Peter Kwong Passes Away: Beloved Actor and Martial Artist Dies at 73
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Peter Kwong, a talented martial artist and actor who left an indelible mark on film and television. According to his representatives, Kwong passed away in his sleep on Tuesday night at the age of 73. Deadline was informed of his passing.
With a career spanning nearly five decades, Kwong appeared in a wide range of TV shows and films, including Big Trouble in Little China and The Golden Child. Born on April 9, 1952, Kwong began his screen career in the mid-1970s, making guest appearances on popular TV series such as Wonder Woman and Black Sheep Squadron. He continued to work steadily throughout the 1980s, landing roles in shows like Cagney & Lacey, Bret Maverick, and Miami Vice, as reported by Deadline.
One of Kwong’s most notable roles came in 1986 when he was cast as Rain, one of the Three Storms, in John Carpenter’s action-adventure film Big Trouble in Little China, starring Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall. That same year, he appeared in The Golden Child, playing restaurant owner and henchman Tommy Tong alongside Eddie Murphy. Deadline confirmed that Kwong’s performance in these films showcased his impressive martial arts skills.
In addition to his acting career, Kwong was an accomplished martial artist, training in Northern Shaolin kung fu, Chinese kata, and with various weapons. He was also a skilled dancer, specializing in ballroom and martial arts fusion, disco, and breaking. Friends praised his impressive pop-locking skills, as noted by Deadline.
Kwong’s involvement in the entertainment industry extended beyond acting. He was an active participant in Hollywood politics, serving on the SAG National Board of Directors for over a decade and the AFTRA National Board of Directors. He also completed a four-year stint on the Television Academy Board of Governors and was a member of the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to Deadline.
As an advocate for Asian representation in Hollywood, Kwong was a vocal critic of anti-Asian stereotyping. In 2016, he was among a group of actors who signed a letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, denouncing jokes made at the expense of Asians during the Oscars that year. Deadline recalled Kwong’s comments on the matter, highlighting his passion for promoting diversity and inclusion.
In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, Kwong received the Asian World Film Festival’s 2023 Snow Leopard Award for outstanding cinematic achievement. As reported by Deadline, this award served as a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Tributes are pouring in for Kwong, with longtime friend Peter R.J. Deyell remembering him as a "gentleman and willing to help" individual who was passionate about fighting for the things he believed in. As the entertainment industry continues to mourn his loss, Kwong’s legacy as a talented actor, martial artist, and advocate will be remembered for years to come, as noted by Deadline.
