Actor James Hong on his amazing longevity
Over nearly seven decades, James Hong has racked up more film and TV credits than almost anyone. Even more impressive, the character actor did so while confronting demeaning stereotypes in Hollywood. Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz talks with the constantly-working 93-year-old Hong about a career that began with entertaining U.S. troops during the Korean War, and extended to such treasured films as "Chinatown" and "Big Trouble in Little China." (Originally broadcast January 23, 2022.)
#movies #tvnews #jameshong
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Hong deserves a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oscars for his Prolific Career in my opinion.
There's still one day before the Oscars for them to decide to give that long-awaited award.
At this rate, more like 2 lifetime achievement awards...
He does but at the same time they will just be spotlighting all the racist roles he was given and all the films with yellow face actors they’ve created.
💯 % agree 👍
I thought they gave that to him last Sunday???? So who got the award this past Sunday??
The man remembers his Lo-Pan lines from 1986 and he's 93 years old. He really is a living legend.
What are this people friends of yours Now this is really pissing me of to no end
He was great in Blade Runner too. "I design your eyesssss."
I saw him in full Lo Pan gear at Spooky Empire one year and almost lost my mind.
@@markusforsberg6741 😂
That super villian laugh.... he's a legend!
Don't underestimate the courage and passion it took for him to leave civil engineering, one of the safest careers in 1950s America, for acting, something he knew was going to be a difficult path right from the start.
Exactly!!! Can u imagine that, passion over security of ur future 😐
@@user-otzlixrliterally no one made that comparison. are people not allowed to praise him?
@@user-otzlixr Courage takes many forms but, fine, wording changed to avoid pedantic offense.
@@defender7260 ❤
@@user-otzlixr don’t be a tool.
I have never seen a 93 year old look and move like he does! He is quite incredible!!!
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when he started dancing.
William shatner
There are, there are. Media just don't show much of them. My parents almost 90 as fit as him.
Right?! He looks MAYBE 70!
the secret to aging well, is to always accept your age.
James Hong is a legend. He doesn't look 93, rather he looks 63
And he moves like he’s still in his 40s.
That man gives Patrick Stewart a run for his money on agelessness
😄He looks amazing in supporting film roles in adventures and comedy.😆
No...he looks 69 😏
Perhaps not Mr. Hong's most successful role, but I still love his performance in 'Big Trouble in Little China'. He was not only charismatic but there were also lighter aspects in his character in that movie. Fun and inspiring to watch him. Very best regards to Mr. Hong from Finland! 🇫🇮
He's been unforgettable in everything I've seen him in. I'm glad he's experiencing much deserved recognition.
So true, it’s about time he gets the credit he deserves. He was awesome in Big Trouble in Little China and of course who can forget his once in lifetime role as Snotty in the cinematic treasure known as Revenge of the Nerds II Nerds in Paradise 🤣
I'm glad he's still with us and still working. I am so proud of him that loves to work.
and he is so brilliantly invisible-you can re-watch almost any genre, in any decade and he is right there…
He wasn't forgettable in Big Trouble in Little China😁. I agree, and I am glad too.
That story about J Carrol Naish firing him was absolutely horrible. Over 60 years and you can still feel the pain in his voice as he recounts that story. Well, now everyone knows who James Hong is, and no one knows who Nash is anymore.
He probably looked up to Carrol Naish so much... (until then)
And in death, only racists and their apologists will remember him fondly. #JamesHong #Legendary
@@TonyPstunts Lol, that's pretty harsh. The man may have had some good qualities as well. We don't know him and he was clearly talented too. But agreed, James Hong is legendary and a far better man!
@@sgtunix we all live on in the cloud, and hindsight’s always 20/20. 💅
I remember the Charlie Chan TV show in the mid 50's and always thought that Nash's makeup was ridiculous like a sort of Asian Mr. Maggoo, with a ridiculous accent and just as blind . His face had no wrinkles and looked extremely artificial. If at seven years old a Hispanic kid like me could noticed that, I imagine that it really gored any Asian, specially Chinese, audience. It was a popular show but Nash really made a mockery of a Chinese character doing further damage and further cementing the stereotype.
The fact he still remembers lines from almost 40 years ago is amazing
all actors do....not every line from every scerne, but some of your favorites
I want to hear if he has any advice on how he keeps himself healthy and sharp. He is extremely sharp at 93 I love to see it! Good example that we keep living life and keep enjoying it like he does!
@@joemarshall4226 "All actors do"... idk... not many actors have a career thats even 1/4 the length/size of his. I'm sure its a spectrum just like anything. I've seen interviews with actors who seem to not remember a single thing about the filming process and even proudly talk about how they never watch their own films.
Big Trouble in Little China is that good! Watch it!!
You do realise that it is possible for him to have watched the film in the last 40 years?! 😂😆 Bruuh he's an actor, if he's likely to know quotes of anybody from any films he's likely to know a few of his own first. If only because people probably quote them to him when they see him.
I'll always remember him from "Big Trouble In Little China." What an amazing freaking career! I hope I'm HALF that energetic if I make it to 93!
still my fav actor
Yes...haunting
INDEED! :D
Mista Burton
For the main villain, he was very humorous
400 credits??? Wow, I'm speechless. Countless hours rehearsing, studying his lines, his characters. A living legend.
imagine movie review/critics incorporate NFL stats like segment into their work. "Let's look at the leader board. James Hong credited at 400, not likely anybody would beat that. Battle for the sencond. Jessica Walter at 170, God rest her soul. This young actor has much more to go. Back to you, Jim"
James Hong is an American National Treasure. He deserves more respect than Hollywood has given him. I can't imagine having to accept stereotypical Asian roles just so he could work in the movie industry. I hope he will live past 100!
He should have been glad to get any role. Any character actor should be.
Guys, Legend James Hong is 93 years old here. He remembers his lines and can have an intelligent conversation. He looks and feels like a person only in his 60’s. The amount of Wisdom he has. 👍🏻 Man, I also literally watch the movies he’s in from a young age and now I’m in my early 40’s. Hopefully I’ll be able to live a long and healthy life just like him. 😅
One of the most youthful 93 year olds I’ve seen. You could’ve told me he was in his 60’s and I’d have believed.
I feel like he's getting YOUNGER, not older. Imagine anyone else that seemed like an adult in movies you saw as a kid, and think of how they'd look today (through no fault of their own, as time comes for us all). But not James Hong!
Amazing. This man has entertained 4 generations of my family: Me, My father, My Grandfather, My Great Grandfather. God bless you Mr. James Hong. 🙏❤
Well; he is like Benedict Wong and the late but NOT so Great (U.K.) Actor. Burt Kwouk; turns up; do whatever he is told by the Director....Saids his lines and collects his pay check.... I wonder where his Soul is after all that selling out! Too busy perusing his bank account I suspect!
My kids recognized his voice while playing Diablo III. They were like, "Isn't that Po's dad?"
THE MAKER CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SIR!!!
Legitimately impressive
James Wong is the Tim Curry of actors. A man who is in everywhere and yet somehow manages to be memorable.
Surely Tim Curry is the Tim Curry of actors.
@@GrandMarshalGarithos true
This man looks AMAZING for 93. Utterly amazing. Not only is his physical appearance 25 years younger, he's got the spry spirit and ease of movement of someone much younger too. Looks like he married the two girls with green eyes and found the secret of longevity after all.
I love James Hong!! It's about damn time they gave him a ⭐ on Hollywood's walk of fame. Y'all are about 40 years too late as far as I'm concerned. He's got more going on at age 92 than most 30 year olds.💥 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I read somewhere you get the nod but you have to cough up about 25G's to have it done .
Way way late
Agreed
You.....you buy them......he finally got around to paying for one. Racist.
he is amazing
James looks FABULOUS~!! May he reach 100 and beyond in good health.
James Hong has been in nearly every movie and TV show I’ve ever seen; from Jackie Chan Adventures, The West Wing, etc. A true force and never giving up. Bravo.
His role in big trouble in little china was awesome. Unbelievable he just got a Hollywood Star. He is such a rare gem.
His voice alone is iconic
That star was LONG OVERDUE! He also needs an honorary Oscar!
It is terribly sad that actor Soon-Tek Oh (d. 2018) didn't live to see this moment--he spent his life working for the dignity of Asian actors in America. The celebration of James Hong specifically, and the much-earned space being made generally for Asian actors now, would have been deeply gratifying for Oh--the fruition of his work, hopes, and dreams. Congratulations to Mr. Hong! It's all very moving.
I believe the secret to longevity is his sense of humor. I also appreciate how sharp his mind is. He really deserves his star 🌟 . Amazing actor, may he grace us with more roles.
Yeah. That must be it.
This is a true living legend. He pretty much has worked with everyone in movies and tv at one point or another. In his career alone he has seen the rise and fall of many actors as well, from Burt Reynolds to Bruce Lee to Michelle Yeoh and Lucille Ball. He was wonderful in Everything, Everywhere all at Once, and I look forward to seeing him in his next role.
He was so good in big trouble in little China
James Hong has literally been in everything! His star on the walk of fame is well deserved. ❤️🌟
He has a lot of grace and Class for a man that has had to over come so much in his life. God bless him
What has he had to overcome?
Big trouble in Little China.! When he does that laugh, you just can't help but duplicating it with him. Priceless
I'll always love watching James Hong in everything he does
This man is a legend. Wish nothing but good health and wealth to him.
I love how humble, honest, and charismatic he is. He reminds me of my grandfather who lived to be 93.
I remember seeing him in all kinds of characters from past tv shows. What an interesting life he's had. Great story on Mr Hong.
Including the scene of Seinfeld too
93!!! Wow I believe he will b able to do another 400 parts in the movies, he looks great, and is a very good actor👍🍀
This man is an absolute legend! Big Trouble in Little China is one of my all time favorite movies. His presence is pure gravity in all his films.
He still looks amazing. So glad to see him again after all these years.
Love this guy! His endurance is an inspiration.
He is outstanding in every role he's ever played. Bravo!
James Hong is an absolute legend!
In every role he plays or voices he is both instantly recognizable and superb.
He is a great actor. 👍
Wow! So cool. He's amazing!! Just love him. And still acting. Should be honored at The Lincoln Center. And a Honerly Academy Award Recipient for not only his acting but his history and longevity to the acting craft.
James Hong is a national treasure. I wish they had an opportunity to ask him about the East-West players, though. It's the theater company he helped found back in the 60's, with other classic Asian American actors like Mako and Soon-Tek Oh, and it's still running!
I would loved to watch him expand on that.
What an absolute legend. He shows up in random video games and gives it more effort than most people. One of the greatest voices ever
No matter the genre he is always recognizable as a stellar actor. Congrats to him for his star on the Walk of Fame.
Just about the time you are just fed up with Hollywood and its foibles, you reintroduce a wonderful and so humble human being of an actor...TY Mr. Hong.
I met him about 10 years ago, such a kind, humble and friendly man. I have enjoyed his work for years, such a talent!
He looks great for 93! Hope he lives for a lot longer, at least another 10 years and makes it to 103!
The entire cast of Everything Everywhere All At Once is AMAZING!
Incredible that 93-year old never-to-retire James Hong still acting in amazing movies, such as EEAAO, Ke Huy Quan, after 30 years from his last acting role and now delivering an award-winning performance and the iconic Michelle Yeoh, now 60 years young, portraying an action heroine, finally receiving the recognition & accolades as an amazing beautiful badass actor. It's finally time for new & seasoned Asian actors to be noticed and shine in the limelight!
Hello Mr. Hong, Thank you for decades of distinguished performance artistry. Despite the pain of the experience and sharing the odious story of the slur, 'school for Chinese actors', your talent and longevity in the practice of your profession are both triumph and inspiration. We are happy for your success. Thank you, too, to Ben Mankiewicz.
Concur!
What nonsense. He missed his lines. That's what you are paid for and what you are there for. The theater-trained Brits of that day had such a high standard of professionalism that they would have fired an actor of ANY race who had done the same. They had no sense of humor or tolerance for it. Hong has exaggerated it in his mind because he doesn't want to take responsibility. He goofed. He got fired. There's nothing "prejudicial" about that.
Just like there's nothing prejudicial about your attitude. You just have really high standards, being a random white dude. Who wasn't even there to witness the event. The very fact that a white English actor was playing Charlie Chan tells the rest of us all we need to know. Open your eyes, white man! No pun intended ...
And no room for mistakes, in the profession of make believe and pretend.
@@garyspence2128says a white man
He played a "bad guy" on virtually every cop and detective show between 1960 and 1980. Incredible he is still so sharp.
James Hong is amazing - he has been in movies I have been enjoying throughout my entire life of 58 years, like Chinatown, Big Trouble in Little China and so on. In fact, when I first saw him in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, I thought, how could he still be alive?! Amazing. Love this guy - he should be awarded a lifetime achievement award - ASAP!! He is an inspiration for me - 35 years my senior and still working!!
A remarkable career despite the barriers over the decades.
A living legend indeed!
What a man! He has lived through everything and he looks so young
Po's adopted dad is the role I love him in the most. He embodied all that characterizes fatherhood, and to me that was a very wholesome and endearing role.
What a beautiful man.
He blazed a trail for many young Asian American actors. Glad to see he is finally acknowledged and appreciated for his contribution to entertainment. Hoorah for James Hong.
Always loved James Hong. Such an amazing well rounded actor. David Lo Pan is one of THE most iconic characters ever!
best way to start a sunday with Sunday Morning vibes 🥰🥰🥰🥰
James Hong is an International Treasure, I'm elated that he is receiving some of his flowers while he is still alive. I think he's great, God Bless You Sir!! Hopefully we'll have you around for another 93 years.. 🙂🙌💪💪✌
His declaration of "look at us now" is so moving, I am glad to see his decades of works are now finally being recognized on the main stage.
1st impression of him and his voice was watching Big Trouble In Little Chinatown, in my hotel room, while I was on an overseas (school) holidays in Medan (Indonesia), June 1989....I was 14 then. Yesterday I was shocked to learn that he was already 94 this year, when he was on stage, Oscar award... What a legend!
Salam from Medan
He's among my favorite all time actors.
I have always liked him.... He was in one of my favorite movies... " Big Trouble In Little China"!!! He's a legend for sure.... God Bless Him still going strong at 93... ☺️
God put him in those situations... 🤔🤷
One scene I remember is Mr Hong opening a door and giving Jack Nicholson a withering look in the movie Chinatown and the other scene in Balls Of Fury asking " Tell me Randy, does he still dress like he shopped at Elton John 's garage sale?' , that line always cracks me up, Mr Hong is a true legend....
I love everything about this man. Always a treat to see him pop up in a movie.
Legend! From Blade Runner, Chinatown with Jack Nicholson to "Seinfeld, four!" He even did great in a small indie movie nobody's seen, "Shanghai Kiss" with Ken Leung, Kelly Hu. He's just great in everything he's done, small role or not. And having to endure demeaning crap
Don't forget Wayne's World 2
He was in tales from the darkside as the laundry guy, the maitre’d in king of queens, the ufc trainer in friends
"I only do eyes, just eyes...." great scene!
If you've ever watched something and said, "Oh, I know him.... I saw him in something else...." Yeah. It was more likely James Hong than anyone else. Amazing.
He is an Awesome actor and a class act all the way. I wish we could have him for 100 or more years. He is Unique in everyway and there is no one who could replace him.
One of the best and my favorite character actor. I can't count the number of times he shows up in a movie or television show and steals the scene with his great acting ability !
He Deserves 2 stars!!! Amazing actor, our family just loves him.
I remember watching Seinfeld,and he was on the show,man did he ever glow in his performance, this man has been around all kinds of experiences in his life a true human being,thxs for your work ,hope you continue to live a great life
Not to take anything away from James Hong's tremendous body of work, he made Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China one of the greatest villains in cinema.
That episode of Seinfeld is epic as the whole episode takes place in the waiting area of the Chinese restaurant. Hong's role was played to perfection, from the lines to the way he takes Jerry's money without acknowledging it. Every role he's played has been memorable.
I love James Hong and it is fantastic he is getting his long over due recognition! Thank you Mr. Hong for your gift to our entertainment‼️
I admire the talent and versatility of James Hong.
So happy for James Hong; a Hollywood legend, great American and all-around good man
Absolutely brilliant. He finally deserves the acknowledgement he deserves. He has been in this business for a long time . Congratulations 🎉
He looks amazing at 93 years old. I thought he was younger. Hes definitely life goals
As a kid growing up stuck to the TV and VCR, I have seen him so many things. Any time I saw him, I just knew it would be worth watching.
This story really hits home! My father also named James would be 95 if he were alive today. He was bullied by his white school mates. The parents were told but the bullying continued. My father lived with his uncle in back of the laundry. His uncle came up with the plan of throwing mud at the laundry's windows. Finally, the bullying stopped! The Seinfeld episode never gets old! It's amazing he has such a good memory & can get down to the ground & pose with the star on Hollywood! I hope Mr. Hong is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Oscars when he's still here! May he have many more years!
This man is truly a national treasure. There needs to be a day celebrating him.
An amazing man, long may he continue.
Isn't he great? And so very with it at 93. I can't believe that it took so long for him to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He gave me such an impression in " Big Trouble In Little China" back in the 90s. I remembered I was so scared watching the movie but loved it at the same time. Hong was the key character of that movie.
what a great interview. i like this actor. hes iconic because hes been in nearly every movie I've ever seen. he may not have been the leading role all the time but he was there and i remember him because of his excellent acting. his roles are usually eccentric & flamboyant. hes got such an awesome attitude! he totally deserves more awards.
He was at the 2012 Albuquerque comic con. Wish I'd talked to him (great in Big Trouble in Little China and Wayne's World 2).
Amazing man. Accomplished life.
A legendary career and it’s still going. Be proud of yourself James and thank you for all of your work in tv and film.
Is it possible to love a person you've never met? I love this man ;-)
Great actor in everything he does! Thrilled James Hong has his very long overdue STAR! Bravo! And a power of example for not retiring ! ✨🌞✨
Amazing!..wish him the BEST!
He's one of those actors that I think everyone has seen in something at least once.
My first experience with viewing James Hong was in Big Trouble in Little China. Unforgettable role, he struck both a sense of amusement, mystery, and fear as the big bad of that movie. Glad he's still doing well in his old age, and has the recognition he deserves. He earned that star.
He is so amazing! A true craftsman and artist. ... and "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" is an excellent movie.
I mean, seeing him here - he even played villains so perfectly. And he's such a nice guy. A complete and true actor.
Ik most people remember Lo Pan. But I first knew him as Daolan Wan on Jackie Chan Adventures
I love the way he laughs at the end there. Hope & pray he lives a long, long time, because we love him so much.
I don't pay attention to who is in a movie or TV show, but when he pops up, I spontaneously say, "It's Him! Awesome." However, I only knew his name as "It's Him". I was smiling through all of this video. Good seeing you James Hong.
Same here. I first saw him in the tv show Dynasty if l am not mistaken
He is such an amazing actor.👏👏👏👏❤