Actor Peter Kwong passes away at 73: Notable roles include "Big Trouble in Little China," various other projects.
Legendary Actor Peter Kwong Passes Away at Age 73
Peter Kwong, best recognized for his role as Rain in John Carpenter's 1986 action-fantasy film, Big Trouble in Little China, has tragically passed away. According to one of his representatives, Kwong died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night. No further details regarding his death have been disclosed.
Hailing from Sacramento, California, Kwong embarked on his acting journey in television during the late 1970s and 1980s. His early work encompassed appearances on several iconic shows, including The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Little House on the Prairie, Miami Vice, The Greatest American Hero, Cagney & Lacey, Dynasty, MacGyver, and 227.
His most renowned role came in Big Trouble in Little China, where he served as Thunder, one of the Three Storms—super-powered martial artists who acted as antagonists in the film. Although the movie did not initially achieve commercial success, earning just $11 million against a $20 million budget, it later garnered a strong cult following. Kwong shared the screen with stars such as Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall.
In 1986, Kwong also graced the screen in Never Too Young to Die alongside John Stamos and Vanity, as well as The Golden Child, performing alongside Eddie Murphy and Charles Dance.
Beyond acting, Peter Kwong left a significant mark on Hollywood behind the scenes. He served on the SAG National Board of Directors for over a decade and was also a member of the AFTRA National Board of Directors. His dedication to the industry continued through roles with the Television Academy Board of Governors and the Actors Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry, Kwong's career reflected a deep-rooted commitment to both the art and advocacy of performance. He will undoubtedly be remembered for his impact on the screen as well as his contributions to the entertainment community.
Who amongst us hasn't been moved by the news of Peter Kwong's passing? This talented actor, best known for his role in China's Big Trouble in Little China, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Beyond his iconic appearances in movies-and-tv shows like The A-Team, Wonder Woman, and MacGyver, he also made significant contributions to the industry as a member of the SAG National Board of Directors and the Television Academy Board of Governors. Us fans will remember Peter Kwong not just for the characters he played, but for the national impact he had on the entertainment industry.
