James Hong, a veteran actor with a career spanning seven decades, reflects on the evolution of Asian American representation in Hollywood. Hong, now 95, began his onscreen journey in the 1950s when roles for actors of Asian descent were often limited to cliché villainous characters.
Despite the stereotypical roles he initially accepted, Hong's passion for acting led him to pursue numerous bit parts, eventually becoming a familiar face in Hollywood. He credits his longevity in the industry to being in the right place at the right time, with Hollywood embracing him and offering diverse opportunities.