactica. His character is a Tauron enforcer for the Ha'la'tha crime syndicate on Caprica. Sam frequently goes head to head with his lawyer brother Joseph Adama, played by Esai Morales. His character is also the uncle of William Adama. On April 28, 2009, his role was expanded to series regular. He stated in an interview that it was later revealed to him that his character would in fact be gay, something he felt was an opportunity to explore the dynamic relationship of a gay character in a science fiction setting, as well as to explore the issue of homosexuality on a social level.

Jenny Mollen (born May 30, 1979) is an American actress known for her portrayal of Nina Ash on the television series Angel.

Mollen was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Mollen married actor Jason Biggs on April 23, 2008.

Mollen's work in local theater led to experiences with The Old Globe in San Diego, California, The Idywild School, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Mollen received a Bachlor's degree from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television. While there she earned attention for a one woman show she wrote and produced titled "Not A Pretty Girl". After graduation, Mollen, who speaks fluent French and German, lived in Paris, France and Heidelberg, Germany for post-graduate studies.

In addition to acting, Mollen has exhibited and sold artwork in New York, Arizona, San Diego, Los Angeles and London. Described as simultaneously cute and sinister, her art includes females being shot from cannons and effigies of former romantic flames. Her show at Silverlake's Ghettogloss was titled Be Your Own Pet.