Russell Wong has earned a reputation as a
sexy, charismatic leading man whose good looks are matched by his
skills as an actor. The sixth of seven children, Russell Wong was born
in Troy, New York; the son of restaurateur William Wong and
Dutch-American artist Connie Van Yserloo. When Russell was seven years
of age, his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to
California, settling near Yosemite. Russell attended Santa Monica
College. As a trained dancer and a martial artist, Russell is able to
perform many of his own stunts.
Russell made his big screen debut in James Clavell's "Tai Pan". He made
a memorable guest appearance on the drama series "21 Jump Street" and
won a leading role in Wayne Wang's acclaimed independent romantic
comedy "Eat a Bowl of Tea". Supporting roles in "China Cry" and "New
Jack City" soon followed. In 1993, Russell gained critical acclaim for
his outstanding performance in "The Joy Luck Club".
Russell scored a high-profile role in 1994, when he was cast in the
leading role in the made-for-TV movie "Vanishing Son" produced by Rob
Cohen, in which he played a Chinese political activist exiled in
America. The show was popular enough to spawn three sequels, and was
later spun off into a syndicated TV series. People magazine named him
one of the "Fifty Most Beautiful People" in 1995.
After "Vanishing Son" ran its course, Russell moved on to more
big-screen work, including major roles in "Takedown", co-starring Skeet
Ulrich, and "Twisted" with Sam Jackson and Ashley Judd. His
breakthrough performance opposite Jet Li in "Romeo Must Die" firmly
established Russell's star power.
Russell is next seen in this summer's blockbuster "Mummy 3" directed by
Rob Cohen, as well as "Dim Sum Funeral" a black comedy co-starring Bai
Ling and Kelly Hu. He will star alongside Ving Rhames in the martial
arts thriller "Unshakable" this Fall.
