James Hong Honored With A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
James Hong is an American actor, producer, and director. He has worked in numerous productions in American media since the 1950s, with more than 650 film and television credits under his belt. Hong was born on February 22, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chinese emigrant parents Ng Fok Hong (aka Frank W. Hong) and Lee Shui Fa. Hong eventually moved to Hong Kong before returning to the United States at age 10. During his time in high school, he developed an interest in performing arts after watching Peking opera performers rehearse at his father's Chinese restaurant. Hong studied civil engineering at the University of Southern California while training with actor Jeff Corey. He eventually quit engineering to devote himself to acting and voice work full-time.
Even during times of strife, James Hong was a natural performer. During the Korean War, Hong served in the United States Army at Fort McClellan and Camp Rucker in Alabama with the Special Services. After finishing his daily training, he would always perform each day for soldiers. The camp general was impressed with Hong’s acting skills and asked Hong to stay to oversee the camp's live shows rather than deploy overseas. Hong credited his new appointment as the moment that saved his life.
Known for his comedic and dramatic portrayals, James Hong began his career as a voice actor in the 1950s, redubbing soundtracks of several Asian films. Two of his first notable voice works were dubbing the voices of characters Ogata (Akira Takarada) and Dr. Serizawa (Akihiko Hirata) in the 1956 film Godzilla, King of the Monsters! as well as the lead character in The Human Vapor (1960). As a voice actor, Hong has made notable performances voicing Chi-Fu in Mulan (1998), Daolon Wong on the animated television series Jackie Chan Adventures (2002–2004), Mr. Ping in the Kung Fu Panda media franchise, and dozens of other works. In addition to his successful start as an accomplished voice actor, Hong made a name for himself on television, playing various roles on CBS, ABC, and NBC from the mid-1950s to the early-1970s.
James Hong is perhaps most known for his performance as the immortal ghost sorcerer Lo Pan in John Carpenter's cult classic Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and as the eye manufacturer Chew in Blade Runner (1982). Even with his decades' worth of success in the entertainment industry, Hong continues to act. His latest works include both film and television performances such as guest-starring in the show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., an appearance in the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All At Once, and his soon-to-be-released voice work as the character Grandpa Wing in the streaming television series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. Wong is also doing behind-the-scenes work as a producer for a screenplay later titled Patsy Lee & the Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms.
James Hong has been a role model for Asian American actors, with names like Daniel Dae Kim, John Cho, and George Takei praising his contributions. In 1965, Hong and eight other individuals co-founded the East West Players, the first Asian American theatre organization. The organization also became the longest continuously running theatre of color in the United States. Hong's efforts were made to increase Asian American representation in the entertainment industry and break the limitations of the stereotypes placed upon them. As the nation's first professional Asian American theatre organization, East West Players continues to produce works and develop educational programs that give voice to today's Asian Pacific American experience.
James Hong currently lives a happy life in Los Angeles with his wife, Susan Tong, whom he married in 1977. They have a daughter, April (born 1978), who frequently spends time with her parents. In 2020, actor Daniel Dae Kim started a GoFundMe page as part of an effort to get Hong a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recognition of his contributions to TV and film, James Hong was named a member of the 2022 Walk of Fame Honorees and received his star alongside actors Carrie Fisher and Michael B. Jordan.