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Last updated on the 28 March 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: July 3, 1971, Eccles, Lancashire, England.
Benedict Wong’s early life was rooted in the working-class town of Salford, where he was raised by his Hong Kong immigrant parents. His interest in acting led him to pursue a two-year performing arts course at Salford City College, setting the stage for his future endeavours in the performing arts.
Benedict Wong’s acting career began on stage, but it was his role in the 2003 film “Dirty Pretty Things” that earned him a British Independent Film Award nomination and marked his transition to the screen. This was followed by a memorable performance in the BBC sitcom “15 Storeys High” from 2002 to 2004. Wong’s early career also included roles in films like “On a Clear Day” (2005), “Sunshine,” “Grow Your Own” (both 2007), and “Moon” (2009), as well as the CBBC series “Spirit Warriors” (2010).
The 2010s brought Wong international recognition with his portrayal of Kublai Khan in the Netflix series “Marco Polo” (2014–2016). He also played Bruce Ng in the critically acclaimed film “The Martian” (2015) and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Wong in “Doctor Strange” (2016). His performance in the film “Nine Days” (2020) gained him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Beyond his screen presence, Wong has continued to make significant contributions to the theatre. His lead role in “#aiww: The Arrest of Ai Weiwei” at the Hampstead Theatre and his performance in “Chimerica” at the Almeida Theatre are testaments to his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Benedict Wong’s personal life remains relatively private, but his work often reflects his cultural heritage and the experiences of the Asian diaspora. His choice of roles and public appearances demonstrate a thoughtful engagement with his identity and the broader conversations around representation in the arts.
In summary, Benedict Wong’s biography is a narrative of dedication, talent and continuous evolution. From his early life in Salford to his education and breakthrough roles, Wong has established himself as a formidable actor with a rich body of work that spans genres and mediums. His contributions to film, television, and theatre not only highlight his individual achievements but also his influence on the portrayal of Asian characters in Western media.
Suggested viewing
15 Storeys High (2002)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2
15 Storeys High follows the odd-couple pairing of Vince, a curmudgeonly lifeguard with a phobia of touch, and Errol, his easygoing lodger. Their peculiar living situation in a drab London tower block is constantly interrupted by the antics of their equally eccentric neighbours, from wife-swapping couples to a man who keeps a horse in his flat. Vince struggles to maintain order and avoid human interaction, while Errol’s sunny personality clashes with Vince’s desire for peace and quiet.
Top cast: Sean Lock, Benedict Wong.
3 Body Problem (2024)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
The discovery of an alien signal from a three-sun system sets humanity on a collision course with the Trisolaran civilization. Wracked by internal conflict, Earth must decide how to respond to the message, which is both a warning and a threat. The Trisolaran homeworld is chaotic due to its three suns, and their civilization has developed a ruthlessly pragmatic view of survival, forcing humanity to confront its own values and decide how far it will go to protect itself.
Top cast: Jovan Adepo, Rosalind Chao, Liam Cunningham, Benedict Wong, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Marlo Kelly, Alex Sharp, Sea Shimooka, Saamer Usmani, Jonathan Pryce, John Dagleish, John Bradley, Adrian Edmondson.
Black Mirror –
Hated in the Nation (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5
In a world where social media outrage reigns supreme, a detective investigates a string of murders linked to a sinister online phenomenon. The victims, targeted by a relentless hashtag, are killed by autonomous drone insects designed to replace bees. As the body count rises and the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a dark truth about the power of social media and the mob mentality it can cultivate.
Top cast: Kelly Macdonald, Faye Marsay, Benedict Wong, Jonas Karlsson, Joe Armstrong, Elizabeth Berrington, Charles Babalola, Ben Miles, Esther Hall, Holli Dempsey.
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Benedict Wong Gallery
