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One of the most memorable actors from an iconic 80s comedy made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Monday.
At 70, the actor who made waves with his controversial role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles, looked to be in great spirits while enjoying some retail therapy.
Dressed down in an Oxford shirt, cargo shorts, and a bucket hat, he looked a world away from his glamorous red carpet days, including his memorable role in 1986's Gung Ho alongside Michael Keaton.
Longtime fans will remember him for voicing the unforgettable Ling in Disney’s 1998 Mulan.
Later, he captured hearts once again as the charming Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003.
Before we dive into the controversy surrounding his role in Sixteen Candles, which featured Molly Ringwald, can you name the mystery celebrity?
The actor, best known for his controversial role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles, made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Monday at 70, looking in great spirits while enjoying some retail therapy
Dressed down in an Oxford shirt, cargo shorts, and a bucket hat, he looked a world away from his glamorous red carpet days, including his memorable role in 1986's Gung Ho alongside Michael Keaton
Later, he captured hearts once again as the charming Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003
If you guessed Gedde Watanabe, you’re absolutely right!
The character of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student staying with Sam’s (Molly Ringwald) grandparents, has faced significant backlash in recent years.
Critics have condemned the character as a racist caricature, leaning heavily on harmful Asian stereotypes.
His exaggerated antics, paired with the iconic gong sound that accompanied every appearance, made him unforgettable - yet, for some, problematic.
Over time, critics have come to see the role as a product of its era, built on tropes about Asian men: the 'nerdy and socially inept outsider.'
From the mockery of his name to the exaggerated portrayal of his broken English, Long Duk Dong was reduced to little more than a punchline.
Repeatedly referred to as 'the Chinaman,' his character was an example of how Hollywood leaned on crude racial humor for laughs.
While Long Duk Dong was a comedic sensation at the time, the character’s legacy now sparks debates about the portrayal of Asian people in cinema.
If you guessed Gedde Watanabe, you’re absolutely right! Pictured in 16 Candles in 1984 with Deborah Pollack
The character of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student staying with Sam’s (Molly Ringwald) grandparents, has faced significant backlash in recent years
Longtime fans will remember him for voicing the unforgettable Ling in Disney’s 1998 Mulan
Watanabe's portrayal of Nurse Yosh Takata on ER became a standout
Despite the controversy surrounding the character, Watanabe continued to shine in Hollywood, showcasing his incredible comedic chops and acting versatility in later roles.
In 1989, he co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive game show host in UHF with 'Weird Al' Yankovic, and later reprised the role on The Weird Al Show.
He also appeared on Sesame Street from 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi, and voiced several Japanese characters on The Simpsons.
In addition, Watanabe’s voice work as Ling in Disney's Mulan became iconic, with returns in the 2004 sequel Mulan II and the 2005 video game Kingdom Hearts II.
English (US) ·