Ben Wang (actor)
Ben Wang | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 January 2000 Shanghai, China |
| Alma mater | New York University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2021–present |
Ben Wang (Chinese: 王班, pinyin: Wáng Bān; born January 1, 2000) is a Chinese-born American actor. He is known for his role as Jin Wang in Disney+ series American Born Chinese and as Bo in Chang Can Dunk. Wang is set to star in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Wang was born in Shanghai, China. His parents divorced when he was four years old which led to him and his mother emigrating to the United States at the age of six.[2] Wang alternated between living with his mother and his grandparents at various points throughout his childhood in Northfield, Minnesota. Wang attended New York University to study musical theatre.[3]
Career
[edit]Wang's first major role came in an episode of MacGyver in 2021 as Eli Brown. In 2023, he played Bo in the Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk.[4] Wang also landed the lead role in the 2023 Disney+ sitcom American Born Chinese. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang, he played the role of high school student Jin Wang.[5]
In February 2024, it was announced that Wang would play the lead role of Li Fong in Karate Kid: Legends alongside Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Wang is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese. He is also proficient in martial arts such as karate, kenpo, kung fu (primarily wing chun), kumdo and taekwondo.[1]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Sex Appeal | Franklin | |
| 2023 | Chang Can Dunk | Bo | |
| 2023 | Sight | young Ming | |
| 2023 | Good Egg | Guy | |
| 2024 | Mean Girls | Jacob Zheng | |
| 2025 | Karate Kid: Legends | Li Fong | upcoming |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | MacGyver | Eli Brown | |
| 2021 | Launchpad | Gang | |
| 2021 | The Last O.G. | Oliver | |
| 2022 | Search Party | Intern | |
| 2023 | American Born Chinese | Jin Wang | |
| 2024 | Bob's Burgers | Sam (voice) |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Kit, Borys (February 12, 2024). "'Karate Kid' Found: 'American Born Chinese' Actor Ben Wang Nabs Lead in Sony Movie (Exclusive)".
- ^ Zhan, Jennifer (May 31, 2023). "American Born Chinese's Ben Wang Gets the EEAAO Comparisons". Vulture.
- ^ Justin, Neal (May 25, 2023). "Northfield's Ben Wang stars with Michelle Yeoh in Disney's 'American Born Chinese'". www.startribune.com.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 4, 2021). "'Chang Can Dunk': Dexter Darden & Ben Wang Join Disney Studios Feature".
- ^ "Timid Magazine | Ben Wang". www.timidmag.com.