Who is Ke Huy Quan? From Child Star to Oscars Winner
As one of the most beloved child stars of the 80s, Ke Huy Quan is best known for his starring roles in blockbuster movies like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and Uncle Buck. What many may not know, however, is that Quan’s incredible career has spanned decades, from starring in iconic 80s movies to taking home an Academy Award. Here’s a closer look at the career of this Hollywood legend.
Early Life and Career
Ke Huy Quan was born in Saigon in 1971, during the Vietnam War. When he was just seven years old, his family fled the war-torn country as refugees and eventually made their way to the United States. After getting settled in the US, Quan became interested in acting, and he soon earned his first major film role in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. He went on to star in a number of other 80s movies, including The Goonies and Uncle Buck.
Move to Directing
By the mid-90s, Quan had become disenchanted with acting and decided to shift his focus to directing. He co-directed the 1997 film Rocket Man and had a hand in producing a number of other films, including the 2003 comedy A Guy Thing. He then moved into the world of television, directing episodes for hit shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Malcolm in the Middle.
Return to Acting
In 2013, Quan made a triumphant return to acting, starring as Tao Chi’en in the Academy Award-winning film Life of Pi. Though he had a brief role in the movie, it was enough to earn him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to take home the award, becoming the first Asian-American actor to do so.
More Movie Appearances
After his win, Quan continued to appear in a variety of film and TV roles, including Netflix’s Marco Polo and the 2019 movie After Yang. He’s also appeared on the small screen in shows like Into the Badlands, Preacher, and Love, Victor.
Why Ke Huy Quan Is a Hollywood Icon
Ke Huy Quan is an inspirational Hollywood success story. A refugee from Vietnam, he rose to fame as one of the most beloved child stars of the 80s, only to make an even bigger splash years later. He’s one of the few actors ever to win an Academy Award after returning to acting after a long absence, and he continues to make appearances in everything from blockbuster movies to beloved TV shows.
During his incredible career, Ke Huy Quan has proved himself to be a versatile talent and an icon in the entertainment industry.
