Ke Huy Quan was overcome with emotion on Sunday night when he won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
After coming on stage and kissing his golden statuette, Quan started by thanking his mother, who he said was at home watching.
“Mom, I just won an Oscar!” he said.
He then referenced his past, saying that his “journey started on a boat” before spending “a year in a refugee camp.”
“Somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage,” he said. “I cannot believe this is happening to me. This is the American dream.”
Quan thanked his mother for the “sacrifices” she made to get him to this point. He also acknowledged his little brother David, “who calls me every day just to remind me to take care of myself.”
About Him
Ke Huy Quan, also known as Jonathan Ke Quan, is a Vietnamese-American actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood through his remarkable acting skills. He is best known for his roles in some of the most iconic movies of the 1980s, including The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Born in Vietnam in 1971, Quan fled the country with his family as refugees when he was just a year old. They settled in the United States, where Quan developed an early interest in martial arts. He trained in various styles and even competed in tournaments, winning several awards.
Quan's big break came in 1984 when he was chosen for the role of Data in the adventure-comedy film The Goonies. His performance as the gadget-loving kid who helps his friends on a treasure hunt was widely praised and became a fan favorite. He then went on to play Short Round, the loyal sidekick of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. His chemistry with Harrison Ford was a highlight of the movie, and his portrayal of the character made him a household name.
Despite his success as a child actor, Quan decided to take a break from acting and focus on his education. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in film studies and also worked as a stunt coordinator and choreographer for several movies.
Quan returned to acting in the 1990s with roles in films like Encino Man and Second Time Around. He also appeared in several TV shows, including Head of the Class and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
Today, Ke Huy Quan is remembered as a talented actor who made a significant contribution to the world of cinema. His performances in The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom remain iconic and continue to entertain audiences of all ages.