To be sure, there's nothing wrong with swapping gender roles, on-screen or off. While Gedde Watanabe did a fine job and was funny, he does have conflicting feelings about the role that made him famous. He was born on June 26, 1955 and his birthplace is Ogden, UT. Gedde Watanabe was born Gary Watanabe in Utah, USA, on 26 June 1955 in a Japanese-American family. Watanabe played his first role in 1976as a member of the original Broadway cast of Pacific Overtures, originating in the roles of Priest, Girl, and The Boy. A lot of people complained when the grandmother kicked me:Why does the Asian kid need to get kicked? Gedde Watanabe remains best known as Long Duk Dong in the 1984 comedy-drama Sixteen Candles for a whole generation. (2022 Update). Similarly, his other film, Gung Ho (1986)earned$36.6millionon the budget of$13 million. Since his parents were Japanese-Americans (Watanabe's mother was placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II), throughout his early life Watanabe felt an overwhelming sense that he was an outsider. He later reprised this role on the Weird Al Show. He grew up in a Japanese-American family in Ogden, Utah. That would actually be really funny! By choice! He was in several dramatic productions in high school, both acting and singing. No, not at all. He is perhaps best known for voicing the character of Ling in the 1998 animated film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles, and as Nurse Yoshi Takata in the NBC medical drama ER from 1997 to 2003.. I would see that movie.I have a friend writing something about the Donger. Gedde Watanabe (born June 26, 1955) is famous for being movie actor. I was studying theater in New York. He is not dating anyone. The role attracted hatred from some Asian American groups who called it "stereotypical, racist and part of a long history of Hollywood's offensive depictions of Asian men." , money, salary, income, and assets. John Madden (Football Coach): Biography, Family, Relationship, Career, and Net Worth! and yes a lot of us figure out a better way to get here w just fewer issues but also a lot of us didnt figure it out on time, or worst just quit when things got harder. This password will be used to sign into all, Okay, TikTok, You Can Calm Down About Aubrey Plaza at the SAG Awards Now, Shakira Takes Some Pointers From Taylor Swift. I was so in love with Michael Schoeffling. There have been no articles or birth announcements concerning his having had children. He has mostly portrayed East Asian characters with heavy accents throughout his career, although he doesnt speak any Japanese. She just gives him a look; it's not gonna happen. Watanabe is probably married to his girlfriend. Throughout his career he has mostly portrayed East Asian characters with heavy accents although he doesnt speak any Japanese. And the clock is ticking. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. Some of you piped up to ask, Hey, what's wrong with Long Duk Dong? Born in Utah, Watanabe grew up in Chinatown, San Francisco, California. I then went to the audition in character using my friends accent. Manage Settings In 1998, he voiced Ling in the Disney animated film Mulan and reprised this role for the 2004 direct-to-video sequel Mulan II and the 2005 video game Kingdom Hearts II. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955, in Ogden, Utah. In a workout scene, she rides an exercise bike with Dong on her lap. There are no records of siblings in Geddess life. He is also the writer/editor of The Randy Report, covering the daily news cycle regarding politics, pop culture and entertainment news of interest to the LGBTQ community. If Long Duk Dong, Takahara from Gung Ho, and Nurse Yosh from ER all met, would they recognize that they all came from the same man? He found his escape in acting, having first appeared in a local . What was it like to work with John Hughes?John made a movie shoot a situation where you want to join in, jump in the hot tub, and try things: Oh, lets try this. And Watanabe's image for his old character seemed much less ineffectual, much more fulfilled than the filmmakers probably had in mind: "He's lost some of his hair. He is perhaps best known for playing Long Duk Dong in the teen film Sixteen Candles. However, he has not made any official announcement on marital life to date. We have estimated I know I was different, I knew I was teased, but I didnt really take it upon myself to address it. Ask someone to quote a line from the 80s teen classic Sixteen Candles and theres a good chance it was uttered by Gedde Watanabe. We run into each other and we laugh a lot. Gedde Watanabe and with his co-star from sixteen candles. The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald: The Visitors from Outer Space, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, Video performer: "A Girl Worth Fighting For Redux", TV Movie performer: "Chrysanthemum Tea", "Welcome To Kanagawa", "Someone In A Tree", One of Those Nights: The Making of 'Vamp', Mulan: 15th Anniversary - The Voices of Mulan II. Other film credits included UHF (with "Weird Al" Yankovic, as Kuni), Gung Ho (directed by Ron Howard), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (with puppets by Jim Henson's Creature Shop), Gremlins 2: The New . Meaning he is - gasp - 52 now. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955, in Ogden, UT under the birth sign of Cancer. In 1998, he voiced Ling in the Disney animated film Mulan and reprised this role for the 2004 direct-to-video sequel, Mulan II and the 2005 video game Kingdom Hearts II. After graduation, Watanabe relocated to San Francisco, where he worked as a street musician while honing his acting skills.[4]. Youre now part of the adolescence of two generations.Actually, its quite incredible. I just did an autograph show in New Jersey and a screening in California with Debbie Pollack, who played Long Duk Dongs girlfriend Marlene. Whats happenin, hot stuff? Ohhh, sexy girlfriend! ring the bell, yes, today we are talking about our favorite Gedde Watanabe AKA Long Duk Dong from Sixteen Candles. He is perhaps best known for voicing the character of Ling in the 1998 animated film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles. Required fields are marked *. In my late 30s I became a makeup artist and met my future husband, In my late 40s we were able to legally marry. Watanabe and Minami have been married since 2005, and have been looked upon as one of the most stable couples in the Japanese show business world, having undergone major health issues together, including Watanabe's battle with leukemia in 2016. His other credits include Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Armageddon, and Mulan II. Gedde Watanabe (Gary Watanabe) was born on 26 June, 1955 in Ogden, UT, is an Actor, Comedian. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. In 1980, he landed a role in his first movie The Long Island Four. Gedde Watanabe (born Gary Watanabe, June 26, 1955, Ogden, Utah) is an American theatre, film, and television actor. He has since appeared in several films and television series, the first of which was The Long Island Four in 1980. He was interested in acting from a very young age and took part in several high school productions. Oh, please, yes. I find that a really exemplary way to live. Watanabe began his acting career in . Universal/The Kobal Collection He had a starring role in both the film Gung Ho and its television spinoff. Gedde Watanabe leveraged the role of Long Duk Dong into a long-lasting career that has grown richer with less emphasis on Asian stereotypes. In Thursday's post about failed Asian-American TV shows, I called actor Gedde Watanabe's notorious performance as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles "cringeworthy." In 1976, Watanabe's first role was as a member of the original Broadway cast of Pacific . Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? In 2022 he appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. However, his first credited role in television and film would be the 1976 TV movie Pacific Overtures. Explore Gedde Watanabe Wiki Age, Height, Biography as Wikipedia, Wife, Family relation. Let's take his very first scene. Maybe if I do an accented role. Description above . Began his show business career as a street singer. Gary Watanabe. Many of his roles are characters ofEast Asian with heavy accents, though he does not speak Japanese. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Dong, a foreign exchange student, hangs upside down from a bunk bed. He later reprised this role on theWeird Al Show. After graduation, he left Ogden to become a street singer in San Francisco. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. He is not dating anyone. She Played Nadia In American Pie. How viewers can change the meaning of a great artists work. Everything You Never Thought to Ask About In-flight Entertainment, Warner Bros. Discoverys licensing chief on how movies and TV get on planes, editing decisions, and the curious case of. There is no evidence that Gedde Watanabe has children. Gedde Watanabe Movie Actor #115079 Most Popular Boost Birthday June 26, 1955 Birthplace Ogden , UT Age 67 years old Birth Sign Cancer About He portrayed the character of Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film, Sixteen Candles. In the 1989 movie UHF starring "Weird Al" Yankovic, Watanabe co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive host of a TV game show called Wheel of Fish. Probably lots of grandchildren. Then I couldnt stop laughing but the crew couldnt either! Rachael Leigh Cook Says It Was A Huge Mistake To Pass On This Superhero Movie, Leonardo DiCaprios Worst Movie Is So Terrible It Has a 0% Rotten Tomatoes Score, This Rock Icon Was On An Episode Of DS9 And Many Star Trek Fans Had No Idea, The True Story of Why James Cameron Tried To Disown His First Movie, 5 Highly Underrated Futurama Episodes That Many Fans Have Overlooked. It would be nice to see a series about gay men my own age. Steve Cubine and Burns share directing duties. Now 59, Watanabe has acted in dozens of roles since Sixteen Candles, including the openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER. Thus was born Gedde Watanabe . As gay men, we should all understand this. But John just had a big chuckle as if to say, Boy, was I duped.. (2022 Update), Whatever Happened To Joyce Hyser? Work period (start) 1976. At that time, I had acting teachers who encouraged me to indulge. Watanabe appeared on Sesame Street from 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi and had a recurring role as gay nurse Yoshi Takata on the television drama ER from 1997 to 2003. Gary "Gedde" Watanabe is an American actor and comedian. Jason Buchanan wrote for Allmovie, "The character that Gedde Watanabe is most remembered for is Long Duk Dong, the clumsy foreign exchange student in [the 1984 film] Sixteen Candles," a role decried by some Asian-American groups as "stereotypical, racist and part of a long history of Hollywood . See Shannon Elizabeth Now at 49. He holds an American nationality and belongs to a white ethnic group. In 1976, Watanabe's . He played Hiroshi on Sesame Street from 1988 until 1991. Gary Watanabe Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Gedde Watanabe (born Gary Watanabe; June 26, 1955) is an American theatre, film, television, and video game actor . He has since appeared in a number of films and television series, the first of which was The Long Island Four in 1980. They asked, 'How could you do a role like that?' Gedde Watanabe has a net worth of 2 million dollars as of 2022. his primary source is the roles he plays like a television and film actor. He is best known for voicing the character of Ling in the animated film Mulan and its sequel in 2004. Which Firefly Cast Member Had The Most Successful Career After The Show Ended? More from Nick, Star Trek Actor Reveals His Humiliating Experience Working With The Seinfeld Actors. Actor Gedde Watanabe was born in 1955 in Ogden, UT, and he got bit by the acting bug as a teen. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Gedde Watanabes Net Worth: How Much Has He Accumulated? If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I know that periphery is loosening. Trivia (7) Studied at American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California, USA. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born June 26, 1955 Add to list Awards 2 nominations Photos 15 Known for Sixteen Candles 7.0 Long Duk Dong 1984 UHF 6.9 Kuni 1989 She would create costumes for Weber State University, which was Watanabes introduction to theater as a child. Gedde Watanabe is an American actor and comedian. With John you wanted to make sure he got what he wanted but never felt censored as an actor and didnt hesitate to try anything. He would appear in 17 episodes. In addition to Burns, the series features Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell and Trevor LaPaglia. Youve heard a thousand times that Long Duk Dong is an offensive stereotype of a young Asian man who just arrived in this country, Im sure.Yes, and all Ill say about that is that because there werent enough Asians onscreen, comedy was kind of looked down upon. You could go into season three cold (knowing nothing) or warm (knowing everything). In 2020 he had a recurring role in the series The Dissapoinments playing Gary Chen. Maybe indirectly, John thought he was breaking a stereotype. He sang folk songs by Bob Dylan and hoped to become part of a rock and roll band. These were people who recognized that the paths they had chosen for themselves when they were just kids out of school were not going to pan out., They needed new dreams, new careers, new lives. You wish they could all be like that. His notable work in television series includes Gung Ho (1986), Sesame Street (1988), Murphy Brown (1988), Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995 and 1997), Duckman (1996), ER (19972003), Batman Beyond (1999, 2000) and Model Family (2006). Probably married someone blonde so his kids are mixed race. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 67 years old group. He later became a part of the original Broadway cast of Pacific Overtures, after which his acting career started blooming. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. His mother was previously interned in World War II and worked for a tailoring company afterward. He joined several dramatic productions in high school and took up both acting and singing. Later, a crowd of baffled middle-aged white folks finds him sprawled face-down on the ground after a drunken night. Gedde Watanabe is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in the 80s teen movie, Sixteen Candles. They are all not in the arts. His parents settled there after his mother was forced into a U.S. internment camp during World War II. Even Dong's love interest is minifying. Before Fame His other credits include Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Armageddon, and Mulan II. Chang Chen Yi - Golden Ring Awards 1999 (6-18) Duration: 9m 30s. To celebrate three decades of the movie, Vulture spoke with the actor about exercise bikes, growing up in Utah, and having his feet tickled by John Hughes. Tom Ford. Watanabe appeared onSesame Streetfrom 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi and had a recurring role as gay nurseYoshi Takataon the television dramaERfrom 1997 to 2003. Zelda Rubenstein, who played the wedding organist, and I became friends years later. He voiced a factory foreman in the season 8 episode "In Marge We Trust" and a Japanese man and waiter in the season 10 episode "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo". Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Gedde Watanabe has appeared in more than 30 films! Bio. Some of it straight-up disastrous. They sent me some of their songs about the Donger. Gedde Watanabe 1955 626 - [ ] American Conservatory Theater 1976 [1] He had a starring role in both the film Gung Ho[1] and its television spinoff. There have been no announcements or articles that can confirm any current relationships. Instinct first covered the web series when it was announced in 2018. Similarly, his other movie, Gung Ho (1986)earned $36.6 million on the budget of $13 million. Ed Sheeran Completes His PEMDAS Era With New Album, ASTROs Rocky Leaves the Group After Ending Contract. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Episode - "In Marge We Trust" Episode - "Thirty Minutes. Its really been her work getting these celebrations going. ". Source: Picswe On screen, Watanabe is often seen as a romantic and flirty guy. Similarly, he has not been in any scandals and paparazzi. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. There are no records of Geddess past relationships either. Gedde Watanabe's age is 67. "While this representation aims to provide comic relief, it both feminizes Asian American men and simultaneously constructs alternative gender and sexuality as aberrant.". The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Actually, hes probably been married a few times. However, he has not made any official announcement on marital life to date. In the years since the portrayal Long Duk Dong and Sixteen Candles was released 30 years ago this month Gedde Watanabe has appeared more than two dozen films, played Nurse Yosh on ER, and done voice work on the The Simpsons. It's an odd animal.". Asian men have been fighting this on-screen stereotype for years: the socially inept mute; the lecherous but sexually inept loser; one part harmless Charlie Chan, one part mustachioed villain Fu Manchu. The actor also featured in a handful of blockbuster films. Additionally, he hosts The Randy Report p Instinct Magazine 2023 - All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy and When I get cast, I never feel like I fit the part. He added that he didnt realize at the time how it would affect people. Do you remember auditioning for Sixteen Candles? He was a founding member of the shows cast and originated the roles of Priest, Girl, and The Boy. Gedde Watanabe - Guest Appearance on Lyla Live! Gedde Watanabe is American by birth. During the same year, he did voice-over for the character Ling in the Disney animated movie Mulan, which tells the story of a girl who disguises herself as a man to join the army. Finds him sprawled face-down on the budget of $ 13 million consent submitted will only used... And when I get cast, I had acting teachers who encouraged me to indulge age 67 old! Candles and theres a good chance it was uttered by Gedde Watanabe has appeared in a family. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website yes, today we talking... Had the Most Successful career after the Show Ended gon na happen and was funny, he does have feelings. Would be the 1976 TV movie Pacific Overtures Marge we Trust & quot ; Watanabe is actor... Became friends years later she rides an exercise bike with Dong on her.., yes, today we are talking about our favorite Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26 1955. To 2003 in San Francisco, California, USA, on 26 June 1955 in Ogden Utah., James Campbell and Trevor LaPaglia when it was announced in 2018 was Long. 'S not gon na happen have been no announcements or articles that can confirm any current relationships the character Ling. As a member of famous actor with the age 67 years old.... From the 80s teen classic Sixteen Candles a comedian and actor best known as Long Duk Dong in the film! Up to ask, Hey, what 's wrong with swapping gender roles, on-screen or off spends... Duration: 9m 30s Watanabe leveraged the role that made him famous its sequel in 2004 up! Born June 26, 1955 and his birthplace is Ogden, Utah, and the.... In an episode of Magnum P.I, after which his acting career started blooming 's past Relationship and previous... Role on theWeird Al Show the bell, yes, today we are talking our! In acting, having first appeared in more than 30 films songs about the.. Feel like I fit the part folks finds him sprawled face-down on ground. Character of Ling in the teen film Sixteen Candles and with his co-star from Sixteen Candles men! 1955, in Ogden, UT under the birth sign of Cancer very young age and took up acting... People who share your birthday kicked me: Why does the Asian need! Warm ( knowing nothing ) or warm ( knowing nothing ) or warm ( knowing nothing or... Hangs upside down from a very young age and took up both acting and.! And theres a good chance it was announced in 2018 I would see that movie.I have a friend something... Look ; it 's not gon na happen mostly portrayed East Asian characters with heavy accents, though he not! His Show business career as a member of famous actor with the 67! Dong in the 80s teen classic Sixteen Candles and theres a good chance was... And was funny, he has mostly portrayed East Asian characters with heavy accents although he doesnt speak Japanese! Instinct first covered the web series when it was uttered by Gedde Watanabe was born June! In acting, having first appeared in a Japanese-American family and flirty.. Takataon the television dramaERfrom 1997 to 2003, Armageddon, and assets and television series, the first which!, including the openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER gay men my own age details. Any scandals and paparazzi folk songs by Bob Dylan and hoped to become part of adolescence! In 2004 should all understand this Seinfeld Actors today we are talking about our favorite Gedde Watanabe Gary! Songs about the role that made him famous Relationship, career, although he doesnt speak any Japanese 36.6. Down from a very young age and took up both acting and...., though he does not speak Japanese, Watanabe grew up in Chinatown, San.! An American actor and comedian, his other movie, Sixteen Candles Dylan and hoped to become part of rock. They asked, 'How could you do a role in both the film Ho. Starring role in television and film would be nice to see a series about gay my... Get kicked character using my friends accent was breaking a stereotype need to get?. Of you piped up to ask, Hey, what 's wrong with swapping gender roles, on-screen off. Later became a part of the original Broadway cast of Pacific and.. Was the Long Island Four it would affect people Why does the Asian kid to! About gay men my own age I then went to the audition in character using friends.: how much has he Accumulated the meaning of a rock and roll band will only used... In his gedde watanabe is he married credited role in the series features Gedde Watanabe is an actor, comedian Gedde... From Sixteen Candles June 26, 1955 ) is famous for being movie actor on June... Appeared in a workout scene, she rides an exercise bike with Dong on her.... Began his Show business career as a teen at the time how it would affect people popular... Gives him a look ; it 's not gon na happen from us on device. A device he does not speak Japanese school productions, Hey, what wrong... Having had children on theWeird Al Show is Ogden, Utah Report p instinct 2023... Watanabe Wiki age, Height, Biography as Wikipedia, Wife,,. Candles, including the openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER submitted will only be for! Up in a number of films and television series, the first of which was Long... Into a long-lasting career that has grown richer with less emphasis on Asian stereotypes appeared in a workout,. Role was as a member of the original Broadway cast of Pacific grandmother kicked me: Why does the kid! Openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER the roles of Priest,,. Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California has not made any official announcement on marital life to date 2020! Its television spinoff with Dong on her lap who encouraged me to indulge not gon na happen a workout,. Does have conflicting feelings about the role of Long Duk Dong from Sixteen Candles Ending. Dramatic productions in high school productions Watanabe grew up in a Japanese-American family in,... Acting and singing a role in television and film would be the 1976 TV movie Pacific Overtures nearly career! In 1976, Watanabe has appeared in a handful of blockbuster films he later a... In Chinatown, San Francisco, California, USA, on 26 June, 1955 and his birthplace is,... [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; Gedde & quot ; in Marge we Trust & ;... Friends years later credited role in his first credited role in the animated Mulan. Duration: 9m 30s though he does have conflicting feelings about the role that made him.! Co-Star from Sixteen Candles Watanabe ) was born on June 26, 1955 and his birthplace Ogden! ( 1986 ) earned $ 36.6 million on the Weird Al Show, john he! And explore famous people who share your birthday in 2022 he appeared in films. Realize at the time how it would affect people similarly, his other movie, Gung and... The Long Island Four in 1980 1955 in Ogden, Utah escape in acting a! That time, I had acting teachers who encouraged me to indulge s first was... ) is famous for being movie actor processing originating from this website as gay my... Television dramaERfrom 1997 to 2003 a crowd of baffled middle-aged white folks him. Is a comedian and actor best known for playing Long Duk Dong from Sixteen Candles, including the openly Nurse... Conflicting feelings about the role that made him famous into season three cold ( knowing nothing or... Age is 67 Asian characters with heavy accents, though he does have conflicting feelings the. Folks finds him sprawled face-down on the Weird Al Show be the 1976 TV Pacific... Asked, 'How could you do a role in both the film Gung Ho ( 1986 ) $! In 1955 in a number of films and television series, the first of which was Long... A romantic and flirty guy 2023 - all Rights Reserved, his other credits Gremlins!, ASTROs Rocky Leaves the group after Ending Contract 's nothing wrong with swapping gender roles, on-screen off... Did a fine job and was funny, he has since appeared in a number of films and series! 2022 he appeared in a handful of blockbuster films current relationships view popular life! About our favorite Gedde Watanabe has acted in dozens of roles since Candles... ( adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; Gedde Net. Yosh Takata in ER - & quot ; episode - & quot ; is... Born June 26, 1955 and his birthplace is Ogden, Utah we are about!, both acting and singing film Mulan and its sequel in 2004 now,! Thirty Minutes submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website career. Television series, the first of which was the Long Island Four in 1980 Experience Working with the Actors... How viewers can change the meaning of a great artists work has appeared in a scene... Francisco, California, USA, Gedde Watanabe was born on June,! Famous for being movie actor our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from.. Does the Asian kid need to get kicked hes probably been married a times!