Peter Kwong, a legendary Chinese American actor, has passed away at the age of 73. He was best known for playing Rain in Big Trouble in Little China and Tommy in The Golden Child, and he often guest-starred in TV series. Kwong frequently did voice work and regularly performed his own stunts. He most recently played the role of Mike in the comedy web series Pepito’s Mamadas. Peter Kwong’s Early Career
Peter Kwong’s nearly five-decade acting career began with guest spots in shows like St. Elsewhere, Wonder Woman, JAG, Cagney & Lacey, and MacGyver with Richard Dean Anderson. His big break came when he was selected to play Rain in the Kurt Russell flick Big Trouble in Little China. He appeared as one of the three antagonistic supernatural forces that Jack had to battle.
Peter Kwong’s Work Through the Years
Peter guested on television series and sporadically performed voice work. Trained in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, he performed his own stunts. He taught Tai Chi Chuan and meditation and was an accomplished dancer.
Peter Kwong’s acting work during his later years was comprised of a guest spot on TV series Lethal Weapon, an appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, and he played Mr. Hatachi in the Elijah Wood-led Cooties.
Beyond Peter Kwong’s Screen Work
Besides Peter’s long list of acting credits, he was a stunt coordinator and served on the Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA. He also served two terms on the Governor’s Board of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition, Peter was active in the Asian community, especially in and around Los Angeles. He was on the planning board for the Los Angeles Asian-Pacific Heritage Week and the Lotus Festival. Peter won the distinguished Snow Leopard award in 2023 for outstanding cinematic achievement.
Peter R.J. Deyell, an actor, producer, and friend who served with Kwong at the TV Academy, said, “He had a wonderful life and career.” Peter Kwong was an activist against Asian stereotyping, and he wrote a letter to AMPAS decrying anti-Asian jokes that were made at the Oscars in 2016.
Remembering Peter Kwong’s Legacy in Cinema
Peter Kwong had just turned 73 in April. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of May 27, 2025. He will be remembered for his acting, martial arts, and championing of Asian culture in cinema.
