Latest news with #PeterKwong
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Kwong dead at 73: Big Trouble in Little China star passes away
Peter Kwong, the actor and martial arts expert best known for his role in Big Trouble in Little China, has died aged 73. Kwong played Rain, one of the mystical martial arts enforcers known as the Three Storms, in John Carpenter's 1986 cult classic. According to his representative, he passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday night. A Sacramento native, Kwong launched his screen career in the late '70s, landing roles in popular series like The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, and Miami Vice. His breakout came with Big Trouble in Little China, where he starred alongside Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall. Though the film flopped at the box office—earning just $11 million on a $20 million budget—it later gained cult status. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Kwong also appeared in 1986's Never Too Young to Die, opposite John Stamos and Vanity, and had a role alongside Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child. Kwong was deeply involved in the entertainment industry beyond his acting work, per Variety. He spent over a decade serving on the SAG National Board of Directors and was also part of the AFTRA National Board. His dedication extended to leadership roles within the Television Academy's Board of Governors and the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tributes and condolences poured in across social media, with fans fondly remembering Kwong's iconic role in Big Trouble in Little China. One fan wrote, 'Oh no. Condolences to his family,' while another added, 'These Asian actors who played the 3 gods are so iconic. I am not sure of the reality but I suspect this motivated Mortal Kombat's Raiden.' Yet another chimed in, 'Wang vs Rain fight scene was bad ass! Rest in peace!' Kwong, born April 9, 1952, launched his acting career in the mid-1970s and quickly became a familiar face on television with roles in Wonder Woman, Black Sheep Squadron, and throughout the '80s with appearances on Cagney & Lacey, Dynasty, The A-Team, Miami Vice, and many others. Tributes and condolences poured in across social media, with fans fondly remembering Kwong's iconic role in Big Trouble in Little China Trained in both comedy and drama through institutions like East West Players and The Groundlings, Kwong sustained a steady career well into the 2020s. His film work included titles such as The Presidio, Gleaming the Cube, Paper Dragons, Cooties, and I'll Do Anything. On television, he took on a wide range of guest roles in shows including General Hospital, JAG, Sisters, Drake & Josh, The Wayans Bros., Lethal Weapon, and King of the Hill. 'He had a wonderful life and career,' Kwong's longtime friend Peter R.J. Deyell told Deadline. 'I watched him fight for the things he believed in, and I championed him for that. At the TV Academy, we were both very active and sometimes joked about being in the Pin Club as we always wore our pins. He was always a gentleman and willing to help.' An outspoken advocate for representation, Kwong was among those who signed a 2016 letter denouncing racially insensitive jokes during that year's Oscars. Reflecting on the moment, he told Deadline: 'I was there at the Academy Awards, and I was shocked because [Academy President] Cheryl Boone-Isaacs went up and talked about diversity and then right after that comes the jokes from Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen. Some people have the attitude, "Why can't you have a sense of humor?' and 'in humor there are no boundaries." It's because it gives people permission to not only continue it but to escalate it as well.' The Academy eventually issued an apology for the 'tone-deaf' portrayal of Asians during the broadcast. Kwong was honored in 2023 with the Snow Leopard Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement at the Asian World Film Festival, a recognition that capped off his decades-long contribution to film, television, and advocacy.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Peter Kwong dead at 73: Big Trouble in Little China movie star, martial arts expert & acting veteran dies in his sleep
The star started his career as a TV actor in the 1970s STAR GONE Peter Kwong dead at 73: Big Trouble in Little China movie star, martial arts expert & acting veteran dies in his sleep Peter Kwong, the movie star, martial arts expert and acting veteran has died, aged 73. Kwong died in his sleep on Tuesday night, according to one of his representatives. Advertisement 3 The actor starred in nearly 90 film and television roles Credit: Splash 3 One of his most well known roles was in the classic Big Trouble in Little China Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 Kwong died in his sleep aged 73 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The actor played Rain in John Carpenter's 1986 action classic Big Trouble in Little China. Kwong starred in nearly 90 film and television roles over the course of his career. He began as a TV actor in the late 1970s and 1980s in shows such as The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie and Miami Vice. His first film role came in 1977 in the drama Panic in Echo Park. Advertisement In 1986, Kwong took up one of his most famous roles as Tommy Tong in Eddie Murphy's comedy-adventure The Golden Child. That same year Kwong appeared in perhaps his most famous movie role in Big Trouble in Little China where he played Rain, one of the three super-powered martial artists. He starred alongside Kim Cattrall and Kurt Russell. The film has emerged as a cult classic over time despite failing at the box office at the time of release. Advertisement The 1990s saw Kwong appear in a range of other TV shows, in both drama and comedy, including Renegade, Malcolm & Eddie, The District, My Wife and Kids, JAG and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He also appeared in other film roles including The Presidio, Gleaming the Cube, I'll Do Anything, Paper Dragons and Cooties. His final role was the voice of Mike in the comedy series Pepito's Mamadas. In addition to being a film star, Kwong was also a martial arts expert. Advertisement He worked in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata and a range of weapons including swords, staffs, spears, and nunchaku. Kwong was also a professional dancer which included ballroom, martial arts fusion, disco and breaking. Outside of Hollywood, he was on the SAG National Board of Directors for more than a decade and was also a member of the AFTRA National Board of Directors. He also served on the Television Academy Board of Governors and the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Big Trouble in Little China star Peter Kwong dead at 73
Peter Kwong, the actor and martial arts expert best known for his role in Big Trouble in Little China , has died aged 73. Kwong played Rain, one of the mystical martial arts enforcers known as the Three Storms, in John Carpenter's 1986 cult classic. According to his representative, he passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday night. A Sacramento native, Kwong launched his screen career in the late '70s, landing roles in popular series like The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, and Miami Vice. His breakout came with Big Trouble in Little China, where he starred alongside Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall. Though the film flopped at the box office—earning just $11 million on a $20 million budget—it later gained cult status. Kwong also appeared in 1986's Never Too Young to Die, opposite John Stamos and Vanity, and had a role alongside Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child. Kwong was deeply involved in the entertainment industry beyond his acting work, per Variety . He spent over a decade serving on the SAG National Board of Directors and was also part of the AFTRA National Board. His dedication extended to leadership roles within the Television Academy's Board of Governors and the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tributes and condolences poured in across social media, with fans fondly remembering Kwong's iconic role in Big Trouble in Little China. One fan wrote, 'Oh no. Condolences to his family,' while another added, 'These Asian actors who played the 3 gods are so iconic. I am not sure of the reality but I suspect this motivated Mortal Kombat's Raiden.' Yet another chimed in, 'Wang vs Rain fight scene was bad ass! Rest in peace!' Kwong, born April 9, 1952, launched his acting career in the mid-1970s and quickly became a familiar face on television with roles in Wonder Woman, Black Sheep Squadron, and throughout the '80s with appearances on Cagney & Lacey, Dynasty, The A-Team, Miami Vice, and many others. Trained in both comedy and drama through institutions like East West Players and The Groundlings, Kwong sustained a steady career well into the 2020s. His film work included titles such as The Presidio, Gleaming the Cube, Paper Dragons, Cooties, and I'll Do Anything. On television, he took on a wide range of guest roles in shows including General Hospital, JAG, Sisters, Drake & Josh, The Wayans Bros., Lethal Weapon, and King of the Hill. 'He had a wonderful life and career,' Kwong's longtime friend Peter R.J. Deyell told Deadline . 'I watched him fight for the things he believed in, and I championed him for that. At the TV Academy, we were both very active and sometimes joked about being in the Pin Club as we always wore our pins. He was always a gentleman and willing to help.' An outspoken advocate for representation, Kwong was among those who signed a 2016 letter denouncing racially insensitive jokes during that year's Oscars. Reflecting on the moment, he told Deadline: 'I was there at the Academy Awards, and I was shocked because [Academy President] Cheryl Boone-Isaacs went up and talked about diversity and then right after that comes the jokes from Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen. Some people have the attitude, "Why can't you have a sense of humor?' and 'in humor there are no boundaries." It's because it gives people permission to not only continue it but to escalate it as well.' The Academy eventually issued an apology for the 'tone-deaf' portrayal of Asians during the broadcast. Kwong was honored in 2023 with the Snow Leopard Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement at the Asian World Film Festival, a recognition that capped off his decades-long contribution to film, television, and advocacy.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Peter Kwong dead at 73: Big Trouble in Little China star passes away
Peter Kwong, the actor and martial arts expert best known for his role in Big Trouble in Little China, has died aged 73. Kwong played Rain, one of the mystical martial arts enforcers known as the Three Storms, in John Carpenter's 1986 cult classic. According to his representative, he passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday night. A Sacramento native, Kwong launched his screen career in the late '70s, landing roles in popular series like The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, and Miami Vice. His breakout came with Big Trouble in Little China, where he starred alongside Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall. Though the film flopped at the box office—earning just $11 million on a $20 million budget—it later gained cult status. Kwong also appeared in 1986's Never Too Young to Die, opposite John Stamos and Vanity, and had a role alongside Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child. Kwong was deeply involved in the entertainment industry beyond his acting work, per Variety. He spent over a decade serving on the SAG National Board of Directors and was also part of the AFTRA National Board. His dedication extended to leadership roles within the Television Academy's Board of Governors and the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tributes and condolences poured in across social media, with fans fondly remembering Kwong's iconic role in Big Trouble in Little China. One fan wrote, 'Oh no. Condolences to his family,' while another added, 'These Asian actors who played the 3 gods are so iconic. I am not sure of the reality but I suspect this motivated Mortal Kombat's Raiden.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic Big Trouble in Little China star dies as tributes pour in from fans
Big Trouble in Little China star Peter Kwong has died aged 73, his representative have confirmed. The actor and martial artist was best known for playing Rain in John Carpenter's 1986 classic film alongside Kim Cattrall and Kurt Russell. The actor died in his sleep on Tuesday night, with his representative sharing no further details. The Californian actor took on roles in The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House of the Prairie and Miami Vice throughout the '70s and '80s. Since the sad news broke, Peter's fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the iconic film star. One wrote on X: "Peter Kwong who played Rain in Big Trouble in Little China has sadly passed away. Another small piece of our childhood gone. RIP." Another tweeted: "This is shocking and I'm saddened that Peter Kwong, the actor who played "RAIN" has passed away in his sleep overnight at the age of 73. Peter, will forever be to me, RAIN, the coolest cat, ever with long locks to wear a two piece suit! #RIP."
