James Hong

Born:February 22, 1929

Place of Birth:Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

James Hong, a legendary Chinese American actor, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his remarkable career that has spanned over five decades. Born on February 22, 1929, Hong's journey in Hollywood is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. With over 350 roles in film, television, and video games, he has become a familiar face to audiences worldwide.

Throughout his career, James Hong has portrayed a wide range of characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From wise mentors to cunning villains, he has brought depth and authenticity to each role he has taken on. His ability to embody diverse characters with such finesse has earned him the respect and admiration of both fans and peers in the industry.

Not only is Hong known for his acting prowess, but he has also made significant contributions off-screen. As the former president of the Association of Asian/Pacific American Artists (AAPAA), he has been a vocal advocate for Asian representation in Hollywood. His efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have paved the way for future generations of Asian American actors and artists.

One of Hong's most notable qualities is his work ethic and passion for his craft. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faced as an Asian actor in a predominantly white industry, he persevered and continued to excel in his work. His dedication to his artistry is evident in the depth and authenticity he brings to each of his performances.

Over the years, James Hong has become a beloved figure in the entertainment world, earning a loyal fan base that appreciates his talent and contributions to the industry. His performances have resonated with audiences of all backgrounds, transcending cultural barriers and uniting viewers through the power of storytelling.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Hong's impact extends far beyond the realm of entertainment. He has inspired and empowered countless individuals with his trailblazing career and commitment to breaking stereotypes and challenging norms. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring actors and artists who dare to dream big.

As a trailblazer for Asian representation in Hollywood, James Hong's influence can be felt throughout the industry. He has paved the way for future generations of Asian American actors to have their voices heard and stories told on a global stage. His advocacy for diversity and inclusion continues to shape the landscape of entertainment, making it a more inclusive and representative space for all.

With his remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and pioneering spirit, James Hong has solidified his status as a true icon in the world of entertainment. His contributions to film, television, and video games have left an indelible mark on pop culture, earning him a well-deserved place in the hearts of audiences everywhere. James Hong's legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Kung Fu Panda 4

Mr. Ping (voice)

2024

Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.

Mulan

Chi Fu (voice)

1998

To save her father from certain death in the army, a young woman secretly enlists in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Gong Gong

2022

An aging Chinese immigrant is swept up in an insane adventure, where she alone can save what's important to her by connecting with the lives she could have led in other universes.

Kung Fu Panda

Mr. Ping (voice)

2008

When the Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero, but transforming the unsleek slacker into a brave warrior won't be easy. It's up to Master Shifu and the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- to give it a try.

Turning Red

Mr. Gao (voice)

2022

Thirteen-year-old Mei is experiencing the awkwardness of being a teenager with a twist – when she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda.

Blade Runner

Chew

1982

In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.

Kung Fu Panda 2

Mr. Ping (voice)

2011

Po and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but first the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past.

The Thundermans Return

Grandpa Giddy

2024

Twins Phoebe and Max are enjoying their superhero lifestyle, but when one 'save' goes awry, the Thundermans are sent back to Hiddenville. While Hank and Barb enjoy their return, and Billy and Nora look forward to a normal high school life, Max and Phoebe are determined to regain their superhero status.

Safe

Han Jiao

2012

After a former elite agent rescues a 12-year-old Chinese girl who's been abducted, they find themselves in the middle of a standoff between Triads, the Russian Mafia and high-level corrupt New York City politicians and police.

Airplane!

Japanese General

1980

An ex-fighter pilot forced to take over the controls of an airliner when the flight crew succumbs to food poisoning.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Mr. Wu

2008

A representative of an alien race that went through drastic evolution to survive its own climate change, Klaatu comes to Earth to assess whether humanity can prevent the environmental damage they have inflicted on their own planet. When barred from speaking to the United Nations, he decides humankind shall be exterminated so the planet can survive.

Chinatown

Evelyn's Butler

1974

Private eye Jake Gittes lives off of the murky moral climate of sunbaked, pre-World War II Southern California. Hired by a beautiful socialite to investigate her husband's extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together.

Hero

Qin Emperor (voice)

2002

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

Abominable

Yak Leader (voice)

2019

A group of misfits encounter a young Yeti named Everest, and they set off to reunite the magical creature with his family on the mountain of his namesake.

Big Trouble in Little China

David Lo Pan

1986

Truck driver Jack Burton gets embroiled in a supernatural battle when his best friend Wang Chi's green-eyed fiancée is kidnapped by henchmen of the sorcerer Lo Pan, who must marry a girl with green eyes in order to return to the human realm.

R.I.P.D.

Nick's Avatar / Jerry Chen

2013

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

Tango & Cash

Quan

1989

Ray Tango and Gabriel Cash are two successful narcotics detectives who can't stand each other. Crime lord Yves Perret, furious at the loss of income they have caused him, plots an elaborate revenge against them.

Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Old Monk (voice)

2015

The all-powerful Monkey King once roamed freely between Heaven and Earth, but after angering the Gods, he was imprisoned within an ice cage deep within the mountains. 500 years later, monsters attack a small village and a child flees to the mountains. Unknowingly, the child releases the Monkey King from his curse. With the help and encouragement from this special child, Monkey King saves the village from the evil monsters.

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans

Zong Shi (voice)

2021

The Guardians of Arcadia reunite to battle the nefarious Arcane Order, who've reawakened the primordial Titans.

Wayne's World 2

Jeff Wong

1993

A message from Jim Morrison in a dream prompts cable access TV stars Wayne and Garth to put on a rock concert, "Waynestock," with Aerosmith as headliners. But amid the preparations, Wayne frets that a record producer is putting the moves on his girlfriend, Cassandra, while Garth handles the advances of mega-babe Honey Hornée.

Sherlock Gnomes

Salt Shaker (voice)

2018

Garden gnomes Gnomeo & Juliet recruit renown detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.

Missing in Action

Gen. Trau

1984

American servicemen are still being held captive in Vietnam and it's up to one man to bring them home in this blistering, fast-paced action/adventure starring martial arts superstar Chuck Norris. Following a daring escape from a Vietnamese POW camp, Special Forces Colonel James Braddock (Norris) is on a mission to locate and save remaining MIAs.

The Shadow

Li Peng

1994

Based on the 1930s comic strip, The Shadow is put up against his archenemy Shiwan Khan, who plans to take over the world by holding a city to ransom using an atom bomb. Using his powers of invisibility and "the power to cloud men's minds", The Shadow comes blazing to the rescue with explosive results.

Tank Girl

Che'tsai

1995

After a comet disrupts the rain cycle of Earth, the planet has become a desolate, barren desert by the year 2033. With resources scarce, Kesslee, head of the powerful and evil Water & Power Corporation, the de facto government, has taken control of the water supply. Unwilling to cower under Kesslee's tyrannical rule, a pair of outlaws known as Tank Girl and Jet Girl rise up, joining the mysterious rebel Rippers to destroy the corrupt system.

The Golden Child

Doctor Hong

1986

After a Tibetan boy, the mystical Golden Child, is kidnapped by the evil Sardo Numspa, humankind's fate hangs in the balance. On the other side of the world in Los Angeles, the priestess Kee Nang seeks the Chosen One, who will save the boy from death. When Nang sees social worker Chandler Jarrell on television discussing his ability to find missing children, she solicits his expertise, despite his skepticism over being "chosen."

Wendell & Wild

Father Bests (voice)

2022

Two demon brothers enlist the aid of Kat Elliot — a tough teen with a load of guilt — to summon them to the Land of the Living. But what Kat demands in return leads to a brilliantly bizarre and comedic adventure like no other.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

Ogata / Dr. Serizawa / Hagiwara (voice) (uncredited)

1956

During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll

Mr. Ping (voice)

2016

As Po looks for his lost action figures, the story of how the panda inadvertently helped create the Furious Five is told.

Kung Fu Panda Holiday

Mr. Ping (voice)

2010

The Winter Feast is Po's favorite holiday. Every year he and his father hang decorations, cook together, and serve noodle soup to the villagers. But this year Shifu informs Po that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal Winter Feast at the Jade Palace. Po is caught between his obligations as the Dragon Warrior and his family traditions: between Shifu and Mr. Ping.

Black Widow

H. Shin

1987

Federal agent Alexandra Barnes believes that Catherine Petersen is a serial killer who marries rich men and then murders them for their money. But since Catherine is seemingly a master of disguise and has multiple identities, Alexandra can't prove anything with conventional detective work. With no other option, she goes undercover, pursuing the same man as Catherine, and hoping that Catherine will slip up and reveal her true identity.

Breathless

Grocer

1983

Jesse, a small-time criminal, high-tails it to Los Angeles to rendezvous with a French exchange student. Stealing a car and accidentally killing a highway patrolman, he becomes the most wanted fugitive in L.A.

Batman: Soul of the Dragon

O-Sensei (voice)

2021

Bruce Wayne faces a deadly menace from his past, with the help of three former classmates: world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon, Ben Turner and Lady Shiva.

Balls of Fury

Master Wong

2007

Randy Daytona was a child ping pong prodigy who lost his chance at Olympic gold when his father is murdered by the mysterious Feng over a gambling debt. 15yrs later he's down on his luck and scraping a living doing seedy back room shows in Vegas; when the FBI turn up and ask for his help to take down Feng... who just happens to love Ping Pong.

The Last Sharknado: It's About Time

Confucius

2018

Our hero Fin has battled sharks all over the globe, but in this last installment he will tackle the final shark-tier - time travel.

The Sand Pebbles

Victor Shu

1966

Engineer Jake Holman arrives aboard the gunboat USS San Pablo, assigned to patrol a tributary of the Yangtze in the middle of exploited and revolution-torn 1926 China. His iconoclasm and cynical nature soon clash with the 'rice-bowl' system which runs the ship and the uneasy symbiosis between Chinese and foreigner on the river. Hostility towards the gunboat's presence reaches a climax when the boat must crash through a river-boom and rescue missionaries upriver at China Light Mission.

The Art of War

Ambassador Wu

2000

Neil Shaw is both agent and weapon - a critical line of defense for the Secretary General of the United Nations. He does not even officially exist. As an international security expert, he must uncover an international plot in which ruthless terrorists threatened to bring down the United Nations on the eve of an historic summit with China. A mysterious chain of events leads to the murder of the Chinese U.N. Ambassador and the terrorists frame Neil Shaw, the one man they believe can stop them. Accused of the crime, Shaw goes underground — in effect, vanishing from his own life — as he tries to stop what could become World War III.

Grand-Daddy Day Care

Walter

2019

A man has to figure out a way to make extra money when his father-in-law moves in.

The Perfect Weapon

Yung

1991

Jeff, a young delinquent, is enrolled by his father in a kenpo school, in the hopes of teaching the boy some self-discipline. Years later, Jeff's mentor, Kim, is being threatened by one of the Korean mafia families. Jeff tries to help his old friend, but is too late to prevent Kim's death at the hands of an unknown hitman. Vowing revenge, Jeff takes on all of the families, using his martial arts skills to find the man who killed his friend.

Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest

Dr. Zin (voice)

2015

Two groups of classic cartoon characters come together in this fun-filled crossover with the popular action-adventure series Jonny Quest. Fans of all ages won't want to miss this heart-stopping romp as Tom and Jerry join Jonny Quest and his pal Hadji and embark on a dangerous spy mission in order to save the world.

McHale's Navy

Asian Leader (uncredited)

1997

Retired Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale spends his days puttering around the Caribbean in the old PT-73 selling homebrew, ice cream, and swimsuit calendars. He's brought out of retirement when his old nemesis turned the second best terrorist in the world, Major Vladikov, takes over the island of San Moreno and starts building a nuclear launch silo on it. With help from his old crew and hindrances from Captain Wallace B. Binghampton, who sank a cruise liner a while back, McHale tries to put Vladikov out of business.

Bound for Glory

Chili Joint Owner

1976

A biography of Woody Guthrie, one of America's greatest folk singers. He left his dust-devastated Texas home in the 1930s to find work, discovering the suffering and strength of America's working class.