Arguably the most instantly recognisable Asian character actor, James Hong, who turned 81 this week, is also one of the most prolific and distinguished performers of both the small and large screen. Though you may not recall his name, Hong’s dignified presence in an array of small but significant parts has left an indelible mark in countless classic television shows and critically acclaimed movies.

Whether it is his turn as Faye Dunaway’s noble butler in Roman Polanski’s superb noir mystery Chinatown or his role as the ill-fated genetic designer Hannibal Chew in Ridley Scott’s cult science fiction film Blade Runner, Hong always commands our attention in the tiniest of parts. He was in the classic spoof Airplane! for a mere moment but played the role of a suicidal Japanese General to memorably hilarious comic effect. And who could forget him as the immortal ghost sorcerer Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China, in what is perhaps his most substantial film role to date. 


In the 1990s he played a marital-arts expert in Wayne's World 2, reprised his Chinatown butler role in sequel The Two Jakes and provided vocals for the character of Chi Fui in Mulan. And still today, in his ninth decade, he is tirelessly working having recently stared opposite Keanu Reeves in the remake The Day the Earth Stood Still and lent his vocals as Jack Black’s father in the animated feature Kung Fu Panda. And we haven’t even mentioned his countless television roles – where he has guest appeared in practically every US soap opera, drama show, cop show, sci-fi and comedy series you can possibly mention.

Born in the Chinatown section of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA in 1929, Hong was sent to his family’s native Hong Kong for his education but returned to the US to study civil engineering. He practiced as a road engineer for Los Angeles until an interest in acting led him to study with the renowned teacher Jeff Corey. In the early 1950s acting became his full time occupation and he came into quick demand for any TV show that required an Asian part. With his slender, long-faced appearance and six foot frame Hong could take on a variety of different roles that included Charlie Chan’s ‘number one’ son in the late 1950s TV series The Adventures of Charlie Chan.

Hong claims to have been in more movies than any other Asian actor, and with a resume that boasts some 500 credits who could possibly argue? Not many actors, let alone Asian ones, could claim that their resume includes classic films from almost every conceivable genre. And Hong has worked with some of the most distinguished Hollywood talents too.

From filmmakers as diverse as Roman Polanksi, Ridley Scott and John Carpenter to actors as significant as Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, Kurt Russell, Rutger Hauer and Jack Black. He has appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of all time, from cult classic science-fiction and noir thrillers to big-budget Hollywood productions and contemporary animated features.

By bringing a relaxed distinction to everything that requires a character part of Asian decent Hong has carved out a niche for himself that has allowed him to remain consistent in a career that now spans over 50 years. I for one look forward to watching out for the next James Hong performance for many years to come.

Oliver Pfeiffer



 

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Anonymous Posted 16:51 on 1 March 2010 Yeah James Hong if not already, is bit of a legend in that he must of experienced I imagine so many cultural changes in the US that make my life relatively dull and inexperienced he has witnessed the changes and struggles I imagine a Chinese actor must of endured to be sucessful. I would like to hear his story and what wisdom he likes to pass on. yeah will be watching his performances to come. Legend Reply | Quote

BORNINHK Posted 18:19 on 16 March 2010 James Hong is not the record holder, because late Walter Tso Tat Wah had featured in more than 700 movies! Reply | Quote

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