Peter Kwong, the beloved actor known for his powerful presence on screen and stage, has passed away in Los Angeles, California. A true veteran of the entertainment industry, Kwong’s career spanned decades and included more than 100 roles in film, television, and theater. His death marks the loss of not only a remarkable performer but also a passionate advocate for diversity and equality in the arts.
Kwong gained widespread recognition for his role as Rain in John Carpenter’s cult classic Big Trouble in Little China, where his martial arts skills and charismatic performance left a lasting impression on audiences.
He was equally memorable as Tommy Tong, the villainous henchman in The Golden Child, starring Eddie Murphy. His versatility as an actor allowed him to move seamlessly between action, comedy, and drama, making him a valuable presence in Hollywood.
Beyond these iconic roles, Kwong appeared in a diverse array of films, including The Presidio, Angel Town, Never Too Young To Die, Gleaming the Cube, and Theodore Rex alongside Whoopi Goldberg.
His later work included Row Your Boat with Jon Bon Jovi and Bai Ling and portraying the King of Korea in The Living Reed, based on the novel by Pearl S. Buck. He had recently completed filming Cooties, a horror-comedy starring Elijah Wood, showcasing his enduring passion for storytelling and performance.
On television, Kwong was a familiar face to many, having made guest appearances on shows such as Sullivan & Son, Malcolm and Eddie, Sisters, The Wayans Brothers, Daddy Dearest, Renegade, Top Cops, Full House, and Doctor, Doctor.
His stage work was equally lauded, most notably his portrayal of Dr. Haing S. Ngor in The Survivor: A Cambodian Odyssey at the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Humana Festival. He also showcased his musical theater talents in Mame, performing alongside the late Juliet Prowse.
Kwong’s contributions went far beyond acting. He was deeply involved in industry organizations and advocacy. He served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and was a member of the Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA.
As chairman of the Committee for Racial Equality of Actors Equity Association and Vice-Chair of both the Ethnic Equal Opportunities Committee and the Young Performers Committee of the Screen Actors Guild, Kwong tirelessly championed representation and inclusion in the performing arts.
His community involvement extended to cultural events and outreach. He participated in Los Angeles Asian Pacific Heritage Week and served as emcee for numerous celebrations, including Visual Communications’ events, the Lotus Festival, and the Los Angeles Miss Chinatown Pageant, which he hosted four times. Kwong even traveled to Namibia, Africa, to serve as a judge for the Miss Universe Pageant, reflecting the global respect he commanded.
In addition to acting, Peter Kwong was a skilled martial artist. He studied Northern Shao Lin Kung-Fu, which enabled him to perform many of his own stunts. Over time, his interests evolved into the more meditative disciplines of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Meditation. He not only practiced but taught Tai Chi, emphasizing balance, discipline, and inner strength—qualities that defined him both on and off the screen.
Kwong’s artistic versatility also extended into dance and mime. He held honorary membership in the Los Angeles Mime Guild and was featured dancing in music videos, including Ed Sheeran’s “Sing,” proving that his talent and energy transcended mediums and genres.
Peter Kwong’s legacy is one of talent, integrity, and advocacy. He paved the way for greater diversity in entertainment and inspired countless aspiring performers with his dedication to his craft and his community. He will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
