Jack Ong
Encyclopedia
Jack Ong is an American
actor
, writer
, activist and marketing professional.
, the sixth of seven children of Chinese immigrant parents, Kam Fong and Jeung Shee Ong. His family owned and operated a small grocery store, where he received an early education in the business world. Growing up as a part of a very small minority, he quickly realized the benefits of escaping reality and delving into the world of the Silver Screen
. Jack earned his B.A. at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
at Arizona State University
. He worked his way through college as a staff reporter-photographer with the Mesa Daily Tribune, which had recruited him before his high school graduation. Jack moved to Los Angeles
after college.
photojournalist during the Vietnam War
, assigned to the Commander, Seventh Fleet, in the Philippines
. His reporting and photography
were published in Stars and Stripes and frequently circulated by the global wire services.
(now the Hilton) in Las Vegas
, where he also worked on publicity for such entertainers as Elvis Presley
, Barbra Streisand
, Peggy Lee
and Bill Cosby
. He also worked on marketing and promotional campaigns for Galpin Motors, the largest and most successful automobile enterprise in the world; and Topanga Plaza, America’s first mega-shopping mall.
, Friends
, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
, The Bernie Mac Show
, Still Standing
, Dharma & Greg
, Touched By An Angel
, V.I.P.
, Chicago Hope
, The Simpsons
and Beverly Hills, 90210
. Jack has also been featured in multiple films including Next (2007), Akeelah and the Bee
(2005), Art School Confidential (2005), National Lampoon's Gold Diggers
(2004), Leprechaun in the Hood (2000), Godzilla 2000
(1999), The Iron Triangle (1989), and Mac and Me
(1988). He has also received critical praise for his work in several short films including Saving Levi, Laundromat, and 2010's Journey of a Paper Son. Jack's face is familiar across North America thanks to his classic 1994 commercial for Kan-Tong Fried Rice.
Jack also has several voice acting credits, including the Time Warner
audiobooks “Rich Dad’s Success Stories”; “The Art of Profitability,” which won an Audie Award for best business/education audiobook; and “100 Most Loved Poems,” which won a Grammy nomination for best spoken word recording in 2001; as well as numerous video game roles.
On stage, Ong appeared in the hit production of Stephen Sondheim
’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Follies
,” at East West Players
, America’s first and foremost Asian American theatre company. He also portrayed a Vietnamese Minister of Trade in the world premiere production of “The Reunification Hotel” by Julian Barry
, Tony Award-winning author of “Lenny.”
. He is an active member of Screen Actors Guild
(former member of the Hollywood branch board of directors) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
, he served as chair of the SAG/AFTRA Ethnic Equal Opportunities Steering Committee, organized the Asian American Coalition for Total Inclusion on the Networks (AACTION), and is part of a national multi-ethnic coalition working for diversity throughout the media industries. Jack also serves on the advisory council of Born to Act Players, a unique organization formed by actor Mary Rings, dedicated to providing a supportive environment for students with special needs to learn and grow by expressing themselves through the performing arts. In addition, Ong is an active member (and former board member) of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
and a hands-on supporter of various educational, religious, cultural and community outreach organizations, institutions and causes, including the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church, East West Players
, Chinese American Museum
, Shoah Foundation
and P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless).
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
, activist and marketing professional.
Early life
Ong was born in Mesa, ArizonaMesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
, the sixth of seven children of Chinese immigrant parents, Kam Fong and Jeung Shee Ong. His family owned and operated a small grocery store, where he received an early education in the business world. Growing up as a part of a very small minority, he quickly realized the benefits of escaping reality and delving into the world of the Silver Screen
Silver Screen
Silver Screen Cinemas was a multiplex cinema operator in Poland. In February 2008 it was announced that Silver Screen will merge with its rival Multikino. Since then all Silver Screen cinemas have been converted to Multikino brand, except a single one based in Łódź...
. Jack earned his B.A. at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication , is one of the 24 independent schools at Arizona State University and named in honor of veteran broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite...
at Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
. He worked his way through college as a staff reporter-photographer with the Mesa Daily Tribune, which had recruited him before his high school graduation. Jack moved to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
after college.
Military service
Ong served as a NavyNavy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
photojournalist during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, assigned to the Commander, Seventh Fleet, in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. His reporting and photography
Photography
Photography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
were published in Stars and Stripes and frequently circulated by the global wire services.
Marketing/Advertising
After his stint in the Navy, Jack worked as an advertising executive, writing and creating print, radio, TV, point-of-purchase and billboard campaigns for the International HotelInternational Hotel
International Hotel may refer to:* International Hotel , a historic building* The I-Hotel, a residential hotel and community center in San Francisco, California* The former name of the Las Vegas Hilton...
(now the Hilton) in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
, where he also worked on publicity for such entertainers as Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
, Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
, Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and...
and Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
. He also worked on marketing and promotional campaigns for Galpin Motors, the largest and most successful automobile enterprise in the world; and Topanga Plaza, America’s first mega-shopping mall.
Acting career
A dramatic as well as comedic actor, Jack has guest starred in numerous hit TV series including Cold Case, ERER (TV series)
ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
, Friends
Friends
Friends is an American sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994 to May 6, 2004. The series revolves around a group of friends in Manhattan. The series was produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis and Jim Geoghan. The series premiered on Disney Channel on March 18, 2005 with 4 million viewers, making it the most successful premiere for Disney Channel in 2005. It was one of their first five shows available on the...
, The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show is an American sitcom featuring comic actor Bernie Mac and his wife Wanda raising his sister's three kids: Jordan, Bryana and Vanessa. The show aired for five seasons , concluding with a half-hour series finale on Fox....
, Still Standing
Still Standing (TV series)
Still Standing is an American sitcom television series. It debuted on CBS on September 30, 2002, and ended March 8, 2006. Lifetime obtained the United States syndication rights to the show in February 2005 and aired it until 2009...
, Dharma & Greg
Dharma & Greg
Dharma & Greg is an American television sitcom that aired from September 24, 1997, to April 30, 2002.It starred Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson as Dharma and Greg Montgomery, a couple who married instantly on their first date despite being complete opposites...
, Touched By An Angel
Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel is an American drama series that premiered on CBS on September 21, 1994 and ran for 211 episodes and nine seasons until its conclusion on April 27, 2003. Created by John Masius and produced by Martha Williamson, the series stars Roma Downey, as an angel named Monica, and Della...
, V.I.P.
V.I.P. (TV series)
V.I.P. is an American action/comedy-drama series starring Pamela Anderson. Created by J. F...
, Chicago Hope
Chicago Hope
Chicago Hope is an American medical drama series created by David E. Kelley that ran from September 18, 1994, to May 5, 2000. It takes place in a fictional private charity hospital.-Premise:The show stars Mandy Patinkin as Dr...
, The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
and Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
. Jack has also been featured in multiple films including Next (2007), Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Doug Atchison. It tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, portrayed by Keke Palmer, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, her mother, portrayed by Angela Bassett, schoolmates, and also her...
(2005), Art School Confidential (2005), National Lampoon's Gold Diggers
National Lampoon's Gold Diggers
National Lampoon's Gold Diggers is a 2004 film directed by Gary Preisler. It features two friends, played by Will Friedle and Chris Owen, who marry two old ladies, played by Louise Lasser and Renée Taylor, so they can inherit their fortunes when they die.- Reception :The film was considered a...
(2004), Leprechaun in the Hood (2000), Godzilla 2000
Godzilla 2000
is a 1999 Japanese science fiction kaiju film directed by Takao Okawara and written by Hiroshi Kashiwabara and Wataru Mimura. It was the twenty-third film released in the Godzilla series. It is the only film to feature Orga. The film was released on December 11, 1999...
(1999), The Iron Triangle (1989), and Mac and Me
Mac and Me
Mac and Me is a 1988 sci-fi fantasy film co-written and directed by Stewart Raffill about a "Mysterious Alien Creature" escapes from nefarious NASA agents and is befriended by a young boy who uses a wheelchair. Together, they try to find MAC's family, from whom he has been separated...
(1988). He has also received critical praise for his work in several short films including Saving Levi, Laundromat, and 2010's Journey of a Paper Son. Jack's face is familiar across North America thanks to his classic 1994 commercial for Kan-Tong Fried Rice.
Jack also has several voice acting credits, including the Time Warner
Time Warner
Time Warner is one of the world's largest media companies, headquartered in the Time Warner Center in New York City. Formerly two separate companies, Warner Communications, Inc...
audiobooks “Rich Dad’s Success Stories”; “The Art of Profitability,” which won an Audie Award for best business/education audiobook; and “100 Most Loved Poems,” which won a Grammy nomination for best spoken word recording in 2001; as well as numerous video game roles.
On stage, Ong appeared in the hit production of Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Joshua Sondheim is an American composer and lyricist for stage and film. He is the winner of an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Laurence Olivier Award...
’s Tony Award-winning musical, “Follies
Follies
Follies is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. The story concerns a reunion in a crumbling Broadway theatre, scheduled for demolition, of the past performers of the "Weismann's Follies," a musical revue , that played in that theatre between the World Wars...
,” at East West Players
East West Players
East West Players is an Asian American theatre organization in Los Angeles, founded in 1965. As one of the nation's first Asian American theatre organizations, East West Players today continues to produce works and educational programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American...
, America’s first and foremost Asian American theatre company. He also portrayed a Vietnamese Minister of Trade in the world premiere production of “The Reunification Hotel” by Julian Barry
Julian Barry
Julian Barry is an American screenwriter and playwright best known for his Oscar-nominated script for the film Lenny about comedian Lenny Bruce, which Barry adapted from his successful Broadway play of the same name...
, Tony Award-winning author of “Lenny.”
Ministry & Activism
Ong is a licensed minister with the Missionary Church, and was senior pastor of the Venice Christian Community Church in the mid-80s until its closure. His missionary work has extended to AIDS patients in Hollywood, CA, as well as short-term tours in Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia. His current ministry focus is serving as executive director of The Dr. Haing S. Ngor Foundation, which he established in 1991 with the late Oscar-winning actor of The Killing FieldsThe Killing Fields (film)
The Killing Fields is a 1984 British drama film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, which is based on the experiences of two journalists: Cambodian Dith Pran and American Sydney Schanberg. The film, which won three Academy Awards, was directed by Roland Joffé and stars Sam Waterston as...
. He is an active member of Screen Actors Guild
Screen Actors Guild
The Screen Actors Guild is an American labor union representing over 200,000 film and television principal performers and background performers worldwide...
(former member of the Hollywood branch board of directors) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is a performers' union that represents a wide variety of talent, including actors in radio and television, as well as radio and television announcers and newspersons, singers and recording artists , promo and voice-over announcers and other...
, he served as chair of the SAG/AFTRA Ethnic Equal Opportunities Steering Committee, organized the Asian American Coalition for Total Inclusion on the Networks (AACTION), and is part of a national multi-ethnic coalition working for diversity throughout the media industries. Jack also serves on the advisory council of Born to Act Players, a unique organization formed by actor Mary Rings, dedicated to providing a supportive environment for students with special needs to learn and grow by expressing themselves through the performing arts. In addition, Ong is an active member (and former board member) of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is located in Los Angeles Chinatown, at 415 Bernard Street. Its Chinatown Heritage & Visitors Center is open to the public...
and a hands-on supporter of various educational, religious, cultural and community outreach organizations, institutions and causes, including the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church, East West Players
East West Players
East West Players is an Asian American theatre organization in Los Angeles, founded in 1965. As one of the nation's first Asian American theatre organizations, East West Players today continues to produce works and educational programs that give voice to the Asian Pacific American...
, Chinese American Museum
Chinese American Museum
The Chinese American Museum is a museum located in Downtown Los Angeles as a part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. It is dedicated to the history and experience of Chinese Americans in the state of California, first such museum in Southern California...
, Shoah Foundation
Shoah Foundation
Shoah foundations are organizations that are formed to further the remembrance of the Holocaust of World War II. There are currently two major foundations that are internationally active.-Major Shoah Foundations:...
and P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless).