Actor Peter Kwong, known for his iconic role as Rain in John Carpenter’s cult classic “Big Trouble in Little China,” has passed away at the age of 73. The news of his peaceful passing in his sleep was confirmed by RadarOnline.com, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Kwong, born in 1950, began his career in the late 1970s with roles on popular TV shows such as “Wonder Woman,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Miami Vice,” and “The A-Team.” He made his big screen debut in 1977 with the drama “Panic in Echo Park” and went on to appear in various TV shows throughout the 1980s and beyond, including “The Wayans Brothers,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “My Wife and Kids,” and “Drake & Josh.” One of his final on-screen appearances was in a 2020 episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
However, Kwong’s breakout year came in 1986 when he played Tommy Tong in “The Golden Child” alongside Eddie Murphy and landed the iconic role of Rain in “Big Trouble in Little China” alongside Kurt Russell and Kim Cattrall. Reflecting on his role as Rain, Kwong said, “The character of Rain was something special. The fight choreography, the costume – it all came together in a way that stuck with people.” That same year, he also appeared in the action-packed “Never Too Young to Die” with John Stamos.
In 2023, Kwong was honored with the Snow Leopard Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement at the Asian World Film Festival, highlighting his significant contribution to the film industry.
Offscreen, Kwong was actively involved in Hollywood’s unions, serving on the Screen Actors Guild National Board and working with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He also held leadership roles with the Television Academy and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Kwong was scheduled to meet fans at the Duke City Comic Con in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and had been promoting the event on his Instagram just a week before his passing. His final post featured a carousel of snaps from a fashion exhibition by designer Sue Wong.
Following the news of his death, fans and friends took to social media to pay tribute to Kwong, remembering him as a supportive and joyful presence in the industry. His agent, Theo Caesar, described him as “a great guy,” while actress Lydia Cornell expressed her sadness at losing a potential co-star. Fans also expressed their gratitude for the unforgettable movies Kwong had been a part of.
Peter Kwong’s legacy will live on through his memorable performances on screen and his impactful contributions to the entertainment industry. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and admired him.
