Ke Huy Quan, born in Vietnam in 1970 or 1971, is an American actor who has crafted one of Hollywood’s most remarkable comeback stories, rising from beloved child star to an Academy Award-winning performer decades later. Immigrating to the United States as a young child, Quan first captured the world’s attention as a charismatic child actor, making an indelible mark with his role as Short Round, the resourceful young sidekick to Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984. The very next year, he solidified his status as a 1980s icon by playing Data, the inventive gadget-loving member of a group of misfit kids in the classic adventure film The Goonies.

Following these early triumphs, Quan continued to take on a few roles as a young adult in the 1990s, including a part in the comedy Encino Man, but the opportunities for Asian American actors in Hollywood were limited at the time. Frustrated by the lack of substantial roles, he made the difficult decision to step away from acting, embarking on a 19-year hiatus. During this period, Quan transitioned to work behind the camera, finding success as a stunt choreographer and assistant director, notably collaborating on projects with acclaimed filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and contributing his expertise to films such as X-Men and The One.

Quan’s return to acting was nothing short of extraordinary. After a two-decade absence, he was drawn back to the screen by the family adventure film Finding ?Ohana in 2021, but it was his role in 2022’s Everything Everywhere All at Once that truly redefined his career. In the film, he portrayed Waymond Wang, the gentle and seemingly meek husband of Michelle Yeoh’s Evelyn, delivering a performance of profound emotional depth and physical comedy that resonated with audiences and critics alike. For his work, Quan swept the awards season, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe Award, and a Saturn Award, in addition to a BAFTA nomination. This historic victory made him the first Vietnam-born actor to ever win an Oscar, a milestone that cemented his legacy and inspired countless others. In recognition of his impact, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.

Since his triumphant return, Quan has continued to build an impressive new chapter in his career. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring as the time-slipping TVA agent O.B. in the second season of the Disney+ series Loki in 2023, where his comedic timing and heartfelt performance won over a new generation of fans. He has also lent his voice to the character of Gary in the upcoming Disney animated film Zootopia 2, set for release in 2025. From a beloved child star who seemingly vanished from the screen to an Oscar-winning actor celebrated for his resilience and talent, Ke Huy Quan’s journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, proving that it is never too late for a second act.