By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
March 26, 1995
Russell Wong has been recognized. Best known for his role as the cruel, playboy husband in “The Joy Luck Club,” the 6-foot actor seems oblivious to the gawking female guests at the Four Seasons Hotel. He’s more interested in finishing his fruit salad and peppermint tea.
Wong, who stars as Jian-Wa Chang in the syndicated series “Vanishing Son,” took a breather to chat with us during his first trip to Chicago.
Q. If Jian-Wa Chang fought Russell Wong, would he kick your butt?
Wong: Yeah, he probably would. I’ve studied martial arts on and off for 10 years but the character is an expert. The Jian-Wa character is kind of a romantic hero. He plays the violin and he can kickass, so there you go.
Q. Are you the David Carradine of the Generation X set? [Carradine starred in the ’70s series “Kung Fu.”]
Wong: David Carradine’s a good actor but he doesn’t have any Asian blood in him, I don’t think. And even today he’s still playing an Asian and it’s a joke. If it was a white actor trying to play a black guy, do you think he would get away with it? [Wong is of Chinese and Dutch heritage.]
Q. You’re often shirtless on the show. Is your chest naturally smooth or do they make you wax it?
Wong: What? No! Sometimes they put a little layer of glycerin on it.
Q. There aren’t too many Asian male sex symbols out there. What’s the worst stereotype about Asian men?
Wong: Oh – you know. Just for the record, I wear size 10- 1/2 shoes.
