Gary started his career as Actor in 1976 when Gary was just 21 Years old. Gedde Watanabe Gary "Gedde" Watanabe (born June 26, 1955) is an American actor and comedian. To set myself apart, I asked a friend of mine who had a thick Korean accent if I could hang out with him and learn. He is known for voicing the character of Ling in the animated film Mulan (1998) and its sequel Mulan II (2004), as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the film Sixteen Candles (1984) and Takahara "Kaz" Kazihiro in Gung Ho (1986), and Nurse Yoshi Takata in the NBC medical drama ER from 1997 to 2003. But I was so new to movies I didnt think much about where I was. In 1976, Watanabe's first role was as a member of the original Broadway cast of Pacific Overtures, originating the roles of Priest, Girl, and The Boy. He had that same spirit of fun and play and really knew the value of a great line of dialogue. "I was making people laugh. Discover Gedde Watanabe's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Hiroshi is an artist of Japanese descent who lived on Sesame Street between seasons 20 and 21. Date of birth. Gedde Watanabe attended the American Conservatory Theatre, a non-profit theatre company in San Fransisco with an attached acting school. 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? Watanabe appeared onSesame Streetfrom 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi and had a recurring role as gay nurseYoshi Takataon the television dramaERfrom 1997 to 2003. What is 46-year-old Long Duk Dong doing now?Hes lost some of his hair. To be sure, there's nothing wrong with swapping gender roles, on-screen or off. May 3, 2008 5:37 AM. How did the acting bug bite you?My mother was an incredible seamstress. 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. She had to remind me its the 30th anniversary. Watanabes first exposure to theater was through his mothers work as a seamstress, where she would assemble costumes for Weber State University. Gedde Watanabe's age is 67. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955, in Ogden, Utah. After graduation, he left Ogden to become a street singer in San Francisco. It also says so much about John Hughes, his movies, their resilience and his brilliance. Sixteen Candles is filled with stereotypes the blonde queen bees, the uptight grandparents, the bratty little brothers, the Greek in-laws which serve to make Molly Ringwalds very normal desire for a great 16th birthday and a handsome boyfriend seem that much funnier.Yes, the movie isnt mean to the character and doesnt single him out. His first non-theater role, however, would be in the 1980 drama The Long Island Four. I would see that movie.I have a friend writing something about the Donger. He voiced various Japanese characters on the animated television comedy The Simpsons. [1] He is known for voicing the character of Ling in the animated film Mulan (1998) and its sequel Mulan II (2004), as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the film Sixteen Candles (1984) and Takahara "Kaz" Kazihiro in Gung Ho (1986), and Nurse Yoshi Takata in the NBC medical drama ER from 1997 to 2003. How viewers can change the meaning of a great artists work. [1] In the 1989 movie UHF[1] starring "Weird Al" Yankovic, Watanabe co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive host of a TV game show called Wheel of Fish. Covering Rammsteins Du Hast in Berlin. Gary "Gedde" Watanabe (born June 26, 1955) is an American actor and comedian. Becoming serious about acting, Gedde enrolled at American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) and performed . The Disappointments was inspired, in part, by actual events. During the nineties, Watanabe studied acting at Theater Theater in Hollywood, California, with Chris Aable who introduced him to fellow actors Jon Cedar and Steve Burton. Gary "Gedde" Watanabe (born June 26, 1955) is an American actor. Gedde Watanabe was born on June 26, 1955, in Ogden, Utah. We run into each other and we laugh a lot. Amazon.com: Not Forgotten : Simon Baker, Paz Vega, Michael DeLorenzo, Chlo Grace Moretz, Ken Davitian, Claire Forlani, Gedde Watanabe, Mark Rolston, Melinda Page . "Lumberjack," as she's known, looms over Dong's small frame when they embrace, its his head on her chest. Some of his voice acting credits include Batman Beyond, The Simpsons, Kim Possible, and the Disney film Mulan (1998). What was that experience like?I gotta say, with John you felt so protected. N/A. Click Here To Know More Anaridis Rodriguez, Jenilee Harrison, Marian Saastad Ottesen, Joshua Sasse, and Samantha Isler. 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. I look forward to seeing you kill it in Assassins. In an interview with Vulture last year, he envisioned what Long Duk Dong might be up to now. In 1998, he voiced Ling in the Disney animated filmMulan and reprised this role for the 2004direct-to-videosequel,Mulan II and the 2005 video gameKingdom Hearts II.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'besttoppers_com-box-4','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-besttoppers_com-box-4-0'); 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. In my late 30s I became a makeup artist and met my future husband, In my late 40s we were able to legally marry. Rondi Reed: Actress, Age, Net Worth, Husband, Family! Many of his roles are caricatured East Asians with heavy accents, though he himself does not speak Japanese.[5]. In 2022 he appeared in an episode of Magnum P.I. All in the hopes of turning their disappointing lives around as they cope with faltering careers and empty bank accounts. Ed Sheeran Completes His PEMDAS Era With New Album, ASTROs Rocky Leaves the Group After Ending Contract. [1] He is perhaps best known for voicing the character of Ling in the 1998 successful animated film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II as well as playing Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film Sixteen Candles. He just encouraged us to play. Gedde Watanabe (born Gary Watanabe) is an American actor. I know that periphery is loosening. The scene with you and Debbie Pollack riding the exercise bike together was one of those lets try this scenes.Yes! He earns around $52 thousand per annum as a movie actor and $15 thousand to $25 thousand per episode from his work in the television series. The casting director, Jackie Burch, was talking to me like I was from another country. I find that a really exemplary way to live. He would take the vegetables thrown at him home and make a meal out of them. FIND OUT WHERE . Actually, he's probably been married a few times. These were people in their late 40s and early 50s, all of them feeling hopeless about how their lives had turned out., At the same time, we had friends at whom we marveled, added Burns. His other credits include Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Armageddon, and Mulan II. Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes. Gary "Gedde" Watanabe (born June 26, 1955 in Odgen, Utah) is a Japanese-American actor and comedian . The actor prefers a quiet and confidential love life. Began his show business career as a street singer. So I didnt so much go for the jokes, but played to his excitement and enthusiasm. Understudy: Gedde Watanabe [Tamate] MusicalComedy DramaOriginal. Sam Richardson Is Happy That the Kids Are Finding. She wanted me for the role and said, Dont tell John. So we kept it a secret until the table read in Chicago when I took him aside and said, John, I have to tell you something He said, Wheres your accent? I was just so nervous telling him that I was afraid Id get fired and aware of my own embarrassment that Id told a huge lie. As a San Francisco artiste he lived in a commune with his two flat mates. He played Long Duk Dong in the 1984 movie Sixteen Candles. 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. Natalie Wihongis Biography Who is Karl Urba Yerin (GFriend) - Age, Height, Partner, Plastic Su Who is Kimberly Stewart? And because it was my first movie, I thought all the movies were going to be like that. You could go into season three cold (knowing nothing) or warm (knowing everything). In a workout scene, she rides an exercise bike with Dong on her lap. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. Structural Info Quotes Facts Pictures Filmography Known for movies Mulan (1998) I was so in love with Michael Schoeffling. Thanks to Whats happenin, hot stuff? Ohhh, sexy girlfriend! and other quotes, his character, Long Duk Dong, lives on in ringtones, comedic folklore, and a debate about whether hes an offensive stereotype or just a caricature like nearly every other supporting role in the movie. The Sixteen Candles star's first sit-down interview since he was on Merv Griffin's show. 16 Candles ' appeal is anything but. The actor also featured in a handful of blockbuster films. Most of it ill-advised. Category: Entertainment. Gedde Watanabe has already spent over four decades in the entertainment industry. And so, well into their 40s, they bravely shook things up and reinvented themselves, finding happiness and success as a result of the changes they made., Both of these are very different approaches to the same dilemma, Burns acknowledges. The identity of the actors parents is under wraps. Probably married someone blonde so his kids are mixed race. Then I came out (thinking I would never marry or have kids). I then went to the audition in character using my friends accent. 12,242 views Jun 15, 2010 35 Dislike Share Save theroomlivecom 6.37K subscribers Gedde Watanabe appears with Lyla KaRug on Lyla Live! Silver fox is hot! Studied at American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California, USA. Art imitating life for me. Meaning he is - gasp - 52 now. He played Hiroshi on Sesame Street from 1988 until 1991. I was a theater kid. With 90 credits to his name on IMDB, he has had a successful career full of influential appearances. There have been no articles or birth announcements concerning his having had children. Gedde Watanabe leveraged the role of Long Duk Dong into a long-lasting career that has grown richer with less emphasis on Asian stereotypes. I do better with somebody other than myself. On this week's On the Rocks, we chat with veteran actor Gedde Watanabe about his 45 years plus career that began with his debut in Stephen Sondheim's Pacific Overtures and has included. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Itd be kinda great to reunite with them for the 30th. After graduating from high school, Watanabe moved from Odgen to San Francisco, where he hoped to make a living as a street musician while improving his histrionic skills. Zelda Rubenstein, who played the wedding organist, and I became friends years later. Universal/The Kobal Collection if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'besttoppers_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-besttoppers_com-medrectangle-4-0');Geddess birth zodiac sign is cancer, symbolized by a crab. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Gedde Watanabe is a famous Movie Actor. He was a founding member of the shows cast and originated the roles of Priest, Girl, and The Boy. His tenure on ER would space 58 episodes from 1997 to 2003. 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. Top 10 Tricks to earn from Google AdSense. After all, the word 'classic' is typically used to describe something with enduring appeal. He was born on June 26, 1955 and his birthplace is Ogden, UT. He would continue to act through high school. Bio. He later reprised this role on theWeird Al Show. 17-Down, Three Letters: Party for One artist Carly ___ Jepsen. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The series explores a pivotal issue people face as they navigate their 50s: What do you do when you realize that time is running short, the road behind you is longer than the road ahead, and your job, your marriage, your relationship with your kids, your life has not turned out at all the way you had hoped and planned when you were young? Upload media. He voiced various Japanese characters on the animated television comedy The Simpsons. Gedde Watanabe does not seem to have a verified social media profile. Things you buy through our links may earnNew Yorka commission. Chang Chen Yi - Golden Ring Awards 1999 (6-18) Duration: 9m 30s. 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 . A lot of people complained when the grandmother kicked me:Why does the Asian kid need to get kicked? You grew up in Ogden, Utah, as one of the few Japanese families in town. I also had really good friends through theater and was able to blend in thanks to them. I just did an autograph show in New Jersey and a screening in California with Debbie Pollack, who played Long Duk Dongs girlfriend Marlene. What's icky about this relationship is how the filmmakers present it. Gedde Watanabe as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles. His mother was previously interned in World War II and worked for a tailoring company afterward. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. "Asian Americans who grew up in the second half of the 1980s complained that they were called 'Donkers' in junior and high schools," Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a researcher at Georgetown University, wrote in the book Theological Reflections on 'Gangnam Style.' She just gives him a look; it's not gonna happen. And to single out your character to me misses the point. reply 2. DETAILS BELOW. , money, salary, income, and assets. In addition to Burns, the series features Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell and Trevor LaPaglia. I love putting on the costume just like when I was a little kid. Source: Picswe On screen, Watanabe is often seen as a romantic and flirty guy. For tickets to the LIVE performances of Assassins through March 20, 2022; log onto www.eastwestplayers.org. Debbie and I keep in contact. How much does Long Duk Dong linger in the air when you are cast now or researching characters?Not really much at all. Oh, please, yes. I figured the character had seen one before and knew what to do with it, but there was something funny in him riding it with his dream girl. The program was a professional recording of a Broadway show. I'm hardly the first to point this out, but it's worth unpacking again. He is popular for being a Movie Actor. And hes kinda well known for it. What was it like being a Japanese-American kid in Ogden at that time? Now 59, Watanabe has acted in dozens of roles since Sixteen Candles, including the openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER. ER was less interesting as an actor as the character was closer to who I actually am as a person. His parents settled there after his mother was forced into a U.S. internment camp during World War II. He told her that while he had a great time in Sixteen Candles, it was something that "in retrospect, he realizes he was 'a bit naive' about.". Now 59, Watanabe has acted in dozens of roles since Sixteen Candles, including the openly gay Nurse Yosh Takata in ER. Even (or especially) if you havent watched any of the movies. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 67 years old group. Maybe indirectly, John thought he was breaking a stereotype. Gedde Watanabe is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in the 80s teen movie, Sixteen Candles. And hes about to make a bid for the L.A. Clippers. He is an actor and director, known for Sixteen Candles (1984), UHF (1989) and Parental Guidance (2012). Vernica Echeguis Dating Affairs, Boyfriend, Relationship, Net Worth, Earnings, Salary, Age, Facts, Wiki-Bio, Judy Geeson Net Worth, Earnings, Movies, TV Shows, Career, Married, Divorce, Husband, Children, Age, Facts, Wiki-Bio. Watanabe was born and raised in Ogden, Utah in a Japanese-American family. Photo by Steven Lam With a career in entertainment that spans more than 45 years, the proud Japanese American has done it all in the realm of film, TV, and the stage (he was in the original Broadway production of "Pacific Overtures"), all the . During the nineties, Watanabe studied acting at Theater Theater in Hollywood, California, with Chris Aable, who introduced him to fellow actors Jon Cedar and Steve Burton. 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. Gedde Watanabe (Gary Watanabe) was born on 26 June, 1955 in Ogden, UT, is an Actor, Comedian. John Madden (Football Coach): Biography, Family, Relationship, Career, and Net Worth! Later, he moved to New York and took to street singing again. 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 was born in Ogden on 1955-06-26. More from Nick, Star Trek Actor Reveals His Humiliating Experience Working With The Seinfeld Actors. Explore Gedde Watanabe Wiki Age, Height, Biography as Wikipedia, Wife, Family relation. Let's take his very first scene. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google 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 is a brilliant actor and a fellow theater buff. http://www.prphotos.com/p/IHA-043465/gedde-watanabe-at-allegiance-los-angeles-opening-night--arrivals.html?&ps=21&x-start=0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gedde_Watanabe_2014.jpg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffCXALUdUWQ, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHENkjIA4du8o5FF-98q8g, Gedde Watanabe made his debut as a member of the original Broadway cast of Pacific Overtures in 1976, originating the role of the boy in a tree. He has since appeared in a number of films and television series, the first of which was The Long Island Four in 1980. I am glad we start a conversation about this very common issue on gay people from the 70s, like me. ", "Gedde Watanabe Discusses 30 Years of Sixteen Candles and Long Duk Dong", "Pacific Overtures Broadway Musical Original | IBDB", "THEATER: RUDNICK'S POOR LITTLE LAMBS' OF YALE", "THEATER REVIEW: A Good Look at the Hard Lessons of 'Good Person', "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "Reviewing East West Players' 'La Cage aux Folles', "Review: Forever Entertaining FANTISTICKS Receives a Sterling Production at Pasadena Playhouse", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gedde_Watanabe&oldid=1140256683, Episode: "Somewhere Between Cambridge Bay and Yellowknife", Cartoon Squid / Japanese Father / Japanese Man / Factory Forman (voice role), Nar-do / Nar-Do, Cyber Clause (voice role), Hamster Mitch / Tourist Alien (voice role), Episode: "90s Adventure Bear / Parking Lot Carnival", Episode: "Land of the Rising Pup / ARF-CHOO", Boy, Girl, Priest, Sailor and Townsperson, Proscenium Servant, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 06:28. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. Watanabe attended the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. He added that he didnt realize at the time how it would affect people. By choice! by Anonymous. While it's suggested that Dong and Sam are the same age (Ringwald was in fact 15 at the time of shooting), actor Gedde Watanabe was actually 28 during the Sixteen Candles. 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 guested twice on The Simpsons: In Marge We Trust and Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo. Many of his roles are characters ofEast Asian with heavy accents, though he does not speak Japanese. "What's happening, hot stuff?" He earns around 15 thousand dollars per episode in television series and 52 thousand dollars per year as an actor. Dnde ver Matrimonio de hecho? Youre now part of the adolescence of two generations.Actually, its quite incredible. Floor is Lava Season 2: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Storyline And Other Updates That You Dont Want To Miss! He later reprised this role on the Weird Al Show. Some of his kids are in the arts, one in a rock band probably, some are teachers, a few doctors. "Ohh, no more yanky my wanky. Gedde Watanabe Net Worth Gedde Watanabe Net Worth 2022, Age, Height, Relationships, Married, Dating, Family, Wiki Biography. Episode - "In Marge We Trust" Episode - "Thirty Minutes. Gedde Watanabe is a Japanese-American actor born in Utah. Gedde Watanabe, better known by the Family name Gary, was a popular Actor. Some of his favorite subjects include sci-fi, history, and obscure facts about 90's television. Uploaded: 31 Dec, 2006. There have been no announcements or articles that can confirm any current relationships. In The Disappointments, the characters take action. Maybe because its been so many years since the movie and even several years since Ive seen it, I expected, like, two people to show up. Actually, hes probably been married a few times. He was also an original cast member of the Stephen Sondheim musical Pacific Overtures. He earns around 15 thousand dollars per episode in television series and 52 thousand dollars per year as an actor. They sent me some of their songs about the Donger. At 67 years old, Gedde Watanabe height However, he has not made any official announcement on marital life to date. Nationality. He also wanted to be in a rock and roll band and was once a street singer in San Francisco. (2022 Update), Whatever Happened To Joyce Hyser? Gedde Watanabe was born Gary Watanabe in Utah, USA, on 26 June 1955 in a Japanese-American family. The character initially appeared in Episode 2459 in season 19, as a friend of Bob's visiting from Japan.