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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.]
he`s very cool and i love he`s style (fighting) in romeo must die
urlic
urlic23@hotmail.com    Monday, May 27, 2002 at 12:02:27 (PDT)
Something is holding Mr. Wong back, and is not his ethnicity. He is a good actor but he is no Anthony Hopkins or Robin Williams. I have seen him grow in his field and he is getting better with each movie. But I get the sense that he still is holding back. Somewhere deep within him is still a great actor waiting to be released. Of course he does not get any help from the female community. How can he be taken seriously as an actor when all the media talks about is his good looks and how the ladies salivate over him. Beauty fades, essence remains, would they still accept him then? Why does everyone refer to him as Chinese this, Asian that, He is a man first, an American (period)second. Yes, there are still racial tensions today, but those did not stop Jennifer Lopez, Denzel Washington, or Jet Li. America has accepted Jackie Chan (and he is not so pretty to look at) but he is funny.Marketing plays an important role in Hollywood. Has anyone seen a T.V. interview lately with Mr. Wong? Has he hosted SNL? Has anyone seen him at the Grammys, Oscars, MTV Awards, even if is just there to support colleagues. I really do wish him the best and hope that someday people accept everyone for who they inside rather than the outside.And ladies do him a favor and look deeper, he is human and has feelings. Accept him for his work, his talent, and his efforts not a mere piece of dessert.
ps. He has turned 38 three times- Who is doing the math?
YL
yolie876@msn.com    Friday, May 17, 2002 at 06:41:22 (PDT)
I must say that I happen to be surfing the net and came across this little tidbit.
1. His range as an actor has been tested and proven that he could play the part, but he has yet been given the task of accepting a leading role where his craft could really florish.
2. It shouldn't matter if he's multi-cultural or not. He should be applauded because of it. He's a beautiful person inside and outside.
3. He should not have to change his surname, abandon his roots, his culture and his people to make it in Hollywood.
4. What works for Keanu Reeves doesn't mean that it would work for Russell. I think he should continue doing what he's doing. He's an excellent actor and his talent can only be denied for so long before someone recognizes him for the true gem that he is.
5. I am an Black/Italian woman who have adored Russell for some time now and I know that acceptance is the key to ending ignorance, and I think people should learn to accept the fact that Russell is a person first, but Asian American nonetheless and he's gonna be around for as long as he has the passion for acting.
Russell's Sweet Delight
keshayork@rocketmail.com    Saturday, April 06, 2002 at 00:01:55 (PST)
WOO HOOO!! Any details on this new series greatly appreciated! Looks like I need to invest in cable again.
Chien
   Monday, March 18, 2002 at 08:35:15 (PST)
Well, things are looking up! He just signed to star in a WB series called the Black Sash.
Arley
   Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at 08:08:40 (PST)
I don't know what's holding this guy back. Maybe he needs a better agent. All I know is the guy is HOT!!!
RW is Hot!
   Monday, March 04, 2002 at 12:57:42 (PST)
Russell Wong has the same problem that Denzel Washington has in Hollywood:
He is not Caucasian !!
It's racism! Who's kidding who?

Cook, Hispanic American
   Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 18:16:30 (PST)

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