A Rare Public Appearance by a 80s Comedy Icon
A well-known actor from an iconic 80s comedy recently made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles. At the age of 70, the actor, who gained fame for his controversial role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles, was seen in high spirits during a shopping trip.
Dressed casually in an Oxford shirt, cargo shorts, and a bucket hat, he looked far removed from the glamorous red carpet moments of his past, including his memorable performance in Gung Ho alongside Michael Keaton in 1986. Fans of the actor may also recall his role as the unforgettable Ling in Disney’s Mulan from 1998. Later, he won the hearts of many as the charming Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003.
Before delving into the controversy surrounding his role in Sixteen Candles, which featured Molly Ringwald, can you guess the identity of this mystery celebrity?
If you guessed Gedde Watanabe, you are absolutely correct!
The Controversial Role of Long Duk Dong
The character of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student staying with Sam’s (Molly Ringwald) grandparents, has been the subject of significant backlash in recent years. Critics have condemned the character as a racist caricature, relying heavily on harmful Asian stereotypes. His exaggerated antics, combined with the iconic gong sound that accompanied every appearance, made him unforgettable — yet, for some, deeply problematic.
Over time, the role has been viewed as a product of its era, built on tropes about Asian men: the ‘nerdy and socially inept outsider.’ From the mockery of his name to the exaggerated portrayal of his broken English, Long Duk Dong was reduced to little more than a punchline. Repeatedly referred to as ‘the Chinaman,’ his character exemplified how Hollywood once leaned on crude racial humor for laughs.
While Long Duk Dong was a comedic sensation at the time, the character’s legacy now sparks debates about the portrayal of Asian people in cinema.
A Versatile Career Beyond Long Duk Dong
Despite the controversy surrounding the character, Watanabe continued to thrive in Hollywood, showcasing his incredible comedic talent and acting versatility in later roles. In 1989, he co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive game show host in UHF with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, and later reprised the role on The Weird Al Show.
He also appeared on Sesame Street from 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi, and voiced several Japanese characters on The Simpsons. In addition, Watanabe’s voice work as Ling in Disney’s Mulan became iconic, with returns in the 2004 sequel Mulan II and the 2005 video game Kingdom Hearts II.
Watanabe’s career is a testament to his enduring talent and ability to adapt across different genres and platforms. His contributions to film, television, and animation have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
