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ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WHAT'S HOLDING BACK RUSSELL WONG?
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:57:00 PM)
s the superfly triad enforcer in ROMEO MUST DIE Russell Wong set millions of female hearts palpitating and as many Asian Americans waiting with bated breath. Two years later Hollywood has yet to announce a significant followup role for the gorgeous Chinese American actor. And he turned 38 in March.
This isn't the first time Wong's career seemed to derail for no apparent reason. Four years earlier countless female hearts had been set aflutter by his long-lashed portrayal of the dashing quester in the syndicated VANISHING SON series. Then, for no apparent reason, the series was canceled.
It isn't as though Wong is a flash in the pan. Over the past fifteen years he has caught Asian American eyes in a dozen movies and TV dramas like JOY LUCK CLUB, EAT A BOWL OF TEA, TAI PAN, 21 JUMP STREET and CHINA WHITE. Most weren't starring roles but his looks and charisma made him a standout. Critics have questioned his range as an actor but few have accused him of being any worse at his craft than, say, Keanu Reeves who routinely commands seven figures in blockbusters.
Naturally Asian Americans wonder if Wong's career has been hampered by his surname. Like Reeves, Wong is the product of a Chinese father and a white mother. The most obvious difference is that Reeves took his white stepfather's surname after early separation from his natural father. Another thing, Wong's younger brother Michael is a major Hong Kong action star.
Is Wong's Asian ethnicity too in-your-face for Hollywood to accept him as a leading man? Or is it too threatening for white America? Or is something else holding him back?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
Luvs RW,
Because he sounds horrible in Chinese. He's maybe fluent, but his accent is just bad.
AC dropout
Monday, February 18, 2002 at 13:38:33 (PST)
Chowyunpat - Everything I have read about Russell Wong indicates he is fluent in Chinese , so I wonder too why he doesn't utilize it more?
Luvs RW
Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 13:58:47 (PST)
I wonder if Russell Wong is really trying hard to get a part in the American movie industry. We haven't seen much of him, I'm sure if he really wanted to get a part in a film he would. On a side note, I think that it would be sick if he was cast beside a mainstream "white American women actress" because then, if the movie didn't work out, the movie industry could just blame him as the reason why the movie didn't make it.
Cali
Saturday, February 16, 2002 at 13:59:27 (PST)
Russell Wong is definitely Mr. superfly. What makes Russell my number one role model is his handsome good looks and charisma.
Yes it is true that he has not taken many leading roles in feature films. This may be because
of the fact that he wants to come across to the American public as a strong silent type. Russell has to
show that he can play different roles and not only the badass triad type roles. These roles do not present the opportunity for him to express himself more freely. And yes Russell is handsome but to become a household name you must be open to the public and do more interviews.
Imagine Will Smith playing only gangster rapper roles and being
serious all the time. He would not be the Will Smith we know today. From Fresh Prince to Independence Day to his new Ali, Will has come a long way.
What Will did was allow us to become one of his friends by showing us all his sides and a glimpse of the real Will Smith.
What an actor brings to the screen is important but what he is like off screen is just as important. an actor needs to stay in the spot light in a positive way showing a lot of heart and growth as a person and as an actor.
What Russel needs to do is take some crazy role like Brad Pitt did in fight club and Snatch where Brad flexes his acting abilities to show range.
Okay I've blabbed enough.
James, Asian Canadian
Saturday, December 08, 2001 at 18:00:27 (PST)
Correction, Keanu Reeves father (Samuel Nowlin Reeves)is Chinese-Hawaiian, his mother is English. He did not take his stepfather's name, however, he did have/had mutiple stepfathers after their parents divorced.
I personally don't think the name has anything to do with why Russell Wong (Chinese/Dutch) is not a "big" actor as he has "the potential" to be. Personally, I think Russell Wong identifies himself as being "Asian" more so than being cauasian. Could be the fact that he looks more Asian than "white"? How many leading roles are there with Asian actor that doesn't envolve Martial Arts?
Jindo
Friday, November 30, 2001 at 10:01:07 (PST)
Howdy all, a little off-topic, but I feel I can't accurately respond to this question with-out a review of Wong's work. Okay I admit, I'm just looking to see If I can get the videos.
I loved the first 2 movies and TV series of Vanishing son. If anyone has those movies on tape, I would really appreciate you letting me know, hopefully we can work something out where I can copy them. My email is "raistlan01@hotmail.com".
If anyone can help me please let me know. Thanks
Raistlan (thomas warren)
Saturday, November 24, 2001 at 19:33:06 (PST)
You've got to be kidding me. Russell Wong doesn't get parts because he's not a good actor. There are lots of pretty faces out there. Don't bring your paranoia here.
chiu
Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 00:14:55 (PST)
The problem is the American culture. Hollywood will not sell what America cannot accept. My brother is the "All-American white boy"-very handsome, athletic, etc. He married a Korean woman. Although she is very beautiful, family and friends have had a hard time accepting the fact that he chose her over a "white" girl. Its as though he settled for something less. If we cannot accept marriages between mixed races, how can Hollywood sell movies that show mainstream actresses loving an Asian man? I personally think Russell is much more attractive than Brad Pitt or George Clooney, but would he ever be cast beside Julia Roberts?? I doubt it.
KarenD
Monday, November 12, 2001 at 06:06:25 (PST)
There are probably several factors affecting the development of Russell's career in America, among which may include "White America". I think much of it has to do with Russell himself. We don't know about how Russell chooses to pursue acting, and his style in managing his career. He's also turned off by stereotypical Asian roles.
On another issue, there definitely needs to be a stronger and more diverse Asian representation in Hollywood. Russell Wong may have the potential to be the redefining Asian superstar.
An Asian's view on Russell Wong's career
Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 19:58:01 (PST)
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