Renegades | Ming-Na Wen on Embracing Gratitude and Humility
The Gold Icon reflects on her legacy with the release of Karate Kid: Legends
Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s editorial series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. This week’s Renegade is actor Ming-Na Wen!
A pivotal figure in Asian Pacific culture, Ming-Na has taken role after role and expanded the possibilities of representation. From her breakout dramatic role in The Joy Luck Club to her impressive stunt work in Star Wars and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Ming-Na Wen demonstrates that we can do it all. Her latest film, Karate Kid: Legends, premieres in theaters May 30!
What did you want to be when you were growing up, and how does that compare to where you are now?
My mother said the way my nose was shaped, I was destined to be in the arts. She had this Chinese method of reading faces to predict your future, and she was not wrong. I’ve always wanted to act since first stepping foot on a stage in a 3rd grade Easter play. I’ve had the great opportunity to act on many wonderful projects since then, fulfilling many childhood dreams. But I have many more dreams to fulfill, and I remain hungry and passionate to further myself as an actress. I also hope to be a producer, among other goals.
Early in your career, you starred in landmark films like The Joy Luck Club and Street Fighter—projects that stood out at a time when Asian representation in Hollywood was rare. How did those early experiences shape you both professionally and personally?
The Joy Luck Club had such a massive impact on me in every way imaginable. Being a huge fan of Amy Tan’s writing, it was just an incredible gift when I was cast as “June” in Wayne Wang’s film. For a long time, I always felt like the token Asian in any project, whether it was theatre, TV, or film. Suddenly, I was thrown into an arena filled with other incredible Asian talents, telling our very Asian American and immigrant stories. Ironically, I felt both at home and on foreign soil because that had never happened to me before as an actor. And I learned that as much as I felt alone, trying to pave my way in show business, I met many older Asian actors and actresses (like Lisa Lu, Tsai Chin and France Nuyen) who had dirt roads which they were paving for us! To this day, I am so grateful for this film. I got to be “June”; I have a JLC sisterhood with Tamlyn, Lauren, and Rosalind that’s priceless; and I am in a film that remains an important piece of American cinema. And I get to say Amy Tan, my idol, is also my friend. It’s been a remarkable journey.
As for Street Fighter, it was my first film as the female lead. Even though it was a campy movie based on a video game, it was the first of its kind! These days, every studio wants to own the IP of a popular video game. It was exciting to work on a big-budget project with big names like the magnificent Raul Julia and mega star Jean-Claude Van Damme. The most impactful result of this film is a personal one. Eric proposed to me while I was filming in Australia. We’ll be celebrating our 30th anniversary this June.
You famously voiced Mulan in Disney’s 1998 animated classic—a role that continues to resonate with audiences. What does Mulan mean to you today, especially as the story has evolved and been reimagined for new generations?
Mulan remains my all-time #1 champion of all my projects. This beautiful Disney film has had the biggest influence on such a deep and personal level for so many that I am constantly surprised and delighted. Talk about a very specific Asian story having universal appeal and connectivity!
I love Mulan and will protect her legacy now and always. I also feel a very special bond with her fans. That’s why I still voice her in all new Disney projects with Mulan because I want to remain faithful to her and give the fans the OG voice. She has entertained and inspired so many over the decades. I know she will continue to do that for future generations. I get giddy whenever I meet someone who might not know me. As soon as I ask, “Are you a fan of Mulan?” If they answer yes, I tell them I’m the voice of Mulan. Seeing their jaws drop and faces light up with the biggest smile makes me giggle with delight every time.
In 2023, you received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—a remarkable milestone in your career. What went through your mind as you were receiving that honor, and what does that recognition mean to you now?
I remember I had an out of body experience when I was told I was receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It just didn’t seem real. Even though I have worked for decades, I did not feel I’d done enough to earn one. But hell, I was taking it! It was an especially proud moment to show my mom that all her sacrifices have allowed her daughter to dream big and get the 2757th star! I was overwhelmed to share that moment with everyone who helped me to get there.
I was made more joyous to have my JLC sisters (Tamlyn, Rosalind, and Lauren) on the podium with me. My first Hollywood journey was with them by my side. This star represents believing in yourself and to go after your dreams. I want every person who sees my star to be inspired because if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. I hope when Asians see my very Chinese name on that star, they celebrate their uniqueness and take greater pride in their own cultures. It truly represents the American Dream for an actress like me, who immigrated to this country when I was 6 with her mom and older brother.
This summer you’ll be in Karate Kid: Legends alongside Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, and Ralph Macchio. What drew you to this new chapter of the franchise, and how did you approach honoring the legacy of the original films?
I was a massive fan of The Karate Kid with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. To see an Asian male be a lead in a film with so much depth, humor, and dignity, “Mr. Miyagi” left a huge impact on me. I loved the script of Karate Kid: Legends. I was a fan of Jonathan Entwistle’s work and getting the chance to work with Jackie Chan and Ralph and be Ben Wang’s mom, I’d be crazy to turn down this film. I wanted to give Dr. Fong, the mom role, as much dignity and heart, as my way to honor this beloved franchise.
The Karate Kid franchise has always been rooted in themes of mentorship, discipline, and identity. As you reflect on your own journey in film and television, what is one thing that has kept you grounded throughout the years?
Always being grateful grounds me. My upbringing, as a Chinese person who believes humility is a virtue, grounds me. My love for my family and friends, my craft, and for always seeing every new opportunity as a gift and an adventure grounds me. I know that waking up every day healthy is the ultimate blessing. So I never take anything for granted and work hard to keep myself healthy with a good diet and exercise routine. I also love to gain knowledge by staying inquisitive.
You’re no stranger to stunt work, having showcased your skills in both the Marvel and Star Wars universes. As an actor, what do you look for when choosing your roles? Do you tend to be drawn to the physical aspects of a character, or do those elements often come with the roles you take on?
It’s so interesting how my career went from me playing rather timid roles like Lien Hughes on As the World Turns to June in The Joy Luck Club, to being a badass much later in life. I know I voiced Mulan and played Chun-Li in my 20s, but I actually decided not to go for action projects after that. I did many series, from ER to sitcoms like The Single Guy, before playing Agent May. Then suddenly, I was on the path of fulfilling all my nerdy childhood dreams of being a superhero.
You do know I was president of the science fiction club in high school, right? So when Fennec Shand was offered to me, I finally got to be in Star Wars! I actually find myself missing playing these more badass roles. Who doesn’t want to be a kickass? I am drawn to strong characters. Even the ones who may appear shy and demure like June have inner strength and will fight back. I hope to play more diverse characters in the future.
Looking ahead, is there a specific genre or project that you’re looking forward to exploring next?
I am a sucker for romantic comedies. Never even been in one, so I would love to get a chance to be in a romcom. I also want to do projects that tear at your heartstrings like all the Asian dramas I’ve started watching. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve become my mom! I have become as obsessed as she is about them. They make you laugh and cry sooooo much! I want to produce a series and play a role that does that to the audience.
Thank you for reading Renegades!