From Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomTo The Goonies, this child actor played in several well-known movies in the ’80s and early ’90s. While you may recognize him from movies, did you know that his name is Ke Huy Quan? Here’s why you absolutely should.
Who is Ke Huy Quan?
If you grew up watching movies in the 1980s, Quan’s face is probably plastered on your mind. He was only twelve years old when Quan landed the role that would forever change his life. While attending elementary school, Quan was asked to audition for a character in one of the most popular movies of its time, Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomQuan passed the audition and played the humorous sidekick in Short Round.
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Quan was noticed by Spielberg. Quan was again seen in Spielberg’s next movie the year after. The Goonies. Quan assumed the role of Richard Wang (also known as Data) in the movie. Quan seemed to be rising star from one movie to another. He soon realized that Asian men had few blockbuster roles in Hollywood.
‘Never Say Die’
Quan originally wanted to be a filmmaker, but decided to change his mind. Quan attended film school and worked for several years behind-the-camera. He directed fight scenes in movies. X-MenYou can be a stunt dancer The OneThe actor began film production in his late twenties and remained behind-the scenes for almost two decades.
Quan changed everything in 2022. It’s no longer the 1980s, which means that Asian men don’t just have to play bit parts in movies or stereotypical roles. It’s about time! Fans will be able to see Quan again in front of the camera.
The following is an Interview with New York MagazineQuan explained that he was able to do another act after watching the movie. Crazy Rich Asians2018 He was thrilled to see the film succeed and he soon hired an agent. Everything, Everywhere at Once. During the reading, he couldn’t contain his excitement as he connected with the role of Waymond Wang in the movie. “I had tears running down my cheeks,”The actor shared it. “I said, ‘I think this role was written for me!’”
Quan was right, it turns out. Although the character wasn’t necessarily written with Quan in mind, the movie’s directors, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, quickly agreed that he was the best person for the role. He may have even been able to use his years of inactivity as a way to help the movie. “I don’t think I could have played Waymond had this been ten or 15 years ago,”Quan reflected. “I needed all that life experience to give me the nuance and the depth—to give me the different versions of him.”