John Cho Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Movies, Children, Height, Parents, Nationality, Books

John Yo-Han Cho also known as John Cho is an acclaimed Korean-American actor recognized for his subtle, versatile performances and groundbreaking roles that expanded Asian-American representation in Hollywood.

He became widely known as Harold Lee in the Harold & Kumar film series, John/MILF guy #2 in the American Pie franchise, and Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek reboot trilogy.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: John Yo-Han Cho
• Stage Name: John Cho
• Born: June 16, 1972
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.78 m
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Cho and Mrs. Cho
• Siblings: One younger brother
• Spouse: Kerri Higuchi
• Children: Two
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $14 million USD

Early Life and Education

John Cho was born on June 16, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, to parents Mr. Cho, a Christian minister originally from North Korea who served in the Church of Christ, and Mrs. Cho.

The family immigrated to the United States in 1978 when he was six years old, first settling in Los Angeles, California, before moving to suburban Detroit, Michigan. He grew up with one younger brother and was encouraged by his father to assimilate fully by speaking only English and immersing in American television and culture.

He attended Herbert Hoover High School and later graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While at Berkeley, he discovered acting through the East West Players, an Asian-American theatre group, and began performing in student productions. His ethnicity is Korean. His religion is Christianity, rooted in his father’s ministry in the Church of Christ.

Career

John Cho began acting in the late 1990s with small roles in films such as Wag the Dog (1997) and Bowfinger (1999). His breakthrough came as John in American Pie (1999) and its sequels, followed by Harold Lee in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) and its sequels.

He portrayed Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016). He starred in Searching (2018), which he also co-produced, and appeared in Columbus (2017), The Grudge (2020), Over the Moon (2020, voice), Wish Dragon (2021, voice), and Afraid (2024).

On television, he had leading roles in Selfie (2014), FlashForward (2009–2010), and recurring parts in Ugly Betty, Sleepy Hollow, and Only Murders in the Building. Recent credits include Pachinko and Poker Face (2025). He has also performed as a singer with the band Viva La Union.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @johncho

Personal Life

John Cho, 53 years old and 1.78 m tall, has been married to actress Kerri Higuchi since 2006. They met while attending UC Berkeley and began dating after moving to Los Angeles.

No past marriages or other publicly detailed relationships are known. The couple has two children: a son born in 2008 and a daughter born in 2013. They reside in Los Angeles and maintain a private family life.

Net Worth

John Cho‘s net worth is estimated at $14 million USD. His income primarily comes from starring and supporting roles in major film franchises including Harold & Kumar, American Pie, and Star Trek; lead roles in television series and independent films such as Searching and Selfie; residuals from streaming and syndication of his extensive body of work; voice-over performances; and occasional producing credits.

Filmography

• American Pie (1999)
• Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
• Star Trek (2009)
• Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
• Star Trek Beyond (2016)
• Searching (2018)
• The Grudge (2020)
• Over the Moon (2020, voice)
• Wish Dragon (2021, voice)
• Afraid (2024)
• Pachinko (TV series)
• Only Murders in the Building (TV series)