Victor Wong
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Victor Wong (July 30 1927 – September 12 2001) (Chinese: 黃自強; pinyin: Huáng Zìqiáng) was an American character actor who appeared in supporting roles throughout the 1980s and 90s.
Early life
Wong, born Yee Keung Victor Wong, was a first-generation Chinese American, born in San Francisco's Chinatown to Chinese immigrant parents. His father was a Confucian scholar who had established himself as a journalist in Shanghai before migrating with his Baptist wife.Wong attended University of California at Berkeley to study journalism. He has also attended Graduate School of Theology, University of Chicago for theology and MFA at San Francisco Art Institute. In 1968, Wong was working as a newscaster for KQED, covering Chinatown. He is thought to have been one of the first Chinese-American reporters on television. The stress of the newsroom may have contributed to his contracting Bell's Palsy in 1974, which caused the left side of his face to droop, and his newscaster career was finished.
Career
After his news career ended, Wong turned to acting, starting in the local Asian American theatre, and later landing larger roles on the stages New York City. This led to television work and eventually, into movies. In between film roles, Wong lived in Sacramento, California, where he supported the local performing arts. In 1992, he acted in the Hong Kong movie called Cageman (笼民). He later starred as the grandfather in the popular 3 Ninjas franchise.Wong died of congestive heart failure in 2001.
Trivia
- Wong's first art exhibit as a painting student was hosted by his friend Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the owner of City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. Wong was also friends with another prominent member of the Beat Generation, writer Jack Kerouac, who mentioned him in his novel Big Sur.
- No relation to the 1930's/40's actor Victor Wong, best remembered for supporting roles in King Kong and Son of Kong, both from 1933.
Family
- Had two daughters, Emily and Heather.
- Had three sons Phillip, Lyon, and Duncan
- Was married three times, his last to Dawn Rose until his death.
Filmography
- (10-Apr-1998)
- Seven Years in Tibet (13-Sep-1997)
- 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (10-Mar-1995)
- Jade (13-Oct-1995)
- The Stars Fell on Henrietta (15-Sep-1995)
- 3 Ninjas Kick Back (6-May-1994)
- The Joy Luck Club (8-Sep-1993)
- 3 Ninjas (7-Aug-1992)
- Mystery Date (16-Aug-1991)
- Tremors (19-Jan-1990)
- Eat a Bowl of Tea (21-Jul-1989)
- Bloodsport (09-Jun-1988)
- Prince of Darkness (23-Oct-1987)
- The Last Emperor (15-Oct-1987)
- Big Trouble in Little China (2-Jul-1986)
- Shanghai Surprise (29-Aug-1986)
- The Golden Child (12-Dec-1986)
- Year of the Dragon (16-Aug-1985)
External links
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