James Hong Biography: Age, Wife, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

James Hong is a prolific American actor, producer, and director recognized as one of Hollywood’s most enduring character actors with over 600 film and television credits spanning more than seven decades.

He is widely known for iconic roles in films such as Big Trouble in Little China, Blade Runner, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and voice work in Kung Fu Panda and Mulan.

A pioneer for Asian American representation, Hong co-founded the East West Players and has received SAG Award and Annie Award recognition while continuing to advocate for greater opportunities for actors of Asian descent.

James Hong
Wiki Facts & About Data
Name:	James Hong
Born:	22 February 1929 (age 97 years old)
Place of Birth:	Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Nationality:	American
Height:	1.78 m
Parents:	Frank W. Hong (Ng Fok Hong), Lee Shui Fa (Lee Suey Far)
Siblings:	6
Spouse:	Pearl Huang (m. 1967–1973), Susan Tong (m. 1977)
Relationship:	Married
Children:	April Hong and two others
Occupation:	Actor, producer, director
Net Worth:	$3 million

Early Life and Education

James Hong was born on 22 February 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to parents Frank W. Hong (Ng Fok Hong) and Lee Shui Fa (Lee Suey Far), Chinese emigrants from Hong Kong. He has six siblings.

The family lived in Hong Kong for part of his childhood before returning to the United States.

He graduated from Minneapolis Central High School, studied civil engineering at the University of Minnesota and the University of Southern California (graduating with a BS in 1954), and later trained in acting with Jeff Corey. His ethnicity is Chinese American, and his religion is Presbyterian.

Career

James Hong began his career in the 1950s after leaving civil engineering, making early television appearances in series such as The New Adventures of Charlie Chan and gaining initial recognition through numerous guest roles while facing limited opportunities due to typecasting and discrimination.

He co-founded the East West Players in 1965 to promote Asian American theatre and performers, which helped establish him as a key advocate and opened doors for more substantial acting work.

His career expanded significantly with memorable supporting roles in major films including Chinatown (1974), Blade Runner (1982) as Hannibal Chew, Big Trouble in Little China (1986) as Lo Pan, and voice performances in Disney’s Mulan (1998) and the Kung Fu Panda franchise.

He earned critical acclaim and awards, including a SAG Award for the ensemble cast of Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) and an Annie Award for voice acting, while appearing in over 600 productions across film, TV, and animation.

Later work has cemented James Hong‘s legacy as a trailblazer for Asian American representation in Hollywood, with continued roles in high-profile projects and ongoing advocacy.

His sustained influence spans generations, inspiring greater diversity on screen through his prolific output, mentorship, and commitment to authentic storytelling that has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @thejameshong
• Facebook Handle: James Hong page
• Twitter Handle: @IAmJamesHong

Personal Life

James Hong was first married to Pearl Huang from 1967 to 1973 and has been married to Susan Tong since 1977. He has three children, including actress April Hong, and eight grandchildren.

He lives in Los Angeles and has maintained a private family life while balancing a demanding career.

Filmography / Discography

• Kung Fu Panda (2008)
• Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
• Mulan (1998)
• Blade Runner (1982)
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Net Worth

James Hong‘s estimated net worth is estimated to be around $3 million USD. Primary income sources include decades of acting roles in film and television, voice-over work in major animated franchises, producing and directing projects, and residuals from his vast catalog of appearances.