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Never Say Die
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In this stunning and compulsively readable memoir, the Oscar-winning star of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, Ke Huy Quan, tells the story of his journey from Vietnamese refugee to 80s child star to the most inspiring comeback in Hollywood history.
Ke Huy Quan’s Hollywood adventure began when he was twelve years old, a mere five years after his family escaped Communist Northern Vietnam and settled down to a relatively peaceful life in L.A.’s Chinatown. After attending an open call audition on a whim, he was unexpectedly swept up in the wild world of filmmaking: learning to swim from Harrison Ford on the set of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, receiving trucks full of toys from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for his birthday, meeting Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, and making lifelong friends on the set of The Goonies.
A star of two of the most beloved movies of the ‘80s, there appeared to be no limit to Ke’s rise. But just a few years later, the roles had dried up and it seemed like Hollywood no longer had a place for him. He eventually left acting to work odd jobs behind the scenes for directors like Wong Kar Wai. His confidence was badly shaken, but his love of performing never abated. It wasn’t until decades later, when he was 49 years old, that he stepped back in front of the camera to star in a strange little indie film called Everything Everywhere All at Once, which surprised everyone with its incredible box-office and awards season success. To call Ke’s Oscar-winning performance a triumphant return would be an understatement.
In this moving, inspirational memoir, Ke paints a vivid self-portrait, telling both heart-wrenching and funny stories of his early rise, slow fall from the spotlight, the resilience that kept him going through his darkest times, and his eventual resurrection on one of the biggest stages in Hollywood. Never Say Die is the story of Ke’s extraordinary life, a love letter to the movies and people that shaped him, and a powerful testament to never giving up on your dreams.
Ke Huy Quan’s Hollywood adventure began when he was twelve years old, a mere five years after his family escaped Communist Northern Vietnam and settled down to a relatively peaceful life in L.A.’s Chinatown. After attending an open call audition on a whim, he was unexpectedly swept up in the wild world of filmmaking: learning to swim from Harrison Ford on the set of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, receiving trucks full of toys from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for his birthday, meeting Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, and making lifelong friends on the set of The Goonies.
A star of two of the most beloved movies of the ‘80s, there appeared to be no limit to Ke’s rise. But just a few years later, the roles had dried up and it seemed like Hollywood no longer had a place for him. He eventually left acting to work odd jobs behind the scenes for directors like Wong Kar Wai. His confidence was badly shaken, but his love of performing never abated. It wasn’t until decades later, when he was 49 years old, that he stepped back in front of the camera to star in a strange little indie film called Everything Everywhere All at Once, which surprised everyone with its incredible box-office and awards season success. To call Ke’s Oscar-winning performance a triumphant return would be an understatement.
In this moving, inspirational memoir, Ke paints a vivid self-portrait, telling both heart-wrenching and funny stories of his early rise, slow fall from the spotlight, the resilience that kept him going through his darkest times, and his eventual resurrection on one of the biggest stages in Hollywood. Never Say Die is the story of Ke’s extraordinary life, a love letter to the movies and people that shaped him, and a powerful testament to never giving up on your dreams.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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2026
May 20, 2026ANHPI TBR
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📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
Memoir March TBR
Non-fiction November TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
May 31, 2026
Finished with tears in my eyes.
Immediately after finishing, I rewatched Ke Huy Quan’s Golden Globe and Oscar speeches.
“I remember saying, “For so many years, I was afraid I had nothing more to offer.”
What a storied life of someone who was once forgotten in the industry , but never from our hearts, playing pivotal roles in Indiana Jones and The Goonies.
While I wished there were more descriptions - Quan watched a private showing at Michael Jackson’s house (what really happened in that house?), what famous actor (and how dare he) try to minimize him at SAG awards? Regardless, I enjoyed this quick memoir of a fabled Chinese actor who escaped on a refugee boat during the fall of Saigon.
Being a refugee is by far the most important part of this story, as he mentions in the first line of his memoir:
“you have to understand that no one puts those children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land”
Quan proves, we all have a history, and there are a certain type of people that refuse to believe in basic humanity.
“For years I wondered how things would be if I had a different beginning. One without that label—refugee. The shame it carried. At times, I wished I could erase it entirely. But I understood what that would mean. To erase that part of my story would be to erase my parents’ sacrifices—the very things that gave me a chance at life.”
I would have loved some pictures of his life at the end, but I think Quan still wants to preserve what life he has lived in many ways. Regardless, I’m happy I read this memoir.
Thank you Grand Central for the advanced copy!
Immediately after finishing, I rewatched Ke Huy Quan’s Golden Globe and Oscar speeches.
“I remember saying, “For so many years, I was afraid I had nothing more to offer.”
What a storied life of someone who was once forgotten in the industry , but never from our hearts, playing pivotal roles in Indiana Jones and The Goonies.
While I wished there were more descriptions - Quan watched a private showing at Michael Jackson’s house (what really happened in that house?), what famous actor (and how dare he) try to minimize him at SAG awards? Regardless, I enjoyed this quick memoir of a fabled Chinese actor who escaped on a refugee boat during the fall of Saigon.
Being a refugee is by far the most important part of this story, as he mentions in the first line of his memoir:
“you have to understand that no one puts those children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land”
Quan proves, we all have a history, and there are a certain type of people that refuse to believe in basic humanity.
“For years I wondered how things would be if I had a different beginning. One without that label—refugee. The shame it carried. At times, I wished I could erase it entirely. But I understood what that would mean. To erase that part of my story would be to erase my parents’ sacrifices—the very things that gave me a chance at life.”
I would have loved some pictures of his life at the end, but I think Quan still wants to preserve what life he has lived in many ways. Regardless, I’m happy I read this memoir.
Thank you Grand Central for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I saw the cover of this memoir, I was so excited! As a Gen Xer, two of my most beloved movies were Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies. I had always wondered why I hadn’t seen Ke Huy Quan in anything since a small cameo in Encino Man — up until another brief cameo in Finding O’hana a few years ago and then, of course, the amazing Everything Everywhere All At Once. My little brother and I would run around the house yelling lines from Temple of Doom, and especially the lines from Short Round, who was our tiny but mighty hero in that film.
Ke has an incredible story, and this memoir delves into his early life, as well as later career struggles as an actor. As a child, he was one of the Vietnamese refugees seeking asylum in the United States. I knew of that fact already, but not the entire story behind it — be prepared to cry. He tells his story of how his family, including either other siblings, mother, and father escaped Vietnam and came to the US in 1979. The family had gotten split up, and Ke and his father and some of his sisters ended up for a year in a Hong Kong refugee camp before finally immigrating to the US.
The book discusses his immigration to the United States, how he was discovered by a casting team that just happened to be at his Saturday ESL (English as Second Language) class, his relationship with Steven Spielberg as well as Harrison Ford, and his later challenges in his career, especially when Asian American actors were not chosen for many roles. I both laughed and cried reading this book, and would excitedly relate anecdotes to my husband about behind the scenes stories during filming, and his life’s accomplishments.
Thank you to Ke Huy Quan and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy.
Ke has an incredible story, and this memoir delves into his early life, as well as later career struggles as an actor. As a child, he was one of the Vietnamese refugees seeking asylum in the United States. I knew of that fact already, but not the entire story behind it — be prepared to cry. He tells his story of how his family, including either other siblings, mother, and father escaped Vietnam and came to the US in 1979. The family had gotten split up, and Ke and his father and some of his sisters ended up for a year in a Hong Kong refugee camp before finally immigrating to the US.
The book discusses his immigration to the United States, how he was discovered by a casting team that just happened to be at his Saturday ESL (English as Second Language) class, his relationship with Steven Spielberg as well as Harrison Ford, and his later challenges in his career, especially when Asian American actors were not chosen for many roles. I both laughed and cried reading this book, and would excitedly relate anecdotes to my husband about behind the scenes stories during filming, and his life’s accomplishments.
Thank you to Ke Huy Quan and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I've been a fan of Ke Huy Quan for so long, so I was excited to read his memoir, but I wasn't prepared for how emotional and inspiring it would be. From the very first chapter, I felt completely invested in his story.
What struck me most is how humble and genuine Ke is. Even when he's talking about working with Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas, there's a sense of wonder and gratitude that never feels forced. The behind-the-scenes stories from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies were a lot of fun, but it was the chapters about the years when acting opportunities disappeared that really stayed with me.
My heart broke for him at times. Knowing how talented he is and seeing how hard he has worked, it was frustrating to read about the barriers he faced in Hollywood. At the same time, his determination, resilience, and refusal to completely give up on his dream made his eventual comeback feel even sweeter.
This is one of those memoirs that reminds you that life doesn't always follow the timeline you expect. Sometimes the biggest victories come after years of setbacks and disappointment. Ke Huy Quan's story is inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply human. I finished the book with an even greater appreciation for him—not just as an actor, but as a person.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
What struck me most is how humble and genuine Ke is. Even when he's talking about working with Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas, there's a sense of wonder and gratitude that never feels forced. The behind-the-scenes stories from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies were a lot of fun, but it was the chapters about the years when acting opportunities disappeared that really stayed with me.
My heart broke for him at times. Knowing how talented he is and seeing how hard he has worked, it was frustrating to read about the barriers he faced in Hollywood. At the same time, his determination, resilience, and refusal to completely give up on his dream made his eventual comeback feel even sweeter.
This is one of those memoirs that reminds you that life doesn't always follow the timeline you expect. Sometimes the biggest victories come after years of setbacks and disappointment. Ke Huy Quan's story is inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply human. I finished the book with an even greater appreciation for him—not just as an actor, but as a person.
Many thanks to Edelweiss+ and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a digital ARC prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Never Say Die is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles Ke Huy Quan's remarkable journey through life, fame, adversity, and perseverance. His voice is genuine, warm, and engaging, making it easy to become invested in his story from the very first page.
What makes this memoir shine is its honesty. Quan shares both the triumphs and challenges that shaped his path, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal and relatable. His passion for storytelling and appreciation for the opportunities he's been given are evident throughout.
This is an uplifting read about resilience, hope, and the power of believing in yourself even when the odds seem stacked against you. Fans of memoirs and inspirational stories will find plenty to enjoy here.
Never Say Die is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles Ke Huy Quan's remarkable journey through life, fame, adversity, and perseverance. His voice is genuine, warm, and engaging, making it easy to become invested in his story from the very first page.
What makes this memoir shine is its honesty. Quan shares both the triumphs and challenges that shaped his path, creating a narrative that feels deeply personal and relatable. His passion for storytelling and appreciation for the opportunities he's been given are evident throughout.
This is an uplifting read about resilience, hope, and the power of believing in yourself even when the odds seem stacked against you. Fans of memoirs and inspirational stories will find plenty to enjoy here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the arc of this book. I usually don't read biographies or memoirs but I couldn't resist this one. Ke Huy Quan's story has been pulling me in since the first time I saw him back on a red carpet. I read this book in one sitting. I did not want to put it down. I knew some of his story from his speeches and social media over the years but reading it in his own words was emotional. This memoir tells Ke's whole story. It is very well written and the book flows well. I was moved to tears multiple times reading this book but that was not surprising to me at all since I was moved to tears during his award speeches and seeing him reunite with Harrison Ford on the red carpet. This book is a must read. I highly recommend reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I only ever meant to read a couple pages as someone who grew up on the Goonies – I’m not a memoir or even a nonfiction reader but all of that quickly changed as I then quickly found myself sat down and halfway through Ke Huy Quan’s memoir. I simply could not look away nor put it down. For someone who has suffered the slings and arrows of not just Hollywood but also being a refugee, Ke Huy Quan has such a cheerful levity on just being, speaking, and now writing. I loved this memoir and how uplifting I found it to be.
Thank you Edelweiss for my arc <3
Thank you Edelweiss for my arc <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a fan of the Goonies and Temple of Doom and remember Ke from those movies. I recall him leaving acting, the return to acting and the infamous photo with Harrison Ford. With that said, when his memoir came available, it is one I wanted to read. From reading I learned about his early life and being a refugee, how he got the part in the Indian Jones movie and so much more. I have to say this was a very touching, inspiring and emotional book. It made me cry and I highly recommend it. I read in two days because I couldn’t put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I would like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have always been a fan ever since I saw The Goonies as a child when it originally came out. Ke is a great story teller, he has charm and he tells his story with grace all while still being truthful. It was a really fun, interesting read.
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My most anticipated celebrity memoir of 2026!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews