You've Seen Me Before: Over 700 roles and 70 Years in Hollywood

by James Hong

A sweeping memoir of an Asian American Hollywood pioneer, star of Everything Everywhere All at Once and Mulan, from coming of age under the Chinese Exclusion Act to becoming one of the hardest-working actors in the business.

You might not know actor James Hong’s name, but we can guarantee you’ve seen him before. With over seven hundred acting credits and counting, James is one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors and a pioneer in Asian American entertainment.

Born to Chinese immigrants in Minneapolis, Hong endured the aggressive anti-Asian racism of the 1930s, served in the army during Korean War, and—somewhere in the mix—was bitten by the performance bug that would eventually lead to a seventy-year long career in showbiz (and counting).

From his iconic role as Chi-Fu in Disney’s Mulan to the hilariously terrifying Lo Pan in Big Trouble in Little China and Kung Fu Panda’s beloved Mr. Ping, James has been capturing viewers hearts for years. And who could forget his powerful, viral speech as he accepted the Best Ensemble Cast honors on behalf of Everything Everywhere All at Once at the Actor Awards?

Drawing on never-before-seen archival materials and hours of interviews, this is a powerful first-person journey through James’s incredible life and unique family a quintessential Asian American post-immigrant story, filled with new anecdotes and wisdom drawn from an unprecedented career, threaded through with an incisive look at nearly a century of Hollywood history.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Media Tie In, Adult, History

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2026

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I have seen James Hong in so many movies and heard his voice in even more, so I was curious to know more about him. His memoir is very easy to read and invites us into his life, showing us how he’s managed to thrive in Hollywood for so many decades. I particularly liked how he worked his way up, starting very young, and making a place for himself and many other Asian artists along the way. There is plenty of humor, but this isn’t without its serious moments. I learned so much about Hollywood throughout the years and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about James Hong.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the review copy.

[Kyle Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun look at James Hong's life and career. A nice, easy read about a legend of Hollywood.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a twenty-something lover of sci-fi and action movies in the 1980s, when we had a steady cadence of excellent and original films hitting our screens each year, I was naturally a huge fan of 1986's Big Trouble in Little China. That film had an amazing array of brilliant actors and memorable characters, but one that particularly struck me (and many people) was the antagonist, industrialist David Lo Pan and his alter ego, Lo Pan the undead sorceror, both played by Chinese-American actor James Hong. I didn't really recognize Hong at the time, but he made such an impression that I began to see him everywhere, in movies and TV shows, even ones I had seen years before--when I watched them again (e.g. Blade Runner) I realized that Hong was in just about everything, it seemed. That trend has continued to this day. Along with other actors like Brion James, Ken Curtis, Hank Worden, and Ben Jonson, who never got leading roles but always took the films they were in to the next level, Hong became one of my favorite B-list stars and someone I always delighted in seeing on the screen.

So when this book came out recently I just had to read it, and I'm glad I did. Through the writing of his co-author Jeff Yang, Hong tells the story of his bifurcated upbringing in Minneapolis and Kowloon, and the ways in which his background prepared him for a life of performing. He tells it wonderfully, with excellent pacing that lets you race through the book while appreciating all the detail his remarkable powers of recall can serve up. It is fascinating to see how his career slowly built towards the role of Lo Pan, which he claims (and I agree) was the highlight of a very storied list of credits. And what a list--over a period of 70 years Hong has gathered some 700 credits, which he claims is more than any other actor and certainly more than any other Asian actor.

Hong comes across as a warm and compassionate man with a love of family and an irresistible urge to perform, be it by acting, dancing, singing, or doing voiceover work for films and video games. He is genuinely appreciative of the help he has had, and the friends and contacts he has made, across all those years, and speaks very highly of nearly everyone he has ever worked with. (As for those of whom he does not speak so highly, one could wish he'd go into a little more detail, but he's too much the gentleman. After all, he's 97 now and they are dead! But that's not who he is.) He comes across as someone you would love to have as a neighbor and friend.

My only nits to pick about the book are, first, he's pretty stingy with giving dates of events or roles, and you are left to guess that some passage occurred in, say, the late 1950s or mid-1930s. Also, and this is my primary complaint, the entire book and almost every anecdote in it is presented through the lens of anti-Asian racism in the US. That's fair, such racism did exist, but I don't believe any Asians in Hollywood experienced at the levels Hong would have you believe for as late as he says. Certainly there are moments in his life where he recounts without possibility of denial that he was discriminated against because of his race; and that there are roles he or other Asian actors should have gotten but which went to white actors in "yellowface." But I think such discrimination played a smaller role than perhaps he believes, and I am supported by his own words recounting his award of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: "...I, a Chinese kid from Minneapolis, came to a town and industry that had little room for me, and somehow forced myself in through its cracks. For over seven decades, I'd remained in those narrow cracks, popping up here and there and everywhere, a man with a thousand names and faces, always vaguely familiar but never fully recognized..." Which to me describes the career arc of the vast majority of people who try to make a living in entertainment, not just the Chinese ones. By the end of the book I found the constant whining about racism a little grating.

But I would read this book again tomorrow. It's a well-told tale of an extraordinary life well lived, by someone who I always delight in seeing on the screen and whose older, more obscure works I am now going to be looking for simply because he was in them and I might catch a glimpse of him.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this biography about a man who has seen it all, from Hong Kong before the Second World War, the black and white days of Hollywood, from bit player to being on the Oscar stage, a director, a writer, and a man in many ways only just getting started.

I had two video rental places, a very well stocked library and best of all an illegal cable box, so I saw a lot of movies. Some good, some bad, some really bad, some so bad that well, people might look at them fondly, but yes still bad. One saw a lot of the same actors, from television to movies, in watching all of these films. James Hong was an actor I knew, not by name, not by background, but because he seemed to be in everything. Good movies, bad movies, the same for television. Playing immortal gods, number one sons, and fiendish winemakers with secrets. A man who, no matter the material, always brought his best. As a person who knew history, and as a person who knew how people judged others, I knew this couldn't have been easy. For every decent role, there was a number one son, a servant role, or something else not worthy of his character. Yet 70 years after Hong started, he is still going, winning acclaim, starring in movies, and ready to take on more roles. Roles he will still bring is all too. You've Seen Me Before: Over 700 roles and 70 Years in Hollywood (And Counting) by James Hong with Jeff Yang is a story of growing up in America, of finding a talent, of perseverance, of fighting for acknowledgement, and finally basking in the good will of fans and others in his profession.

James Hong was born in 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hong's parents were immigrants, who had created a life in the Midwest, opening a store for fellow Chinese immigrants, supplying health cures, cures that could be a little strong in the days of Prohibition, and a growing family. The family returned to Hong Kong for a short time, before returning as the clouds of War were beginning to gather. Hong was bitten by the acting bug early, watching members of the Peking Opera in his father's store, the idea of entertaining others something he couldn't shake. Though America was not very welcoming at the time to Asian people in anyway. During the Korean War, Hong traveled south to Arkansas for training, but his skill at entertaining kept him stateside, something he is sure saved his life, for being an Asian in an Asian conflict, would put two targets on his back. Graduating college, Hong went West, working for Los Angeles by day, and studying acting, getting small roles, and voice over work. Hong gave himself a limited time, but soon work began to roll in. Though not without a lot of racism, and incidents, that he recounts. Television work, and soon movies followed, working with Clark Gable, Steve McQueen and others. Over 700 roles according to his records, over 70 years, and even at 95, with a lot of roles in his future.

A very well written book, with a lot of funny stores, and a lot of behind the scenes information. Hong really has worked with everyone, from the Golden age of television, to Roger Corman, John Carpenter, and in recent blockbusters that have received Academy awards. Hong has done a lot outside of acting, starting his own troupe of actors to aid other Asian actors, fighting for respect on sets, and helping many along the way. Hong talks about making his own movies, ones that might not be among the best of his works, but still are fun to hear about. This is Hollywood history told not from the stars, but from the actors who keep the action moving. Be it as helpers, servants, or on Seinfeld gatekeepers to a Chinese restaurant. A well-done account of a life well lived, not without mistakes, and not without sadness, but one that continues to thrive.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw this book, the only role of his that stood out for me of James Hong's is his role as the host in Seinfeld. But I like reading memoirs and at age 97, I figured he would have an interesting story to tell ... and he did.

In this memoir, Hong looks back at the people, experiences, challenges and turning points that shaped his journey. He shares stories from his childhood and early life, his decision to pursue acting and the years he spent building a career in Hollywood at a time when opportunities for Asian American actors were often limited. This is a book about Hong the person as well as Hong the actor, the experiences he had, the relationships he formed and the lives and characters he encountered during more than 70 years in Hollywood.

Hong was born in Minneapolis, MN, in 1929 to Chinese emigrant parents. The family relocated to Hong Kong when he was young and then moved back to the States when he was ten. He talks about how hard it was being the only Asian kid in school and experienced bullying and racism.

Hong writes about the many different jobs and roles he took on throughout his career and the people he met along the way. His memories include working on television shows and movies, meeting major Hollywood stars (the good and bad experiences), attending auditions, dealing with rejection and finding ways to keep working in an industry that could be difficult. He also discusses his experiences as an Asian American performer. Many of his early roles were shaped by the stereotypes and limited opportunities available to Asian actors and he describes what it was like to work within those limitations while continuing to pursue his career. As Hollywood changed, so did the kinds of opportunities available to him. His stories also touch on family, friendships, colleagues, perseverance and the importance of staying active and engaged throughout a long life.

I liked the writing style and found it more intersting than I thought I would. It was interesting but not surprising to read how Asian (and other minorities) were treated back in the day in Hollywood. He would audition for an Asian role only to find it had been given to an obvious non-Asian and he would be awarded a stereotypical lesser Asian role. Thankfully things have changed and a lot of that is thanks to Hong. What would have made this book better would be including photographs.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/09...

[Margie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good show biz memoir, and James Hong's You've Seen Me Before checks all of the boxes. I do remember seeing him in many movies and TV shows--both dramas and comedies--and always recognized him and knew his name. Because he frequently used an Asian accent in his roles, I assumed he came to the US from China. I didn't realize that he was actually born in Minnesota, although he and his family spent a few years living in Hong Kong during his early childhood. Hong's parents didn't want James to have a career in show business, but after completing am engineering degree and working in the field for a brief time, he convinced them when he started having success in garnering performing roles.

James Hong showed himself to be a thoughtful actor, coming up with different ways to deliver his dialogue and create a memorable character. He played opposite many of the great actors in movies such as Chinatown, Flower Drum Song, The Sand Pebbles, Blade Runner, and most recently, the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once He could often be seen as a guest actor in such popular TV series as Friends, Seinfeld, and The Big Bang Theory, and he has won awards for his voiceover acting, including the Kung Fu Panda series and Mulan.

When Hong's career began, white actors often played the leading roles of Asian characters, using prosthetics on their eyes. But over the years, James Hong was a part of changing the way Asian actors were regarded and appreciated. He co-founded an all-Asian acting troupe and served on the board of the Screen Actors' Guild headed by Charlton Heston.

In this book, Hong focuses mostly on his career, and what a career it has been! Recently he received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, which was long overdue for this now-97-year-old actor with more than 700 roles to his credit. I found the book very entertaining and enjoyed every page.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[Elaine · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of You've Seen Me Before.

I think it’s safe to say we’ve all seen James Hong in countless shows and movies over the years.

Whenever he popped up in anything, I'd think: it's this guy again!

And really, that says it all—he was the go-to Asian character actor the industry relied on, especially at a time when there were far fewer opportunities for people of Asian descent.

My favorite role of his was as the maître d’ on Seinfeld.

The episode is so relatable, waiting to get seated at a Chinese restaurant when you're so hungry but also have to be somewhere else, everyone's comic timing was on point, and the one-liners were so memorable that my sister and I still quote them to this day.

That’s the kind of talent this memoir helps capture: not just visibility, but impact.

What I appreciated most is that this book isn't about Mr. Hong's television and movie roles across so many different genres—it’s a biography worth reading to memorialize the legend of James Hong and to understand how he moved through Hollywood and show business while facing racism as not just a minority but as an Asian actor.

I admire his ambition, his strength and resilience—but reading his memoir demonstrated where he got these attributes; his parents, as a child of hardworking immigrants, his innate drive and taking work no matter how small, building experience, making mistakes and learning from them, strengthening relationships, and creating a name for himself even when the setbacks and challenges were real.

It’s inspiring to see how he kept going despite the obstacles in his way, how he kept forging ahead, and how he built a lasting career with courage and consistency.

At almost 100 years old, he continues to learn, live, and grow and in sharing his life and experiences, we can learn from him.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I have seen James Hong before...many times in many movies and TV shows. This is a pretty typical "celebrity memoir" filled with biographical information and memories of his life in and out of Hollywood as an Asian actor.

If you're a movie fan, you will likely find this memoir interesting and a quick read. There are many new things to learn about this prolific actor's life and work since he has not been fodder for the tabloids. His experiences as a Chinese-American growing up in Minnesota (!) and as an aspiring actor in Hollywood are told with humor and evoke empathy from the reader. Especially interesting and informative are his efforts to bring Hollywood out of the era of always casting white actors as Asian characters. There's plenty of name-dropping and anecdotes about almost every movie set, director, and fellow actors Hong worked with over the years. He shares some stories of his personal life (parents, siblings, spouses, children) too, but the bulk of the text is about his career. A worthy effort that gives insight into the life of this well known face (even if you didn't know his name). There's nothing remarkable about the writing, not are there any "blockbuster" revelations, just a good story of a long career and a long, well lived life.

NOTE -- This book is very up to date including Hong's responses to the deaths of some of his fellow actors and his recent accolades stemming from the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once. Also, on a personal note -- it was nice to read a celebrity "tell all" that didn't really "tell all". I'm pretty tired of reading the sexual escapades of Hollywood stars. James Hong is apparently a quiet family man with many loyal friends and family members

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fascinating. I’m so grateful I got to read this early but I’m hoping James records the audiobook for this himself so I can re-experience it that way as well. In this memoir James walks you through his life and career experiences with over 7 decades of Hollywood history. What I loved most was seeing the history I’m already somewhat familiar with through the lens of an Asian American actor. The amount of racism and typecasting that has been tolerated for far too long is absolutely appalling. I’m so glad that because of his years in the industry and his personal contributions towards equality he’s getting to see the impact (even if it’s slow). I’m also so glad he’s finally gotten his due with his awards for EEAAO and his star on the walk of fame.

The style of writing is a somewhat casual stream of consciousness. It feels as if you’ve sat down with James personally to hear his story (hence wanting him to record the audiobook). It’s beautiful and he and Jeff Yang have clearly worked to keep tangents from cropping up. But there are a few sections here and there when the story jumps from one place/time/movie set to another and I was a bit lost thinking I’d missed something.

I’m thrilled that this memoir exists. James Hong is such a talented and generous actor with so many incredible experiences. At nearly 100 years of age I’m grateful he shared his story for the sake of history and all of the aspiring Asian actors following his legacy.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

James Hong's memoir is a insightful account of his journey into making a name for himself in the entertainment industry at a time when Asians and Asian Americans were not seen as marketable or favorable, juxtaposed with his pursuit of living up to his parents' expectations of living 'the American Dream".

His life is a living document of what the Chinese-American experience in the 20th Century was like, and the subtle ways he (and fellow Asian-American actors) made strides to lessen the use of Yellowface and to showcase Asian-American actors as complex people (and not as the usual stereotypes). I enjoyed reading about his interactions with the slew of legendary Hollywood actors and directors, and his matter-of-fact accounts that were neither overly praising or slanderous.

I'm so glad he has lived such a long rich life and to get all his flowers, seeing how his efforts to help advocate for Asian Americans in the entertainment industry has made an impact.

[Christine Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ve Seen Me Before is an inspiring and reflective account of Chinese-American James Hong’s legendary acting career and life.

As someone who's watched many of his roles, it was fun getting a behind-the-scenes look into James Hong’s prolific acting roles, life story, and advocacy for Asian actors. The memoir primarily focuses on his acting career but does get candid about his personal life along the way. I really like that he explores so many of his beloved roles with fond memories and fun facts. I also enjoyed discovering his impact on the industry through co-founding the East West Players and the Association of Asian/Pacific American Artists (AAPAA) for Asian actors.

Overall, it was a delight to learn about a talented actor's career and positive impact within the entertainment industry! If you enjoy James Hong's roles or just want to read a celebrity memoir, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't have a sense of the length and scope of James Hong's career, consider that his first film role was alongside Clark Gable, and that he was also part of the cast that won a SAG award for best ensemble in EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE.

As the title says, you've seen him before, even if you think you haven't. He was the maitre d' in the Chinese restaurant episode of Seinfeld, the wizened villain in BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, the eyeball maker in BLADE RUNNER, Kahn the butler in CHINATOWN. He's worked with Ridley Scott, John Carpenter, Polanski, Roger Corman.

Early in his career, he took a job dubbing a film that turned out to be the first American release of GODZILLA (he did seven different voices).

This guy's got anecdotes, and ones you haven't heard before, because they involve his own personal experiences and interactions with some very famous names.

Perhaps best of all, though, is getting an insider's view of Hollywood's treatment of Chinese (and other Asian) actors spanning seven decades.

A must-read for those who like Hollywood memoirs.

[Richard L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Hong's voice is a critical perspective on the ongoing and incomplete evolution of American entertainment and culture.

Hollywood has always been a reflection of American society at large. More aspirational at times, but laboring under the same self-delusions. It is ironic that so many intellectually lazy critics believe the domestic film industry is progressive to the point of being out of touch with "regular" people, when in fact it remains entrenched in the same outdated ignorance that pervades every other facet of American life, particularly its politics and governance, but also (and sometimes very obviously) the arts.

The fact that Mr. Hong has yet to (and likely will never) receive an Oscar, not even an honorary one, is a perfect illustration of this disappointing yet unsurprising reality.

Could have done with at least 50 more pages of memories and insights from this still-underappreciated and under-rated legend of the silver screen.

But, what he has given us here rings is clearly, authentically, generously, wittily, and poignantly a man in full, always and only himself.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to see the talented actor, James Hong wrote his memoir. He picked the perfect title for his book because If anyone has watched any movies or tv shows over the decades, they have definitely seen this awesome actor. He writes of mostly growing up in Minneapolis Minnesota and living for a couple years in China. HIs career spans seven decades to the tune of over 700 acting credits. It would be impossible to write of every thing he has acted in so he does write of some well known movies ending with the movie that won an Oscar Everything Everywhere all at once. I was delighted for Mr. Hong to finally get is star on the walk of fame. He writes of the good and bad parts of being an Asian man trying to have a career in a business that caters to White actors. I know i have seen him in countless roles from Tv and movies. I was happy to get a copy from NetGalley.. A very well written memoir. Glad I go to know more about this wonderful actor.

[Claire Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[bluerose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm embarrassed that I waited so long to read this.

When I saw James Hong's face on the cover of his memoir I immediately thought, "Oh it's THAT guy....what has he been in again?" The answer is, in fact, EVERYTHING. He has over SEVEN HUNDRED CREDITS which he himself believes is more than any other actor in history. He has worked, it seems, with nearly everyone who is anyone in Hollywood and beyond and shows no signs of slowing down. This is a fascinating read which not only covers his life and career but also paints a picture of the history of Asian representation on stage and screen as well as the ugly realities of the racism faced by the Asian community. At ninety-seven years old, he is still working and I will be watching for his next project.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great celebrity autobiography. He dumps on a couple of people, but not too hard. He seems to have a kind word for everyone... or at least not too harsh.

I wanted to read his autobiography because I HAVE seen him in so many films. I've noticed him. I have also been reading a lot about China, much of it not very flattering and I wanted to know what he thought. Again, he validated what I already read about China, and as always, he had kind things to say.

He was 97 as of the publishing of this book. He is still in the business, doing voice acting such as voicing the goose character in Kung Fu Panda, a very popular animated film, even in China. He added greatly to the film as expected.

I might read this book one more time if I outlive him. Given how well he is doing at the moment, it is not so certain that I will. I wish him good fortune and long life.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Hong is definitely an actor everyone in my house adores. From *Big Trouble in Little China,* and *Blade Runner,* all the way to *Kung Fu Panda* and its sequels, *Everything Everywhere All at Once* and so much more. I knew I wanted to read his memoir the second I saw it and I’m so glad I did.

Learning more about the racism Asians faced in Hollywood (not to mention living with in the time), Mr Hong’s younger days, family life, acting adventures, journeys in the world, and emotionally, I was very impressed with this, and enjoyed my reading of *You’ve Seen Me Before* immensely.

Also, congratulations to Mr Hong for being the eldest actor to gain a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Recommended!



Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[Amy Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This title is not a simple boast made by the author. Unless you’ve not watched anything on screen for the last 70 years, you have definitely seen him before however, seeing a person isn’t getting to know them. Oh boy does James Hong have a story to tell!
I loved the anecdotes Mr. Hong tells of our favorite movies/shows. But, if possible, his life is even more interesting than his career. His unique perspective makes his book stand out among many Hollywood memoirs.

[Diane Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to a Goodreads giveaway I was lucky to have read an advanced copy. Reading about his life growing up, his stories about the people he worked with was wonderful. His tenacity to never give up his an admirable trait. Reading about the racism he faced was heartbreaking. Him finally getting his rewards was nice, wish it wasn’t so late in his career. He should be proud of his role in Everything everywhere all at once, his star, and footprints. I wonder what kind of leading roles he could have had if he was just starting his career now?

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging memoir of the actor's life and career. Stories about the directors and actors he worked with and the difficulty Asian actors had in pursuing careers in entertainment due to their ethnicity. Fond memories of movies and TV shows watching Mr. Hong performing.
#You'veSeenMeBefore #AtriaBooks #NetGalley

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, You've Seen Me Before, by James Hong, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. James Hong is an actor, Ive seen Mulan which he was in but that is all ive seen of his many movies. This was an enjoyable read.

[Javierthearcnovice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

Wow! Great story. I’ve have seen James Hong before. Many times in fact but never knew how long he’d been in the industry and the things he endured. Fascinating read!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I really liked reading about James Hong's life and experiences in the film industry (especially experiences on each of the various films he worked on).

There were a few times I was lost and would've liked it to be a little more structured, but I couldn't stop reading!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging read. 97 years have given Mr. Hong a lot to talk about, and I enjoyed all of it.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good read.

[Michelle Pfeifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this free from Goodreads. I loved it. What an amazing career for James Wong. I had no idea. This book was a huge surprise for me. I’d recommend highly.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating memoir about an Asian American actor who has tolerated countless moments of racial discrimination but has persevered in his dream of working in Hollywood.

It warms my heart that James Hong got to tell his story at nearly 100 years old. I’m so glad he was finally recognized after EEAAO and that he received his star, hand, and footprints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The memoir felt like sitting down with a friend and having a conversation that goes off in little tangents, so sometimes I felt like I got a little lost in the story and thought I might have missed a few things but a great read nonetheless.

[Dawn Leitheuser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A completely fascinating read into the life and career of Mr Hong. I truly enjoyed his story.

[Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s unbelievable that James Hong, 97 years old, can pack his life into a memoir less than 300 pages long. James always loved performing, although his Chinese immigrant family was not supportive initially. From Minneapolis to an army base and then to California and beyond, James steadily developed his acting talent. He spills the tea on acting icons, like Jack Nicholson and Michelle Yeoh. He never forgets the racist slights he suffered when working. Meanwhile, he kept advocating for more roles for Asian American actors and for the end of yellow face. Like all performers, he wants the highest accolades, like the Oscars. He is very happy with his Hollywood star.