Actor, filmmaker and icon James Hong, 93, at his home. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)In 1953, James Hong left Minnesota with a buddy in a Buick and hit Route 66, bound for California. Once in a scene at the desk of Curtis’ IRS auditor character when he had no lines, “James started burping,” said Curtis, laughing. But like other Asian American actors in Hollywood, Hong grew increasingly frustrated with the racist stereotypes and bit parts he had to navigate. I started to build upon that side and recover my background.”His fellow Asian American artists also shared his professional frustrations.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 15, 2022 07:42 UTC